Union City Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci's Letter to Residents on Measure QQ

Message from Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci:

Among an unprecedented 17 state ballot measures, it’s important to remember that this is also Union City’s local municipal election.

As many readers may know, the Union City City Council earlier this year unanimously placed local Measure QQ on the ballot, after hearing from over 1,000 community members about their priorities for maintaining public safety in Union City. As Mayor, I am pleased to report an 11% decrease in overall crime in Union City and that, with UCPD and Youth & Family Services outreach, there has been a 30% decrease in youth violent crime between 2012 and 2015.

Measure QQ is on our local November 8 ballot. Measure QQ would extend existing, voter-approved funding to maintain and prevent cuts to public safety services, without raising taxes.

If existing, voter-approved funding is not renewed the City will lose $4.1 million a year, and will need to reduce 911 emergency response, community and neighborhood policing, and youth and family services. Fire stations throughout the City would be partially closed.

Measure QQ will continue to require independent financial audits and yearly reports to the community to ensure all funds are spent responsibly. I encourage readers to get informed and remember to vote this November 8. You may contact me at ucmayor@unioncity.org.

For more information online about Measure QQ.

For more information online about Youth & Family Services.

For more information online about UCPD.

Carol Dutra-Vernaci was first elected Mayor of Union City in 2012 and served as a City Council member for thirteen years. Mayor Dutra-Vernaci is a lifetime resident of Union City and over 30-year Union City small business owner.

Photo via City of Union City