To the editor:

I can understand the sentiment of several people who have written to express their frustration in regards to additional taxes being needed to fund a police facility. Let’s keep things in perspective.

The need for a modern and properly designed police facility is undeniable. If you haven’t examined the issue (all the information is available on the city and police department websites) or taken a tour, I invite you to. I have.

This is a core public safety issue impacting preparedness and the ability of the police department to efficiently and effectively do its job and keep the community safe. Voting the measure down just to send a message that you are not happy with how this critical need was prioritized when compared to some other projects may feel personally satisfying, however, I believe you would be “cutting off your nose to spite your face.” You’d be punishing yourself, not those that made whatever decisions that led us here. Each and every one us benefits by ensuring the police department has the capability it needs to serve us.

There is too much at stake. Please support the police facility.