Melissa Murray Bailey

Most gun violence can be attributed to illegal gun ownership and usage. I support the bill sponsored by State Rep. John Taylor (R., Phila.) and State Sen. Larry Farnese (D., Phila.) to make illegal ownership of a firearm a third-degree felony with a minimum mandatory sentence of two years' confinement.

It's a start, but we need to do more. Part of the problem is that all too frequently, violent criminals have the gun charges against them dropped.

Take for instance the three men involved in the shooting death of Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski in 2008. According to their arrest records, before the murder, Howard Cain had 13 arrests for unlawfully carrying a firearm that were never prosecuted; Eric Floyd had four charges of illegally carrying a firearm that were never prosecuted; and Levon Warner was never tried for his nine violations of Pennsylvania gun laws.

Those numbers are just from one murder.

Police officers are apprehending violent criminals. We need to make sure that these charges are prosecuted in front of a judge and the violent offenders sent to jail. If not, it is only a matter of time before they hurt someone.

Prevention plays an important role. Buyback programs - when a gun is turned over authorities, no questions asked - have been successful here and in Camden. I would push for buyback days at regular intervals so they could be easily communicated to the public. If people want to turn over guns, knowing where and when should not be a barrier.

Prioritizing after-school programs can also greatly reduce violence among youths. Juvenile crime rates triple between 3 to 6 p.m. I will work to enhance the diversity of school and recreation center programming to ensure it is age- and gender-appropriate for youths.