Voices
Measure 57
On Wednesday, September 10, 2008 a broad coalition of police, sheriffs, district attorneys, corrections and parole officers, treatment providers, business leaders, advocates for kids and seniors and many more from across the state gathered to champion Measure 57 at the official campaign kickoff in Oregon City.
Why are they backing Measure 57? See for yourself:
“It was over 2 years ago that other district attorneys and I gathered around a table with lawmakers and began the process of drafting the legislation that became Measure 57. And now we are asking Oregonians to do their part in helping us protect the public by voting Yes on Measure 57. It’s got the tougher sentences we need to stop repeat offenders, fight elder abuse and drug traffickers. It’s smarter and more focused by requiring drug treatment in addition to tougher sentences.”
“Our citizens, quite frankly, are just tired of being victimized. They feel like the system is powerless, but this measure is designed to change that.”
“It’s the old 80/20 rule. 80% of the crime is committed by 20% of the criminals. Everybody in the business knows that and this particular measure is designed to deal with that 20% by putting them in prison when they won’t change their behavior.”
September 10, 2008 | Clackamas County District Attorney John Foote
“[All Sheriffs around Oregon] have our own unique public safety challenges, but one thing we can agree on is that we need more tools to combat crime – such as drug dealing, identity theft, and most important, to stop those repeat offenders. We also need the flexibility to respond to the needs of our community – not the one-size-fits-all approach.”
September 10, 2008 | Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
“We see it every day. According to the Department of Corrections: 85% of offenders in jail for property crime have drug and alcohol addictions… There is absolutely no question that without proper drug and alcohol treatment, addicted criminals will re-offend at some time upon release.”
September 10, 2008 | Debra Gilmour, Executive Director of Oregon Prevention,
Education and Recovery Association
“AARP knows our members, and older Oregonians are strongly concerned about identity theft…Those 65 and older are often the most vulnerable to having their identities stolen. It’s one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, and Oregon ranks 13th in the country for the number of cases. It’s just too easy for victims of identity theft to have their lives ruined – and that’s not right.”
Rick Bennett, Government Relations Director—AARP Oregon
Should voters vote for Measure 57 and not Measure 61?
How will Measure 57 help Sheriffs and police get their jobs done?