Recently, we received an email from the Eden Prairie Police Department: “Eden Prairie Police are investigating multiple stolen vehicles and thefts from vehicles which have occurred over the past several days.”
Crime in the Twin Cities has risen dramatically, but it’s even more alarming when it’s a few houses away from you. Our neighborhood recently was the target of criminals breaking in with a stolen car in order to steal another car. Criminals are emboldened, and many are repeat offenders who face few consequences for their actions. Residents of EP and Minnetonka have been victims of an increasing number of carjackings, car thefts or home break-ins. In addition, many of us are concerned about downtown Minneapolis due to random gun violence.
Marla Helseth is an African American candidate who was frustrated by the racialization of society in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Too quickly, after Floyd’s death, the cry became “Defund the police!” which wasn’t helpful. The truth is, we need law enforcement officers to be able to do their jobs. We need reform and accountability, but we shouldn’t mar the statewide police force because of the egregious actions of a few. The No. 1 responsibility of the government is to keep us safe, but the attacks on law enforcement have made it hard to recruit new people into the police profession. As a result, our neighborhoods, schools and communities are less safe.
Marla Helseth, a fresh new face running for State Senate, wants to change that. Marla will work with prosecutors and others to end the revolving door which puts repeat criminals back on the streets. Marla will support legislation to crack down on politically-correct prosecutors who fail to seek proper sentencing for certain criminals, and she supports increased penalties for carjacking. And we can trust Marla to work with our local police chiefs on initiatives to help recruit and train the next generation of police officers.
Concerned about crime? Vote Marla Helseth for state Senate. She will bring a strong voice to the public safety discussion that is urgently needed.
Kristi and Paul Jackson, Eden Prairie
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