Let's Prioritize Public Safety.

In the midst of this public safety crisis, I am writing to urge stronger leadership and a change in policies and budget priorities from elected county leaders. The District Attorney, County Commissioners and Sheriff all have a role to play.

While the causes for rising crime can be debated, the reality is that too many county residents no longer feel safe in our neighborhoods and on our streets. We have record shootings and murders while too many property and other crimes are going ignored or unprosecuted.

With rising crime, it makes no sense that roughly 30% of county jail beds are empty and underfunded. This is a policy and budget choice of elected county officials. I urge you to fully fund and fully operate all existing jail beds in Multnomah County. Criminals need to know there will be serious consequences and accountability for their actions.

In addition, while proven, common-sense reforms of the criminal justice system should always be considered, reforms should not come at the expense of public safety. Please do not use Multnomah County residents as an experiment for policy, prosecution and incarceration theories that clearly are not working.

To restore public safety, we need stronger leadership and different policy and budget priorities from all county elected officials. Thank you.