Assembly Majority Leader Watson Coleman Welcomes Governor's Plan To Combat Gangs & Crime

WATSON COLEMAN WELCOMES GOVERNOR'S PLAN TO COMBAT GANGS & CRIME

(TRENTON) - Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today commended Governor Corzine for unveiling the first element of a multi-faceted anti-crime initiative that will fortify law enforcement efforts, prevent children from becoming involved with criminal street gangs, and reduce recidivism among adults with criminal records.

Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) was the moving force behind the 17-point "Fighting Gangs, Protecting Our Youth" legislative package that was widely considered the most expansive anti-gang initiative to be considered in any of the 50 states during the past two years.  She said the Governor's anti-crime plan would build upon the previous legislative effort.

"The worsening gang problem in this state commands the attention of everyone at every level of government," said Watson Coleman.  "It's reassuring to see the Governor confront this sinister crime challenge in such a determined and comprehensive way."

Watson Coleman praised the Governor's approach.  She noted that the Governor will present other parts of his plan over the next couple days and she applauded him for taking a broad focus that will include crime prevention and intervention strategies.

"Governor Corzine not only is taking the leadership position on this issue, he is advancing an action plan that will deliver results," Watson Coleman said.  "By coordinating resources and mobilizing eight separate state departments in a common mission, he is mounting a full frontal assault on street gangs and violent crime while providing new avenues of help for children and adults to free themselves from the grip of crime."

The Assemblywoman said the Governor's decision to provide the state's law enforcement community with new tools to combat crimes will provide dividends for generations of New Jerseyans.

"The reordering of priorities here will get more police on the streets and retrain our focus on prioritizing violent crimes, preventing young people from entering the criminal underworld, and helping formerly imprisoned adults stay on the straight-and-narrow path after their release from jail," said Watson Coleman.

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