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-Editorial
Dear Citizens of Imperial County,
As residents and leaders of Imperial County, we, George Marquez, the elected District Attorney, and Fred Miramontes,the elected Sheriff are writing to urge your support for Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction & Theft Reduction Act. This critical initiative aims to reform Proposition 47, a 2014 law that has inadvertently harmed public safety.
Our support for Proposition 36 is rooted in our observationsworking in public safety and conversations with members of our community. Proposition 47 has made it increasingly difficult to prosecute drug and theft crimes, leading to a surge in recidivism, theft crimes, drug addiction, homelessness, and endangering our communities.
The solution lies in enacting laws that balance accountability with incentivized treatment.
Proposition 36 offers a practical and effective approach to address these pressing issues. It will reduce crime by holding repeat theft offenders accountable, andan incentivized approach for those struggling with addiction to obtain and complete treatment.
A vibrant community thrives on a healthy business climate. By supporting Proposition 36, we want business, both within city limits and in rural areas, to feel like their hard work is being protected.
The success of our local businesses benefits us all by providing jobs. We see the sense of pride when business owners talk about their businesses. We have also heard the frustration in their voices when they complain about crime. We cannot tolerate a society where individuals can steal at will with no consequences.
Drug addiction and abuse are fueling a wave of crime in all of our communities, but association between drug use and the haybale fires which plague our farmers cannot be ignored. From businesses within city limits to rural farms, the negative impact of drug addiction is pervasive.
In addition, drug addiction has become a serious problem due to the increases in strength, availability, and addictiveness.
Drug addiction can have devastating effects on families. These issues can lead to financial hardship, emotional distress, fractured relationships, and can risk the health and safety of those we love the most.
Addressing these problems proactively is essential to protect families and communities.
Proposition 36 will hold drug dealers accountable and offer those with addiction problems the opportunity to receive treatment with incentives for successful completion. We are better as a community when people with substance abuse issues get their lives back on track.
We urge you to support Proposition 36 on the November ballot. We deserve safer environments for our communities andfamilies. Together we can make that happen through a unified vote of yes for this initiative.
Join us at our Proposition 36 fundraiser at the Prestige Event Center in Heber on September 26th at 6 PM. To RSVP or contribute, please visit https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/YesonProp36/092624ImperialCountyMP or call Cathy Taylor at (916) 462-1713.
Sincerely,
George Marquez
Fred Miramontes
