The ‘Yes on B – Better Choice’ campaign unveils home buying program that gives priority to first responders and teachers

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The lineup of endorsements for Measure B from organizations representing first responders continues. Monday, the San Diego Police Officers Association joined in.

The long-time issue of losing veteran San Diego Police Officers to other law enforcement  agencies who paid better or not attracting enough recruits to fill an academy was finally addressed when the City stepped up officers’ pay and benefits.  Sort of.  The issue of officers being able to buy a home in San Diego rather than commute from Tamecula or even further is still acute.  The same can be said for all of the City’s first responders.  Which brings us to  Measure B on the March Primary ballot.

The North County development that is Newland Sierra is going before the voters next March 3rd. The opposition from the famous Golden Door Spa and others, including residents and environmental groups,  has heavy financial weight behind it. Example:  Opponents got it on the ballot. The Yes on B people are now touting Newland Sierra’s plan to include 500 financially attainable homes as a first priority for first responders, including police officers and firefighters as well as teachers and veterans.  Monday morning, at it’s headquarters, the San Diego Police Officers Association joined the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the union representing CalFire firefighers in endorsing B.

POA President Jack Schaeffer told reporters, “By providing attainable homes and giving preference to first responders, we’re making our community better, stronger and safer.  Having police officers live in the area they serve just makes sense.  It helps build greater rapport between the public and police and it gives our officers a greater sense of ownership in the community.”

The Yes On B people says this can be done through a legally-binding covenant on the property.