Hear Ye, Hear Ye . . . Town Hall Meeting July 12 !

At the request of L.S. Police Chief Alves, a Citizen’s Task Force was formed a year ago to study the Chief’s suggestion for an increase in assessment dues to keep pace with Department’s increasing monetary requirements.

The study was also to consider other law enforcement options, should they become evident. The Task Force, including two retired career police officers from LAPD and the San Jose area, contributed their extensive experience to help reveal a number of startling facts.

When the completed report was presented to the Community Service District board last year in August, a stalemate on implementing the recommendations arose created by conflicting goals of the Police Chief, the CSD Board and the Task Force. Almost a year later, at the June, 2008 meeting, the CSD Board voted to place a ballot issue before the voters this fall to increase our law enforcement tax up from $ 65.00 to $ 97.00 annually.

The sole “NO” vote to this question, explained by CSD Director Carol Cupp’s letter in the most recent Lake Shastina News, sums up, “why we must have Town Hall Meetings first”. “Residents established our police department and only they should vote for future direction, not just be given a option again for higher taxes”.

To provide the facts and options to the voting residents of Lake Shastina - that possibly can improve all of our emergency services - three Town Hall meetings were scheduled, all to be held at the Lake Shastina Community Bible Church on Jackson Rd:

1. --- Saturday, July 12th. 2:00 PM, (Most important to attend because ballot measures can not be changed after August.)
2. --- Tuesday, September 16th. 2:00 PM
3. --- Thursday, October 16th. 2:00 PM

Tom Wetter of the LSCSD Board will serve as moderator. After the presentation of methodology, conclusions and recommendations by Task Force Chairperson, Mrs. Corinne Moller, Lake Shastina Chief of Police Alves will present his plans and reasons for requesting more LSPD taxes. The Under Sheriff, Mike Murphy, will also be in attendance to answer relevant questions on their resources and potential service to Lake Shastina.

After the presentations a question and answer session will follow. All designed for voters to become informed by civil discussion and facts instead of emotional rumors.