Dear Editor,
The District Attorney’s race has been a quiet one in South County, yet the final outcome will have serious ramifications for the residents of Gilroy. Not only will the person elected impact prosecution procedures throughout the county, but will also determine the role of the District Attorney’s office in the critical area of crime prevention. Mr. Marc Buller is the only candidate with a proven track record in the prosecution of capitol crimes as well as the implementation of preventative programs aimed at our youth. As simplistic as the notion may seem, by their actions, none of the other candidates seem to recognize the role of prevention as an integral, long-term strategy along with maintaining fully staffed law enforcement agencies and a staff of well-trained, competent and ethical prosecutors.
Mr. Buller initiated and has consistently supported the truancy prevention procedures used by the Gilroy Unified School District and most school districts in the county. He has also established a model program in the San Jose Unified School District which teaches young people about the law and the criminal justice system, acting upon the knowledge that keeping today’s students in school is the best way of keeping tomorrow’s adults away from crime. It is pleasantly surprising to see a person with a reputation of having been a highly skilled and competent prosecutor of hard-core murderers, with the sensitivity and vision to reach out to help young people.
[Mr. Buller has received the endorsement of the Gilroy Police Officer’s Association and the Superintendent of the Gilroy Unified School District, Edwin Diaz. He will be at the Rebekah Children’s Services Community Health Day 2006, today at noon.]
Frank Valadez, attendance officer, Gilroy Unified School District
