July 16, 2024

Dear Editor,

It’s sad to see the head of the Police Officers’ Association mount a personal attack against former mayor Judy Abdo ("LETTERS -- Believe the Data and Your Own Eyes," July 15, 2024).

What she pointed out was simply that if Cody Green is to argue for more police funding based on a percentage of the City budget, it’s not accurate to compare Santa Monica’s total budget to that of other cities with far fewer services and amenities.

Those of us who’ve served as Mayor have a good overview of Santa Monica’s budget, which has not only a general fund (out of which police funding is allocated), but also a number of “enterprise funds” and a separate “capital improvements budget.”

Sure, some of these amenities may impact our community’s need for policing, like the Pier. But does Woodlawn Cemetery need much patrolling? The Airport? Water services, or trash collection and recycling?

An accurate comparison could be taken by carefully teasing out comparable budgets for Santa Monica and the other (less fortunate) cities Cody Green cited. That would be far better than attacking an experienced voice who merely asked for a more thoughtful analysis.