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San Joaquin County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Smart Voter

Goals and Priorties

By Curtis J Juran

Candidate for Council Member; City of Lodi

This information is provided by the candidate
Increased Gang Intervention
If elected, my first priority would be the growing gang problem in Lodi, as well as the surrounding area. One aspect of intervention could be as simple as engaging the at risk children in after hour activities. This is one reason why I am passionate about community gardens as it gives families a chance to work together on something they can actually see as a benefit to them. Another issue that needs to be resolved is lack of playgrounds that are conveniently close to the homes that have small children. On the east side of Lodi, Hale Park and Blakely Park are a mile apart, the two closest parks between Kettleman Lane and Lockeford Street east of Stockton Street. The big difference is, on the east side, schools are locked up after hours so the only places for kids to play are over a half a mile away. Of course the issue of adding a small park or playground is the lack of funding. With over $4,000,000 going into the Grape Bowl, I feel that money could have been allocated to more important issues.

Another tool is the GRIP Program. This has been a very effective tool. The $250,000 grant received starting in 2012 got things going. But with the loss of one of the participants to Guardian Angels, Lodi only has one part time person working on outreach. I think everyone agrees it has been a successful program, but most will say we don't have the money to increase gang intervention. Yet we have devoted millions to the Grape Bowl! Where are our priorities?

No, I don't have all the answers, but I would certainly question our priorities when it comes to allocating what finds we have.

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ca/sj Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 9, 2014 16:18
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