Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance celebrates the 15 year anniversary of Measure 11, vows to protect it for years to come

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2010                        

CONTACT: MATT HENSCHEID   
PHONE: (503) 364-1913

SALEM – A crowd of Measure 11 supporters gathered yesterday on the Marion County Courthouse steps to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Measure 11, the law that imposes mandatory minimum sentences for violent crime in Oregon. The event, sponsored by Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance, drew an audience from Portland to Eugene. The rally began with Measure 11’s author, Kevin Mannix serving as Master of Ceremonies. Tara Lawrence, Executive Director for Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance, talked about the gains we have made in public safety stemming from Measure 11. She spoke about a challenge from a 2000 ballot measure to repeal Measure 11, but the people of Oregon responded by a 3-to-1 margin to protect Measure 11. The Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance is focused on preserving Measure 11 and other important public safety initiatives, and helping Oregon become one of the top 5 safest states in the country.

Doug Harcleroad, former Lane County District Attorney, put Measure 11’s effectiveness on display pointing out that since 1995, when Measure 11 became law, Oregon’s violent crime rate has dropped 48%, a sharp contrast to the 691% increase from 1960 to 1985.

Other speakers included Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau and Crime Victims United President Steve Doell

Another speaker was Ronita Sutton, a Portland woman who is thankful for Measure 11 because she is assured that her son’s murderer is still behind bars serving a minimum 25 year sentence instead of an 8 year sentence he could have received before the voters passed Measure 11.

Linn County District Attorney Jason Carlile was also in attendance. The celebration of Measure 11’s anniversary coincides with National Crime Prevention month.