By PETE McHUGH
As your newly elected representative to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I am pleased to announce that I am chairperson of the board's Public Safety and Justice Committee. As the former mayor of Milpitas, I am familiar with city issues regarding crime and law enforcement. I plan to use my experience and knowledge to work with other leaders in the justice system and develop recommendations that will improve public safety.
The county's law and justice system is composed of many departments. Although each department has different and distinct responsibilities, they share common goals--to provide community safety, promote justice, prosecute criminals and assist victims of crime. The departments include the district attorney, public defender, pretrial services, office of the sheriff, probation department, department of correction, superior court and municipal court. The Public Safety and Justice Committee has representatives from each of these departments, as well as the County Executive's Office and the Santa Clara County Police Chief's Association.
Through the committee, I look forward to discussing initiatives and policy directions that Santa Clara County can take to achieve the above-mentioned goals. At our first meeting on March 21, 1997, I requested that all committee members develop their own recommendations for discussion by the entire membership. My goal is to use their experience and expertise to develop a work plan and ideas that will make our community a safer place for our children and families.
Although we are in the process of developing our goals for the coming year, we have taken a position on an important issue--handgun violence. Recognizing that the availability of "Saturday Night Specials" or "junk guns" is a severe threat to public health and safety, the committee approved, in concept, a ban on their sale. Poorly constructed, this type of gun is a dangerous product.
In addition, on April 8, the Board of Supervisors directed the Public Health Department to work with the 15 cities in the county to develop common strategies for reducing firearm violence throughout the county. These strategies may include programs, education and/or ordinances. The recommended actions will also be considered by the Public Safety and Justice Committee.
As a supervisor and the chairperson of this important committee, I hope to facilitate and implement ideas that truly meet the needs of the community. In order to achieve this, however, I need input and feedback from residents. I believe that I can represent your concerns and address your needs only if I hear from you. My office number is 299-2443, and the address is 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, 95110. I hope you will take the time and make the effort to contact me.
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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, April 30, 1997.
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