(JERSEY CITY) – Assemblyman Charles S. Mainor today pledged to fight for cities struggling to combat crime with reduced police personnel, and work to make communities throughout New Jersey safer as the new chairman of the Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee for the 215th Legislature.
Mainor (D-Hudson) was appointed chairman by Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver ((D-Essex/Passaic). The committee is responsible for reviewing legislation dealing with police, fire and emergency management services, public safety regulations, criminalization of activities and legal ramifications of crimes.
Mainor released the following statement:
“I’m honored by the trust that Speaker Oliver and our Democratic leadership have placed in me to lead this very important committee.”
“Many of our cities are struggling with rising violence fueled by drug, gangs and police cutbacks stemming from unwise state aid cuts by the Christie administration. Many of our police departments have seen their forces reduced at staggering levels, which in some cases has contributed to the lawlessness that continues to tear our communities apart.
“Unfortunately, for many residents, crime is not something they just read about in the papers, but a reality they encounter and have to fight against in their neighborhoods on a daily basis.”
“Homicides in New Jersey increased only slightly last year, but that is no reason to celebrate. Every violent death is reason for concern and should be impetus to prevent the next one.”
“I’m committed to working with the rest of the committee to fight for more state public safety assistance and push legislation that will assist our towns in their fight against criminals who make hostages out of our law-abiding residents and allow these residents to take back their neighborhoods.”