Even Police Should Be Subject to Tight Budgets

Re “Sales Tax Hike for Police Gains Support,” March 17: I’m all for public safety and the need for a solid police force. But in a time when schools are laying off staff, hospitals are closing and programs for the poor are being cut, I don’t think a tax to add new officers is the top priority. How can it be? Both the L.A. County Sheriff’s and Los Angeles Police departments are receiving raises in their new contracts, with their salaries already averaging in the $70,000 range. I completely agree that they need to be compensated for such a tough and thankless job. But in an economy where jobs are scarce, and the price of living in California is already a joke, they receive raises and we receive higher taxes.

Fiscal responsibility is difficult but, without it, higher and higher taxes will just continue.

Dan Reeser

Bellflower