Long story short, due to a noticeable increase in crime a couple years ago, I began attending city council meetings to address these concerns. I witnessed first-hand the battle over the budget and how few deputies were added over the previous years. Then I began a personal campaign to organize citizens to help reduce crime. My son-in-law, Scott Hand, and I started a group called the AV Citizens Against Crime in November 2006.
Shortly after our beginning this group we were made aware that Rex Parris and Pastor Paul Chappell were initiating AV War on Gangs. We sat down with them and found out we were trying to address the very same problem - uncontrolled crime in the Antelope Valley. At that time, we decided to join AVWOG and asked them to add "and Crime" to the title. After being encouraged to run for city council by many people, I decided to run for office realizing that I could do more as an elected official.
I have now lived in Lancaster four times longer than any other place of residency, this is my home. I cannot stand by and watch our city change for the worst without trying to make a difference. I want my kids and my grandkids to have a great city to live in.
All that to say this, we love Lancaster and we aren't going anywhere, we're gonna stay and fight for Lancaster and the taxpayers of Lancaster! I want to see Lancaster as the safest most attractive city in Los Angeles County!
Now, Concealed Carry Permits - near and dear to my heart since we are from Florida, where it is a proven crime deterent by criminals just not knowing who might have a weapon and might know how to use one. I do not understand why Kern County issues permits and LA County will not, but we're gonna find out and I promise this is one issue that I won't get distracted from. I have heard of the strategy you mentioned and I will be looking into it after April 8.
I thank you again for contacting me and I hope you'll vote for me and give me a chance to make a difference in Lancaster!
God bless,
Sherry Marquez