Misinformation Surrounding Chester Police Levy
I still vividly remember my first week as a police officer in Chester Township, not because of a specific event or memorable call, but because of the people who live here.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with great organizations and incredible individuals, but Chester Township is different. It was the first time I truly felt like a part of a community. The bond between this police department and the residents it serves is something special.
When I think about the fabric of America, I am reminded why communities like Chesterland are so essential. Our residents are passionate about their rights and freedoms, and deeply value what they’ve worked hard to build.
It’s a community that recognizes the importance of supporting those who have sworn an oath to protect and defend those values. The members of this police department work 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the sole purpose of protecting and defending the rights and property of our residents.
I’ve never been prouder to serve as a police officer and it’s because of this remarkable community. Serving as your Chief of Police is the greatest honor of my professional career.
As many of you are aware, the police department is seeking your support in the upcoming renewal levies. It’s crucial to address misinformation circulating on social media and provide our residents with the accurate facts surrounding these levies.
First and foremost, voting to support your police department will NOT increase your taxes. These levies were initially passed in 1982 and 1991 and have consistently been supported by the community.
A common misconception is that last year’s property tax revaluations will impact funding for safety forces. This is simply not true. The police department does not receive additional revenue from these revaluations. Our funding comes exclusively from levies our residents vote on and these revaluations do not increase the funds we receive. Any suggestion otherwise is misinformation.
Another question raised by many is why these renewals are becoming continuing levies. This is an important point. The levies on the ballot have been in place for 44 and 33 years, and every time they are up for renewal, taxpayer dollars are spent to hold elections. By making these continuing levies, we eliminate the need for repeated elections, saving money that can be better spent on essential safety services. Additionally, it provides long-term, stable funding for our police department’s operations, ensuring that we can continue serving the community effectively.
Most importantly, securing funding through continuing levies creates a stable work environment for our officers. In a time when recruitment and retention in law enforcement is challenging nationwide, offering job security through reliable funding is essential. It’s difficult to attract and retain quality officers if their employment depends on the outcome of levy votes.
With the elections approaching, I want to sincerely thank you all for your continued support. Our department remains committed to our core values and mission, and we will not tolerate any actions that compromise those values. We will continue working diligently to provide the best possible service for our community.
Chief Craig T. Young
Chester Township Police Department
