Before retiring from a family owned business called Jorstad Jewelers in Burien, I knew how tough it is to get new customers and, most important of all, to retain them.

With the old Des Moines City Council and all its negativism gone for good, I believe the city of Des Moines is at the crossroads for what’s in its future. One of the cornerstones of retaining current business levels and creating a solid NEW business atmosphere is for the streets to be safe and for the customers of these businesses to be safe in patronizing establishments.

Thus said, I am giving my whole-hearted support for the upcoming levy lid lift measure on the May 16 election.

Mark E. Jorstad

Des Moines