Strong early voting numbers suggest Temple residents indeed have interest in a proposed city charter amendment mandating not less than 2.5 police officers per 1,000 citizens. Election day - Tuesday, Nov. 8 - now offers a final opportunity for taxpayers to let their voices be heard on this measure which could generate the city's largest ever tax increase.
The Temple Police Association, an organization not affiliated with the Temple Police Department, organized the petition drive which put the amendment on Tuesday's ballot. The TPA and a PAC organized under the name of Taxpayers for a Safer Temple appear to be its strongest proponents.
Contending that current city of Temple staffing levels are inadequate, Taxpayers for a Safer Temple circulated materials along with a television spot that support this position by featuring images of masked burglar figures and implying a level of peril for Temple residents. Is this threat real or contrived? Voters will be the judge.
Another group, Save Our Charter PAC, opposes the measure. Joining in amendment opposition is the Temple Chamber of Commerce, the Temple Police Officer's Association and the Texas Municipal Police Association. The Temple Daily Telegram recently published an editorial encouraging a "no" vote while other prominent civic leaders have additionally come out against the amendment.
Fulfillment of this mandate could necessitate Temple's largest ever tax increase - up to 11 cents per $100 of property value tax hike to cover salaries and other costs related to the new officers. For a city with a well-regarded police force and decreasing crime rates, this seems an expensive solution to a non-existent problem.
Successful passage of this initiative would set updated precedent for use of charter amendments as a vehicle by which police organizations (or other employee interest groups) could impact municipal staffing policies here in Temple and throughout the state.
Charters are akin to "city constitutions" rather than operational manuals. This measure would violate the spirit and intent of the charter document. It would also bypass traditional budgetary channels thus limiting flexibility with other departments or entities respectful of the city's established process.
An additional issue exists over this local issue appearing to be promoted by non-local concerns. The Temple Police Association (aka Temple Professional Law Enforcement Association) lists its location as an Austin address belonging to the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) Administrative Office. CLEAT, self-described as "the largest police officers' union in Texas," serves more than 18,500 members.
The interests of CLEAT's membership do not necessarily coincide with the interests of Temple taxpayers and other residents. While benefit of the amendment's passage for CLEAT's membership is clear, benefit of its passage for Temple residents is far more questionable.
Consideration of this charter amendment merits significant scrutiny and discussion. Sound public policy is based on fact-based positions and reason - not emotion and certainly not fear. With that, voters need to engage and think about the implications at hand. This is a big decision - in terms of both consequences and costs.
Polls open 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. Click here for each precinct's voting location. Don't miss the chance to let your voice be heard!
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