Proposition 21
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Proposition 21, the so-called Juvenile Crime Prevention initiative, is unnecessary and will be costly if passed. California’s judges already have the option to try violent juveniles as adults and to provide stiff sentences when appropriate.
Youth violence has been decreasing for more than eight years in California, an indication that current juvenile crime prevention programs are working. Yet the measure would divert money from these programs and provide even more funds for building prisons--$5 billion over the next decade. California today ranks first in the nation in funding prison-building and, sadly, near the bottom among the 50 states--41st--in funding education.
Organizations supporting Proposition 21 are few. The prison-building lobby--one of the most powerful in the state--is one. I am joining the California PTA, the California Teachers Assn., California Chief Probation Officers and the League of Women Voters and voting no on Proposition 21.
CAROLE DOUGHERTY
Glendale
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