DEAR EDITOR: Louisiana law enforcement officers and fire fighters know all to well the uncertainties of being a public servant. Each year, politics threaten a portion of their pay. There is a constitutional amendment being voted on in the Nov. 5 general election that provides protection for continuing to receive Supplemental pay without annual legislative intervention.

In past years, the legislature has used the political influence of the public safety officers to promote the passage of other, less publicly favored measures. The threat of reducing supplemental pay elicited an outcry from the public safety officers and, in effect, was used to generate the public support for the other, less publicly favored measures.

This constitutional amendment is not a new tax. It is not a pay raise. It merely protects the Supplemental pay from the vagaries of the annual legislative process.

We count on our public safety officers to protect our family and property, now they need our help. Vote yes on Amendment No. 6 on Nov. 5.

Claude Adams Luling

DEAR EDITOR: On Nov. 5, voters of the state of Louisiana will have the opportunity to come to the aid of their police and fire fighters by voting to pass the state supplemental pay into law. This can be done without any increase in taxes to anyone.

State supplemental pay for police and fire fighters is a budgeted item, however, each year it must be voted upon by legislators. By voting “yes,” this present procedure will cease, it will become law and the present political process will end.

State supplemental pay is very crucial to police, fire and sheriffs’ deputies, as many receive such law pay. Without this assistance, many will be forced to leave and seek employment elsewhere. By passing this law, you will be helping to keep your cities safe and well-patrolled.

Kathy Perret Boutte