PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety is the number one concern of citizens. Without safe communities, business, education and quality of life will be greatly challenged and communities will deteriorate.

I spent 21 years in law enforcement, 17 of these as a detective working narcotics investigation which included everything from buying heroin in back alleys to transacting million dollar narcotics deals. I learned that crime knows no social, economic or cultural boundaries. We can all be victims.

These investigations stretched from the Mexican/American border to communities throughout the United States and to foreign countries. I worked in small towns, as well as our nation’s largest cities. I saw first hand the effects of violent crime and drugs on families, communities, cities and the nation. I worked with neighborhood groups, city councils, state legislators and federal representatives to address these very issues. I testified many times before governmental bodies to address these very concerns.

My entire life has been in service of my community to protect its citizens.

I understand the complexities of addressing crime; from the financial demands to the social cost as well as having the political fortitude to ensure that the will of the people to live in a safe community is carried out.

A)   A low crime rate is one of the significant factors we all considered in our decision to move to Coral Springs. 2007 has, unfortunately, produced a dramatic rise in violent crime, both in Coral Springs and our surrounding communities. A strong, intelligent, long term solution needs to be instituted to prevent this from continuing.

I have the training, expertise and knowledge to assure law enforcement has the appropriate resources to implement a fiscally sound, progressive response to the growing demands of our community.

I have a detailed, progressive plan to address crime in Coral Springs which can be found on this website by clicking here. (the document will open in a new window)

B)   One of the concerns repeatedly cited by our citizens is the traffic concerns in and around Coral Springs.

Throughout the United States, traffic issues are widely believed by the public, to be law enforcement issues. The truth be told, these become political issues. My knowledge and experience in working with local, state and federal officials, combined with my law enforcement background will make me a valuable asset to the team addressing these very issues.

C)   Our schools need to be secure. Students and teachers must have a safe and secure environment to assure Coral Springs produces well educated, successful students. I would encourage a second school resource officer be placed in each of the Coral Springs High Schools. By investing in a safe and secure learning environment we can prevent the expense of dealing with future problems in the criminal justice system. This second officer will aid in addressing the many concerns and issues currently encountered in our high schools and carried forward to our communities. Law enforcement is in the midst of a significant transition in this country. The profession is transitioning from being a first responder to include the additional responsibility of being a “first preventor” in our battle with terrorism and global crime. This transition and added duties further strains the already over tasked protectors of our families and communities.

D)  The growing gang problem in South Florida and in fact Coral Springs is an issue which must be delt with swiftly and decisively. Part of my duties while assigned to various drug task force’s, was to address the ever increasing violent gangs. I know first hand the danger and harm these thugs pose to a community and know that swift and sure enforcement is the best approach to dealing with the issue. The message needs to be clear, gangs, drugs and violence are not welcome in Coral Springs and will be met with a strong zero tolerance approach.

These are just a few examples of what my experience and expertise will provide for Coral Springs as it relates to public safety.