I enacted one of this state's most stringent anti-crime laws in history when I signed the 1992 Safe Communities Act. This law included tougher penalties for murder, rape and drive-by-shootings, and it promises stiffer penalties for students carrying guns into school. That same law implemented the state's first Boot Camp, and eliminated early release of prisoners.
We added to our crime fighting effort in 1993 with the enactment of the anti-stalking law, which guaranteed stalkers serious time in prison. In 1994, I have attempted to increase our crime fighting arsenal by proposing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for anyone convicted of committing three crimes against a person.
Our effort to stop the spread of crime focuses much attention on locking up those individuals who have proven to be a consistent threat to society. However, we are also concerned about addressing the root causes of crime. In particular, we must reverse the disintegration of the family values that have made this country so great. One thing we must do is force families to understand the trouble their kids are getting into. That is why I want to require parents to make court appearances with their children.
We have also redirected money to children and families through education, fully funding Head Start and parenting classes. The creation of child safety centers have provided children with a place to go and seek shelter from violence. All of these things are a step in the right direction.
I also believe that any crime package needs to include incentives for communities and neighborhoods to become directly involved in the lives of children at risk through mentoring programs.
Prepared by the Carlson/Benson Volunteer Committee
Wheelock Whitney & Chris Fritsche, Co-Chairs