05/23/2007
|
|
|
Roby Williams, executive director for the Memphis Black Business Association, visited with NFIB Field Service Representative Randy Horn at this month's Memphis Area Action Council. Williams, who is a mentor for juveniles in trouble, said "in one six-week period, the grades [of one young person he is mentoring] went up and he is on his way to the honor roll." |
|
|
|
District Attorney General Bill Gibbons acknowledges crime is "a statewide problem, not just a Memphis/Shelby County problem" to NFIB members and guests. |
NFIB members and small-business owners had the privilege last week to hear from their chief law enforcer, District Attorney General Bill Gibbons, at the NFIB Memphis Area Action council monthly luncheon.
Gibbons is a part of the Tennessee Public Safety Coalition, representing Tennessee's district attorney generals, police chiefs and sheriffs, which is urging passage of SB1967/HB1835, SB1322/HB1834 and SB1554/HB1836, measures that NFIB supports. The bills would set aside additional funds to cover the cost of key anti-crime measures that require "hard time" for gun and gang crimes. Other business groups on board include the Tennessee Retail Association, Memphis Tomorrow and major retailers like AutoZone and Wal-Mart.
NFIB/Tennessee State Director Gary Selvy said given the resources available attorneys general like Gibbons are accomplishing great feats in Tennessee, which has some of the most lenient gun laws in the country. Gibbons, in fact, has created a "No Deals Policy," to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions, rather than plea bargain down just to get of rid of the case.
Along with violent crime, Gibbons noted a growing truancy problem. In order to reverse the trend of increases of juvenile crimes, the state is identifying six-, seventh- and eighth-graders and connecting them with mentors like Roby Williams, executive director of the Black Business Association and an NFIB member.
Sylvia Walker with State Farm Insurance said parents of students who skip school and act delinquently aren't being held accountable for their lack of responsibility.
"Unfortunately, it is only a small fine against the parents," Gibbons responded. "It is possible to ask the judge to hold the parent in contempt. However, then who is responsible for the kids?"
David Wieland of Wieland Pools asked about crowded jails, and Gibbons noted, "A person is entitled to bail unless he/she has committed a violent crime. They may be released on bail and [may] commit another crime."
Robert Wallace with Evolve Benefits said it's unfortunate Gibbons "is fighting with one hand behind his back. … I only wish the government was more effective."
