CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Laws enacted in the past ten years have put our families at risk.  

​

I'm committed to turning back the tide of releasing offenders back into our communities.  Our Douglas County is plagued by criminals who saw opportunity to avoid their PR bond warranted from other counties.  Offenders have been released from other judicial districts with carte blanche to move about the Metro area and find new victims.  Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and entitled to a fair defense, but when we see a person arrested and accused of the same crimes repeatedly, the court should be permitted to weigh the impact of that pattern on a decision to release with a desk warrant, personal recognizance bond, or summons.

​

I fought to enact one of the first anti-vaping ordinances in the State - because our kids do not need encouragement to embark on a path of life-long habit and illness.  We didn't remove the freedom of an adult to make a choice; we removed the ability to push e-cigarettes, vapes, and dabs on our young friends.   And when some City leaders proposed to allow vape shops or weed in town, I worked with other Council members to shut it down.

​

Our girls and young ladies should remain safe and free from predators and trafficking.   All too often, we learn of people encouraging behaviors with substances, social media, and peer pressure; promoting "just a pill" for fun'; sexting, revenge porn, exposing, and peeping.  These behaviors must be curtailed with substantial penalties - because deterrence matters.  As a young woman, an opportunity to pursue your dreams can quickly become a minefield to navigate away from those with a different moral compass.  Local and statewide legislation should protect ALL children in a MEANINGFUL way.  Victims of abuse deserve the safety and peace that comes with incarceration of their offenders.  Providers of lethal substances should be removed from our kids' environment with impactful penalties IN ADDITION to restorative options.

​

Our communities value life and freedom.  But the freedom to choose must be balanced by the greater good.  I know the pain that comes with life choices to grow a family as much as the pain that comes with criminal invasion of one's body.  But I also know that the face we see on the ultrasound screen is real.  Balance is in order, from role models to fair and appropriate laws.  

​

Fear should not lead us to unwise choices - smart planning should be our guide.  Firearms are a way of life in the rural west, and for many, they represent a means to protect oneself in cities and suburban environments.  As a woman, I feel safer knowing that I can defend myself when threatened, at a distance and in a close encounter, because I am trained and practice with my P226.  Criminals, bear, and rattlers don't stand a chance.  But I don't need to openly flaunt it - concealed carry permits allow quiet security.  Defending the firearms industry from rampant litigation opened my eyes to the reasons why people sue and how people get hurt.  Owners and users can get the training they need - on their own.  

​

WE CANNOT ABANDON OUR KIDS.

​

​

​

​