PLACENTIA : Crime a Major Topic at Candidates’ Forum

Gangs, crime and drugs were the predominant topics at a candidates’ night Thursday at McFadden Park in the city’s La Jolla neighborhood.

The event, sponsored by Casa Placentia, a community group interested in offering alternatives to gangs for the city’s youth, featured nine of the 12 city council candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Residents of the La Jolla neighborhood have become increasingly vocal in asking for a bigger police presence in the area and a stepped-up effort in combatting drug sales and graffiti. Written questions collected from the audience reflected those concerns.

“Given that gang activity and crime are regional problems, what role should the city take in solving these problems?” asked one resident.

While candidates Arthur G. Newton and Michael Maertzweiler pointed out that the city’s Police Department was already working with police from surrounding cities, others said the problem should be handled at home.

“We are all going to have to take part in education. Parents have to get close to the child, talk to them and educate them,” said candidate Howard Kay. “(Gangs) are not a government problem, they are a home problem.”

Candidate Adriene Edmonson said studies indicate that gang members often came from families experiencing serious problems. “The key is getting to the younger kids . . . and educating parents,” Edmonson said.

Candidate Mike Stehly said greater use of federal resources such as the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency might help break up gangs and drug rings.

Residents also quizzed candidates about the city’s budget and potential cuts in services.

Kay, who was challenged to identify fat in the city budget, cited heating and air conditioning in city buildings.

Maertzweiler said city services would not have to be cut for at least another year, partly because officials have already trimmed fat from the budget.

Participating in the candidates’ night were incumbents Maria Moreno, Newton and John O. Tynes, and challengers Edmonson, Kay, Maertzweiler, Stehly, Gary Hill and Betty Mead. Candidates Edward Nodler, Linda Smith and Raymond Smith did not attend.