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In 2011, Los Angeles County continues to be one of the most desired places to live and work. It is large, multi-cultural and diverse. It is also complex. With nearly 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populated in the United States, and its residents look to a criminal justice system that can serve its needs, and at the same time, address the economic crisis in our state. As District Attorney, I am prepared to tackle both the crime on Los Angeles' streets as well as the deficits on County spreadsheets. That is why I am in this race.
At this critical time, we know that prosecuting criminals alone will not get the job done. Today, we are facing proposed budget cuts to the State court system that may be as much as $80 million in 2011. Numerous law enforcement agencies have warned that budget cuts will diminish their effectiveness. In addition, the State of California is proposing to shift many justice system costs to local counties like Los Angeles. Like everywhere else, there will be cuts in law enforcement. However, it need not be inevitable that criminals will prosper from an economic deficit.
For more than two decades, I have prosecuted gangs, domestic abusers and serial murderers. As a career prosecutor, I know that Los Angeles must remain vigilant in spite of economic hardship. I will ensure that the District Attorney's Office has, and uses, the resources it needs to continue prosecuting violent criminals. By taking an all-encompassing approach, combined with coordinated effort, I know that we can achieve positive results. In addition, I will continue to work with our partners in the courts, law enforcement and the defense bar to eliminate inefficiencies in our justice system.
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