PLATFORM : Protection Money

We need more cops in Los Angeles. Yet we can’t pass a tax to pay for them. What’s the solution? Simple: a voluntary tax.

Each of us could decide what it’s worth to have more police. Then we would make a gift to a special city fund. Call the fund something catchy, like “Bucks for Badges.” The money would go for salaries and equipment for street-patrol officers. Nothing else.

The ground rules would be simple. If you think it’s a good idea, you send in any amount you choose. If you don’t like it or can’t afford it, you don’t. Badge Bucks flyers could be included in Department of Water & Power bills or with property-tax bills.

Half of each resident’s donation could be set aside to be spent in his or her precinct, with the rest available for citywide needs.

Let’s say just one out of 10 residents believes a safer Los Angeles is worth a dime a week. That’s $1.5 million a year, enough for about 1,000 bullet-proof vests, 1,000 two-way radios and a dozen patrol cars. My guess is that we Angelenos are a lot more generous--or more scared--than that.