Violent Crime A Big Election Issue
Posted November 8, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After Toronto’s infamous “year of the gun” that ended with the shocking 2005 Boxing Day shooting death of 15-year-old Jane Creba, crime has become a big issue for local voters.
A recent Leger Marketing poll says 36 percent of respondents called violent crime a key issue, compared to just nine percent of respondents three years ago.
Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair announced that gun crime is on the way down in the city, according to published reports, thanks to beefed up police patrols and increased support from all levels of government.
Of the two main mayoral candidates, incumbent David Miller plans to reduce crime by increasing community policing initiatives; getting more officers on the streets; providing more support and programs for “at risk” youth; and advocates no bail policy for anyone charged with a weapons offence.
Jane Pitfield claims Miller has been soft on crime and if elected, she plans to work with school boards to keep fees to use school gyms, pools, and other recreational areas affordable; explore tax incentives for businesses who provide jobs and training to young people; and to implement Neighbourhood Watch programs in all communities.
For more information on the mayoral candidates’ platforms, visit the following links:
