Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Measure UT

Quality public safety services benefit all of us in South Pasadena. Property values are a reflection of our traditionally strong public schools and the safe, small-town character of South Pasadena.

In challenging times, it takes everyone’s contributions to preserve the quality of life we enjoy. Police, fire and paramedics have done their part:

• They have accepted wage packages in the past, which place them among the lowest compensated public safety employees in all of Los Angeles County.

• Their colleagues in other jurisdictions enjoy retirement benefits based upon funding formulas 50 percent more generous than their own.

It is now time for voters again do their part to renew and secure South Pasadena’s future—and our locally controlled police and fire departments that continue to deliver three-minute response times. With a “YES” vote on we can continue to plan ahead and assure high quality public safety services for another decade.

John Vandercook