The details of Prop. S

Re “Cities, schools ask for taxes to keep running,” Jan. 20

The city’s financial analysts are indicating some dire circumstances for Los Angeles if Proposition S doesn’t pass. With the significant budget shortfalls projected, it is imperative that voters support Proposition S, which would allow the city to continue collecting a communication users tax of 9%. This equates to about $270 million for the city. Losing these funds could result in declining services in the public safety arena. It would be nearly impossible to continue the push for the additional 1,000 officers needed to help augment the Los Angeles Police Department’s already depleted resources.

The LAPD has made progress toward augmenting resources, building positive relationships, reducing crime and improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. To continue our work, we need voters to support Proposition S.

Capt. Jorge

A. Villegas

Commanding Officer

Mission Community

Police Station, LAPD

Re “Ringing support,” editorial, Jan. 24

Your endorsement of Proposition S does not explain that there will be a difference between what we pay and what telemarketers pay if Proposition S passes. Why?

Could you please explain why telemarketers would only pay 5% and the rest of us would pay 9%?

I have asked Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council President Eric Garcetti for an explanation, but so far, nothing.

Unless someone can explain the reason for that difference, I will vote no.

Robert Khoury

Los Angeles

One thing The Times should have mentioned is the value of the city of Los Angeles having its own workforce. We are one of the most prepared and capable governmental workforces in the world, and we have our performance in times of disaster and emergencies to show for it.

There’s just no substitute for unified and centralized control of qualified first responders when we need it the most. We continuously search for ways to do the job under dwindling human and economic resources and can still have pride in our work. A vote for Proposition S would help us help you.

Dan Mariscal

Montebello

The writer, a truck operator with the city Department of Public Works, is a shop steward in the Service Employees International Union Local 347.