RESPONSE - Wynia

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• Previous message: Marea Himelgrin: "RESPONSE: Himelgrin"

QUESTION #3:  The statistics, some have argued, show that the crime rate has
been relatively stable over the past 20 years.  Yet violent crime has been
the number one public concern this election season.  What in actuality, do
you perceive to be the root cause of this upsurge in fear?  Is it really a
factually verifiable increase in the incidence of violent crime, or is it
something else?  What can you, as a member of the United States Senate, do
to address what you perceive to be the root cause of this fear?  Why is it
the responsibility of the federal government to concern itself with such issues?

The public expects that one of our government's basic responsibilities
should be to provide for the safety and security of its citizens.  

I believe that it is the primary responsibility of state and local
governments to insure the safety of our neighborhoods by keeping police
officers on the street and enforcing our laws.  However, our states and
localities need additional resources to implement the programs to keep our
kids off the streets and to put more police officers on the beat.  

Repeat, violent offenders who threaten the safety of others should have
first claim on prison space and should not be allowed to plea bargain down
to escape longer sentences imposed by law.  I support legislation so violent
offenders will serve a full sentence with no chance of parole.  For
first-time offenders and juveniles, I support boot camps.   

For persons who commit crimes I support real penalties, giving prosecutors
access to prior arrest records for violent juveniles, along with an enhanced
computer network for law enforcement to more quickly identify repeat
patterns of crimes and offenders across jurisdictions.  I support the
provisions in the recently passed crime bill which bans 19 specific
military-style assault weapons and the ban on youths owning handguns.  I
also supported the Brady Bill.

But rigorous enforcement of our laws and tougher sentencing laws are not
enough.  We need to stop the cycle of violence as early as possible.  In
order to increase public safety, we need to focus on prevention efforts,
specifically those targeted at juveniles and young adults.  Strategies
should include jobs programs, extended hours for schools and community
centers, community policing, and drug prevention and treatment programs, as
well as the early intervention with young children at risk.  


Local and state initiatives have really begun to make a difference here in
Minnesota.  Recently I visited an Anoka County program that brings young
people who have been convicted of crimes together with the victim and
family.  This type of program provides restitution for the offense and has a
proven record of getting young adults back on the right track.  I think
these programs make a positive change in our communities and neighborhoods.

As your U.S. Senator,  I will continue to support efforts here in Minnesota
to prevent and combat crime.

Ann Wynia
DFL U.S. Senate Candidate

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