What is your stance on Measure D, and how will you clean-up crime in Barstow? Mayoral Candidates

Below is our stand on Measure D and how we plan to clean-up crime. Candidate's Lawrence Dale and Nataniel Pickett did not provide a yes or no answer on Measure D. Throughout the past 2 months I have remained neutral, so I could hear from the citizen's of Barstow. The majority of people are concerned about public safety and support Measure D. Joe

MAYOR Lawrence Dale, Mayor of Barstow With regard to Measure D, I fully support our Barstow Police Department, as well as the Barstow Fire Protection District. That is why I supported the measure going to the voters of Barstow to make this important decision. As our city police department moves ahead under the leadership of Chief Burns and the professional Barstow Police officers, this team will establish those priorities necessary to combat crime on all fronts to clean-up our community, leaving the message that Barstow has zero tolerance for crime in this city. Nathaniel PickettRetired Lieutenant Colonel/Transportation Consultant I do not oppose the intent of Measure D, but the current measure in draft form will not clean up crime, nor will it improve the quality of life or provide the fire and police departments with the additional resources to protect Barstow. What is being proposed to the public does not address the “How To”. We must rethink how our resources are being used, then develop a long term plan. The proposed plan does not address success and is directed towards failure and corruption. Increasing police wages and constructing more buildings will not clean-up crime. The fire department must establish priorities or risk failure. It has been stated that we need a Plan B. I disagree; we need to revise our existing plan (Plan A) using existing resources. We have to educate the people and ensure that our officers are well qualified to perform the assigned tasks at hand and not act hastily to burden the community. We need leaders that desire to make a difference and care about the community. I will call upon the support of the churches, the leaders and parents of the community to resolve conflicts and to bring about change to ensure that Barstow become a viable community. Over taxing the people is not the proper response, but improving the quality of life is the only way to succeed. Values and morality starts at home and are perpetuated throughout the community. Business as usual will terminate on November 4, 2008. Joe Gomez Barstow City Council member Public safety should be our #1 priority. We can't expect new businesses and residents to relocate to Barstow and improve our local economy when the latest FBI statistics indicate Barstow's crime rate is the highest among Inland communities. I'm the only candidate for mayor with a solid record of support for Barstow's hardworking police officers; and the only candidate for mayor to have ever been endorsed by the Barstow Police Officers' Association. Over the last eight years, others have effectively dismantled our police department and have ignored, and even denied Barstow has a crime problem. As Mayor, I'll make sure the police have the resources they need to combat gangs, drugs, rape and burglary, reducing crime on our streets and in neighborhoods. Chief Burns deserves our continued support. We must bring back an aggressive neighborhood watch program. Barstow citizens can provide additional sets of eyes and ears for the police. By using a "Crime Watch" number you can report crime and remain anonymous. You look out for neighbors and they look out for you. Displaying "Block Watch" stickers can discourage thieves. Over time, we'll recruit a network of volunteer "Block Watch" captains. We'll map the locations of these volunteers against crime incidents to ensure your entire neighborhood is covered. After listening to local residents and considering the future protection of our children and families, I will vote yes on Measure D. The Barstow Fire District is in dire need of resources and man power to effectively protect us. Compiled by Aaron Aupperlee, city editor