Mark Begich on Crime Democratic Challenger

Added $5M and 13 more police to Anchorage budget

The $435 million budget is almost $5 million less than originally proposed last year, but it’s still an increase to last year’s budget. $5 million in a $435 million dollar budget accounts for about 1%. While it’s a significant amount of money, it’s not a significant variation across the scope of the budget.

As the city grows, some say the police force needs to do the same. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich said, “The taxpayers in this community are willing to pay for those type of services if they get results, and I think that’s what we’re delivering too.” Begich is delivering a 2009 city budget with 13 more police officers, adding to the city’s long-term goal of 93.

Throughout all the changes & adjustments made to the budget, for the past year Begich has repeatedly called for new public safety proposals

Added city police; pushed anti-gang & cyber-crime units

He founded the Making a Difference Program, which seeks to set straight first-time juvenile offenders; 90% of the youth who go through the program do not re-offend.

Three strikes traffic violators should face felonies

• Better Use of Technology: Ankle bracelets for known gang members.
• Unclog the Court Backlog: There are more than 1,600 felony cases currently awaiting disposition by the State.

  Stricter Penalties for Multiple Traffic Violations: Begich will urge the legislature to look at a “three strikes” type law for drivers with long histories of multiple traffic violations to face felonies.

  Coordinating Zoning and Crime Trends: coordinate a list of “trouble spots” where criminal activity may occur.

  Better Coordination Between Law Enforcement, Prevention & Intervention programs.