fresno elections 2008

Gangs have obviously been a poblem in most central valley towns. Two years ago we started hosting gang awareness meetings and then put a sales tax iniative on the ballot that was passed by almost 75%. we have used those monies to increase both our police force and fire dept. Our approach to gangs is threefold, prevention, suppression and education. Our police force is active in a county wide effort to suppress gang activities, but we also go to the neighborhoods of Porterville and ask for support from churches and individuals to identify the needs of the youth so that their attention may be put into more positive activities. This council supported fanancially the upstart of a boys and girls club for just this reason. As we learn more about what moves our youth toward gangs we will be very active in combating thier recruitment of our young. We also recognized that education and the ability to communicate and read was very important, so through our sales tax measure we fund literacy programs at our city library.

I am a strong supporter of family values, public safety and the improvement of our quality of life. Unfortunately, criminality whether its youth (gang) related or involving adults must be controlled by an approach that is effective, fair and constitutional. I believe that we are on the right path and that we have confronted this problem adequately...

I do support the current approach to quash gangs and the main change I would make is in revitalizing the Neighborhood Watch Program to be a check on illegal activities in our neighborhoods and also build the social capital in our city.

I'm currently satisfied with the city's approach to Gang control. I would favor keeping them staffed, funded and well - informed.