Letter: There Is A Crime Crisis And We Need Action, Not Forums

To the editor,

A letter to the editor was recently penned by an elected town official praising another elected official, state Rep. Jennifer Leeper, for holding a forum on crime and defending the status quo because “statistically there is not an increase in most crimes.” As if flatlining minor crimes is a consolation to the real issue? Fairfield has seen a significant uptick in car thefts and gun violence in the past few years. Throughout this time, Rep. Leeper has offered no policies to address public safety or offer solutions to fix a flawed criminal justice system. While open discourse amongst all stakeholders is important, the result of such discussions should be an action plan to solve the problem. Rep. Leeper chose to hold another forum on crime instead.

We need common-sense proposals that would increase penalties for stolen cars; mandate monitoring devices on juveniles; strengthen victims’ rights; make it easier for cops to search vehicles; and repeal the disastrous police accountability bill. Fairfield is in need of a state representative who has the intelligence and ability to put forth legislation that protects our families and our town; not just talks. We have enough of that.

The current criminal justice system is tilted towards protecting the criminal, not the victim in Connecticut. Just this past month, a Stamford teenager with six prior arrests for violent crimes faced a maximum of 30 months after pleading guilty to felony murder. In a just society, how is this possible and how do you explain this to the victim’s family?

We need to expect and want more from our elected representatives.

Tim Shanley

Fairfield