Re: your Aug. 1 article, “Police, deputy recruits dwindling” and Pat Buckley’s Aug. 5 commentary, “Don’t lower standards when hiring deputies”:

After reading these two pieces, I have to agree with Mr. Buckley’s assessment of the situation. Pay is not the overriding factor, but it surely is a large attraction to the job of deputy. Ventura County has had a good reputation due to its low crime rate, and much of that was thought to be due to the Sheriff’s Department. While that may be true to a certain extent, let’s credit the people who reside here and who have strong public safety values.

I live on a pension and do not want to see hikes in taxes, but I also want to have peace of mind for my safety. I think all will agree with that.

It is time for the Board of Supervisors to make a true assessment of the situation developing in Ventura County with the ever-increasing population and resulting higher percentage of crime that is inevitable and to make the not- so-popular decision but the right one: to increase the services provided by both fire and police.
  
— John Adams, Camarillo