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LETTER TO THE EDITOR |
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CONTACT: Melissa
Scott |
State Rep. Cherelle L.
Parker |
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To: Editor, Essence Magazine
From: State Representative Cherelle Parker, D-Phila.
Subject: Response to “The Streets are Watching.” Published Jan. 2007
Please consider for your Editorial/Op-Ed page, or for follow-up correspondence, the following response to your article “The Streets are Watching.” If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Scott at 215-242-7300 or by e-mail at mscott@pahouse.net.
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January 11, 2007
Essence Magazine
135 W. 50th Street
New York, NY 10020
Dear Editor:
I would like to applaud the writers at Essence for their forward-thinking and
thought-provoking special investigation in “The Streets Are Watching,”
published January 2007. This special investigation accurately depicts how
defendants in criminal cases have used intimidation to frighten and dissuade
witnesses and victims from testifying against them in court.
Criminals who should be punished and taken off the streets are learning how to manipulate our system and continue their criminal behavior. Sadly, in Philadelphia, Pa., there have been several prominent cases in the news in which a person was injured or killed as a result of their testimony.
During our previous legislative session, I introduced two pieces of legislation designed to protect victims and witnesses of a crime who courageously stand up to perpetrators and help to create safer neighborhoods. Upon starting the new legislative session this January, with 50 new members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I am re-introducing my two bills. It is my hope that with this new legislative composition I will be able to get my bills passed into law.
Attached you will find the measures, H.B. 2736 and H.B. 2735, which were introduced in General Assembly during the 2006 legislative session.
Editor, Essence Magazine
January 11, 2007
Page 2
House Bill 2736 is a witness relocation measure that would establish a permanent Witness Relocation Program in Pennsylvania and ensure that program is sustained with adequate financial support.
House Bill 2735, the witness intimidation legislation, would add stricter guidelines and penalties to state law in cases where witnesses are threatened for testifying before a grand jury.
This measure is designed to put criminals on alert that we will no longer allow them to threaten and intimidate our communities with no repercussions. It has bipartisan support as well as the endorsement of Philadelphia District Attorney Lynn Abraham.
The members of our communities feel as though their hands are tied. Consequently, they are unable to help their neighbors or be proactive in protecting their families because of the fear of retaliation. It is up to activists and all levels of government to do whatever it takes to make our streets safer.
In closing, I thank you for your dedication in bringing to light many of the issues facing our communities. I appreciate your time and consideration of this correspondence and if I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me at 215.242.7300 or via email at Cparker@pahouse.net.
Sincerely,
Cherelle L. Parker
State Representative
PA House of Representatives
200th Legislative District
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