After the unprovoked, senseless slaying of 53-year-old Surrey mom Julie Paskall, Newton has finally had enough and is determined to take back its community from a long-festering history of crime.
The usual responses to crime and crime prevention, as put forward by Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts – such as more police presence, intensified video surveillance, mental health initiatives, etc. – can be effective measures to be taken by the embattled community of Newton.
However, no progress to combatting an escalating situation of street crime will be made unless we tackle the fundamental judicial problem of the courts routinely handing out soft or no sentences... sending convicted felons back on the street through the revolving door of a catch-and-release justice system.
Instead of feebly portraying violent criminals as victims of societal exclusion, measures to help put an end to street crime must entail, first and foremost, resolute legislation for tougher sentencing that would send a clear message to would-be felons that judicial tolerance for street crimes is over.
What is needed now is political courage to act.
Enough with crime and punishment Canadian style, where the rights of convicted criminals trump the fate of their very real victims; where lenient sentences have made drug trafficking and organized crime the crimes that pay; and where bail is granted, few questions are asked, and criminals are free again to roam the streets.
E.W. Bopp
Tsawwassen
More policing, cameras
I have lived in the Newton area for 17-plus years and over the last two years, I have seen the change.
I have contacted city hall on numerous occasions with regards to several concerns, from a crosswalk to a rehab drug house, and it seems it falls on deaf ears or you receive some sarcastic letter back from the city manager’s office.
We are sick and tired of rehab crack houses popping on every street. City hall seems to think this is okay, but it’s not.
What comes with this? Crime.Yes, the city gets these addicts off the street – and then they pollute our neighbourhood.
The Newton bus loop has been a disgrace for years as are all the hookers roaming King George Boulevard.
Having George Bush Jr. and Bill Clinton and other leaders like Tony Blair come to Surrey to speak has had no added value to this city whatsoever. What will be added value is more policing and security cameras.
I think Dianne Watts and council need to realize the party is over with regards to Watts’ popularity and get down to some serious business with regards to the crime in this city.
Lets see if Watts can to for Surrey what Rudy Giuliani did for New York City.
If not, I’m out of this town.
Danny George