Special to the Times/News

People need to feel safe for any community to develop and prosper. Everything begins with public safety.

In some professions an option to not complete a task is as simple as declaring, "No troops. No time."

For police and firefighters there is no such consideration. They must respond now - and fast. Our life may depend on them.

Without guaranteed community safety, all the suggested economic development efforts in the world will not convince businesses, families or visitors to want to be there.

Vibrant communities grow from enthusiastic citizens supporting such things as a downtown improvement theme, commercial enterprise, the Marina Master Plan, expanded park facilities, updated schools and community celebrations.

When we congratulate ourselves for the wisdom of buying our homes and subsequent increased property value, we also know the value of protecting that investment.

Still, if Des Moines crime continues to increase at its present rate and residents fail to approve the levy lid lift for increased police protection on the Nov. 8 ballot to restore officers to nearly the 1999 level, our real estate investments are at risk.

Who wants to be where danger lurks and protection is sparse?

Revenue from passing the levy will restore six patrol officers, two community service officers and one records specialist that were eliminated.

City property taxes would increase in 2006 by about $110 on a home of $250,000 assessed valuation.

What does $100 buy today? For just me and my pooch, Miss Daisy, sometimes $100 won't get me past the grocery store cash register on one trip - let alone one year.

The great part of voting "yes" on this levy is the money can not be used for anything except police protection.

For seniors on limited incomes and disabled folks, property tax relief is available through King County. The allowable yearly income to qualify has been raised to $35,000. Call 206-296-3920 for information.

Do prostitutes still roam Pacific Highway? Oh yes, although modern technology has provided a new way to solicit "Johns" via Internet web sites. A "date" is arranged and they just show up.

Are drugs plentiful in this sleepy town? Oh yes, with no limit to age of clients or the crazy behavior ramifications drugs trigger.

Are car thefts up? By a significant amount - and it takes seven felony convictions of auto theft before a person serves any state prison time.

Interestingly, 40 percent of vehicles stolen in King County were left unlocked with keys in the ignition or running in the driveway to warm up the engine.

Should we teach those ungrateful thieves to say "thank you" or quit making crime so easy?

Rental properties are predominate in the Pacific Ridge area along Pacific Highway South. Typically, owners of these properties don't live there and seldom visit the sites. Problems impact rent levels, forcing rent down.

A team of Des Moines police officers recently concentrated work in that area successfully. People are less reluctant now to call 9-1-1 when trouble raises its ugly head. Police presence helped local businesses, too. Yet without more officers that level of service is difficult or impossible to maintain.

We need only remember March 7, 2001, when Des Moines Master Police Officer Steven Underwood was killed in the line of duty on Pac Highway to realize what a highly violent environment the highway area has been.

When an officer clocks in for their "watch," they put their life on the line.

And crime is creeping west.

Felony crime is on the rise. City leaders struggle to identify sources of increased revenue. Experts tell us the answer for continued public safety protection that meets today's and tomorrow's challenges rests with passing the November 8 Police Protection Levy Lid Lift.

Politicians promise great things in their campaigns and many deliver on pledges. Yet, in the light of reality, most other projects are of little value if we're afraid to walk our streets.

When we guarantee Public Safety, we will truly live in a vibrant city.

My vote will be "Yes!" I can't afford not to. Can you?