Hispanic Leaders Give Thoughts on Solving Gang Violence
Jul 23, 2008 by Eric Ray
(KCPW News) Violent crimes committed by gang members in Salt Lake City were up five percent in 2007, according to a new report by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Long time Hispanic activist John Florez says in order to stop the violence in Salt Lake City, the government needs to put public safety first."I think Mayor Becker needs to rethink his priorities. In any community, public safety has to be the top priority. We can talk about capital theaters, but if you don't have a building that's going to be able to help us be able to deliver police protection, we don't have a damn thing," says Florez.
Florez says in order to curb gang violence there needs to be less focus on treatment of individuals and more focus on suppression of crime. He is also in favor of stronger sanctions for first-time offenders.
Democratic Senator Ross Romero, who represents District 7 in Salt Lake City, says expanding educational opportunities for youth is another key to curbing gang violence.
"Education is key to this. Keeping these youth in the elementary schools, junior high, in high school, and on to college, is very much a part of the solution. But we also need to recognize that we need to have opportunities," says Romero. "If an individual doesn't see themselves having an opportunity for their future, then it is I think more easy for them to be enticed by a life of crime."
To listen to a longer conversation with John Florez and Senator Romero about solving gang violence in Salt Lake City, download a podcast of yesterday's Public Square.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW
1. Karen said:
How about more deportations. That seems an effective way to manage our huge gang problem. The little people "sleeple" have figured it out and are wondering when the legislature will get going on it.
Whoo hoo to Jason for winning the primary. In spite of not being in his district, we contributed to him. Why, because he promises to be a statesman instead of a politician.
We're really tired of playing the "stupid game" with the illegals. It
would be nice if our representatives figured out that we have figured
it out..........
2. wendy said:
I think that deportions aren't going to solve our gang problems thats one reason why there is gang problems because we work day and night and we get paid the same as when someone who is llegal that works five hours.... many take desperate decisons because we aren't trated with the same rights andthe only way to get money is to sell drugs or get into gangs maybe the U.S. should llegalize us and all you guys will be worried about is us taking your job because when we do something we do it right....... I'm a christian and I hope to GOD that you can see were human too and we all should have the sme rights well anyway GOD bless you and have mercy of you....=)