ATTACK GANGSTERS WITH TOUGH FIRST-TIME OFFENDER SENTENCES

In response to your series on the gang mayhem in the Lower Mainland,
it is not just the bail, gun laws, and the two-for-one jail sentences
that need to be addressed.

All of our laws pertaining to drugs and organized crime need to be changed.

Starting with the possession-with-the-intent-to-traffick law,
first-time offenders barely get a slap on the wrist. We must hand out
tougher sentences at the bottom of the ladder.

I speak from personal experience. I used to live in the world of
illegal activity -- not any more. I have turned my life around and
walk the straight line now.

I equate what is happening in our justice system to catch-and-release
fishing. This problem will not be solved overnight, but the violence
isn't going to stop either.

I would remind citizens of our beautiful Lower Mainland who want
criminals to be put behind bars that we need jails and prisons to house them.

So when the question of having a correctional centre in your
neighbourhood arises, you should be voting "yes."

Michelle LaRocque, Surrey