The time is now for the community and police department to work together and make the city of Des Moines a better place to live. You have the power to make a difference.

Proposition 1 will enable our police department to restore lost personnel and to obtain necessary equipment to proactively address crime and the fear of crime within our community.

Since 1999, the police department has lost 24 percent of its personnel. From 2000 to 2004 there was an increase of almost 30 percent in serious crimes. Prior to 2000 the Des Moines Police Department was fully staffed and serious crime decreased. In 2000, your police department responded to 19,000 calls for service. In 2004 the number of calls increased to over 23,000 - more than 60 calls each day.

What will the levy cost you? In 2006, about $110 for a home with an assessed value of $250,000 - less than $10 a month.

All of the funding generated from Proposition 1 will be used solely for the police department. Vote YES for Proposition 1 on November 8.

Mike Thomas

Citizens For a Safer Des Moines