BARWOOD CALLS FOR CRIME HALT

Published on Wednesday, December 22, 1993
© 1993 The Arizona Republic

Byline: By Herb Whitney, Staff writer

Councilwoman Frances Emma Barwood is urging Gov. Fife Symington to get tough on crime.

In a Dec. 14 letter to Symington, Barwood, who represents District 2 in northeast Phoenix, says that the city ''is becoming like Gotham City, but without Batman.''

The letter goes on:

''It is obvious from the strong citizen participation in such organizations as Block Watch and the (Maricopa County) Sheriff's Posse, that people are eager to have a vehicle to do their part to help society. We must bring back safe cities and communities.''

The letter, copies of which were sent to members of the state Legislature, Secretary of State Dick Mahoney and Attorney General Grant Woods, was co-written by Richard Donley Fox, president of the Phoenix Block Watch Advisory Board.

The letter recommends six measures ''as crucial components to the move toward a NO MORE! approach to criminal activities.''

Those include:

--> Capital punishment following convictions of murder, with a limit of three appeals and punishment within 90 days.

--> Life imprisonment following convictions for violent crimes in which a deadly weapon results in bodily harm.

--> Maximum sentencing without parole for convictions of child molestation.

--> An attempt to close the ''revolving door'' for inmates by holding parole boards more accountable.

''We want to join the ranks of law-abiding citizens who are crying 'NO MORE!' '' the letter says.

''We CAN prevent crimes. We CAN severely punish those convicted of heinous crimes. Effective rehabilitation MUST include education, work skills and STRICT monitoring procedures.''

The letter emphasizes the need to help youngsters.

''We must heed the recent cry of teenagers attending a Youth Town Hall: 'WE NEED ATTENTION!' We must work together to provide a safe and stimulating environment in our schools and neighborhoods for all of our youth.

''We must protect our young children who are subject to abuse
in ways which are unimaginable.''

Last month, Barwood and District 1 Councilwoman Thelda Williams conducted a gang awareness workshop at North Canyon High School, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive.

''We want parents to be aware of how attractive gangs can be, and what they can do to help kids be strong to avoid joining them,'' Barwood said at the time.

''The pressure on kids to belong can be very strong. But the kids need to know that the end result of belonging to a gang is often death.''