On Monday, June 16, Sen. George Runner and Assemblywoman Sharon Runner submitted an initiative to the California Attorney General called the Safe Neighborhoods Act.

This would solve many of our street crime problems, especially gang violence, drug distribution and the coercion of youths to commit criminal acts.

Within hours of this, opponents were out in force.

Don Perata's spokeswoman said we can't afford to spend more money on fighting crime.

Fabian Nunez's spokesman called the measure “ballot-box budgeting.” What the heck does that mean?

Sen. Gloria Romero claimed the measure would further crowd prisons.

What is wrong with these people? Isn't it the job of government to protect its citizens? I don't know about you, but I am tired of these pampered politicians who don't have a clue what it takes to live and work in this state. Nor do they know how bad the gangs have gotten.

I want all criminals in jail now. Californians deserve safety for the taxes they pay. We have enough home-grown gang members, and then we have the illegal alien gangs coming from foreign countries.

Train all law enforcement with section 287g and get the criminals off the street.

Paula Meleen
Santa Maria
June 24, 2008

http://www.santamariatimes.com/articles/2008/06/24/opinion/letters/letter4.txt