Sylmar : Candidate Urges Crackdown on Crime

Jim Dantona, a Democratic candidate for the seat of outgoing Assemblyman Richard Katz, pushed for a get-tougher approach to dealing with prisoners and criminals as he addressed a group of supporters Thursday.

At a brief news conference at his Sylmar headquarters, where he was flanked by members of law enforcement organizations and victims’ rights groups who gave their endorsements, Dantona urged an “all-out attack on crime and gangs” and introduced an agenda that focused on crime prevention and harsher punishment.

Dantona called for legislation to end the early release of prisoners for good behavior, the creation of chain gangs for nonviolent criminals and implementation of indeterminate sentencing, which would keep prisoners incarcerated until they prove they are rehabilitated.

“It doesn’t matter which party you belong to, crime is the issue today and the people are coming to realize we must vote for the people who are going to realize this situation,” said Harold Young, whose son was murdered five years ago.

Dantona, who worked nine years as a legislative aide for former state senator David Roberti, said his experience will help him get legislation through the bureaucratic maze in Sacramento.

Dantona’s Democratic opponents in the March 26 primary for the 39th Assembly District seat are Tony Cardenas, Valerie Salkin, Michael Del Rio and Jose Galvan.

The 39th District runs from Sylmar south to Sun Valley and includes Pacoima, Lake View Terrace and San Fernando. The area has a growing Latino community and strong Democratic Party roots.