“Gangs are a serious problem; they are infiltrating every aspect of our lives.”

Though many choose to ignore it; North Carolina has a gang problem. According to recent study, our state is projected to have over 40,000 gang members by 2012.  The simple fact is that as the number of gang members increase, so too will the crime rate; this increase will continue until something is done.  All North Carolinians have the right to feel safe on their streets and in their homes.
 

• Target gangs.
  We must have Anti-Gang legislation.  Our legislature has stalled for too long, and our police and citizen’s are paying the price.  We must target gangs, by going after their leaders and assets.
  

• Efficiently fund our district attorneys and court system.
  One of the largest problems our state faces is that criminals aren’t kept in the system long enough.  The recent tragedy at Chapel Hill is a prime example of this.  As Governor, I will develop a more efficient funding and a distribution policy for courts, district attorneys, judges, and prisons.  In addition, we need to build sufficient state prison space to help enforce arrests and convictions made by local police and sheriffs. It is my top priority to keep our criminals in jail and our streets safe.
  

• Work with community organizations to offset the break-down of the family.
  The breakdown of the family is the number one reason our children become gang members.  As a Mayor I served as a mentor to four children.  The State must work with outside organizations, like the Boys and Girls Club, to make sure that all our children have a safe and caring place to turn.