Sheriff Stephens urges renewal of critical funding for St. Bernard deputies in March 27 election.

The proposed renewal of two taxes funding revenue for law enforcement in St. Bernard Parish will be on the ballot on Saturday, March 27.

The propositions, which aren’t new taxes, provide most of the funding for sheriff’s deputies.

“This is not a new tax,’’ Sheriff Jack A. Stephens said."Both of these on the ballot have existed for years and directly fund the Sheriff’s Office, providing the money that pays for our department. Each is absolutely essential that voters re-new for continued high-quality law enforcement that we have enjoyed in St. Bernard Parish,'' Sheriff Stephens said.

“St. Bernard is the safest parish in the New Orleans area and without this revenue the continued safety of our residents would be at risk,’’ the sheriff said.
 
"It would be a step in the wrong direction to reduce the funding we count on to run the department. Without renewal there is no question we would have to substantially reduce operations.’’

Stephens noted that since Hurricane Katrina, - which destroyed the Sheriff’s Office as it did businesses and homes in St. Bernard Parish -  he has re-introduced virtually all the services available before the storm.

“We have re-built the parish sub-stations, re-introduced the D.A.R.E. anti-drug program for children in schools, re-started the Citizens Police Academy for residents to better understand law enforcement’’ Sheriff Stephens said, “as well as re-started the Neighborhood Watch program and have rebuilt the Parish Prison and juvenile detention center, substantially reducing crime by minors.’’

“We also answer 3,000 calls a month for assistance from the public and are making 300 arrests a month, focusing on narcotics activity, personal and property crimes and traffic enforcement,’’ the sheriff said.

Early voting for the election began March 13 and ends March 20 at the parish Registrar of Voters office, (504) 278-4230, which is located in the government building at 8201 West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette. A photo I.D. is required. On the March 27 election day, polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and a photo I.D. is needed.