Ray Mueller’s common sense leadership

A key example: Supervisor Mueller’s current initiative building support for Proposition 36 in November. (“County to consider endorsing Proposition 36” — Aug. 23 Daily Journal).

If approved by the state’s voters, Proposition 36 rolls back parts of Proposition 47, the landmark 2014 criminal justice ballot initiative that downgraded certain theft and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.

Local officials and organizations say there are clear reasons for the measure’s strong support on the local level.

Mayors and other local leaders are less insulated from the effects of retail theft and drug issues than the politicians in Sacramento, giving them a first-hand perspective of how dire the situation really is.

I agree with common-sense local leaders, like Ray Mueller, and the mayors of San Francisco and San Jose.

I’ve experienced the closing of the Lucky grocery near us, as well as both a CVS and Walgreens. One identified reason for these closings is continued losses from repeat shoplifters.

When I speak to employees of similar businesses, all say repeat crime is happening more frequently, and all over. This crime drives the cost of our necessary everyday items higher and higher.

Proposition 36 will help local enforcement officials. It will address the tendency of a criminal to reoffend, due to the crime being classified only a misdemeanor.

Please contact your local elected leaders. Let’s support Proposition 36.

Doug Handerson

San Mateo