Safe streets or switch grass?

Capital View > By Sen. Mark Norris / Majority Leader
Covington Leader
March 13, 2007

Which would you rather pay for — safe streets or switch grass? This rhetorical question reflects the sort of competing demands legislators must balance in approving the Governor’s annual budget.

Should we invest more today to reduce violent crime or spend that money on alternative energy research?

Senate Bill 1967, “Crooks with Guns,” which I am sponsoring for the Tennessee Public Safety Coalition with Rep. John DeBerry, is a tough bill enhancing punishment for those using guns when committing crimes. Specifically targeting habitual criminals, the plan requires a mandatory (10) year sentence without parole when a convicted felon uses a firearm to commit new crimes.

Crime statistics support the initiative: Memphis and Shelby County, part of my senate district, reported a 25 percent increase in armed robberies from 2005 to 2006. Nashville reported a 15 percent increase during the same period.

Criminals are increasingly using firearms, and law enforcement officers are asking for support. Statewide, total crimes against individuals have increased 10 percent in three years. Murder is up 11 percent; robberies with guns up 5 percent; and aggravated assaults 8 percent.

The Tennessee Public Safety Coalition, made up of police chiefs, sheriffs and district attorneys from across the state, came to Nashville recently to ask for our help. Metro Police Chief Ronal Serpas told of his department’s frustration at repeatedly arresting the same offenders. He explained how this law would make our streets safer. It reduced crime by over 50 percent when implemented in New York. It would reduce crime here in Tennessee, too.

The “Crooks with Guns” initiative has widespread support. But funding for it, estimated at almost $70 million, wasn’t included in the Governor’s budget. Instead, he asks us to fund research on switch grass and other alternative energy sources. Switch grass can be used to produce ethanol, and the Governor has identified its development as a key priority for the state. Research and development of alternative energy is expensive, and the Governor proposes spending $70 million to pay for it instead.

While we agree that it is important to address Tennessee’s long term energy needs, helping police get criminals off the street is an immediate need. The “Crooks with Guns” legislation could take effect on July 1, and we could see safer streets within months.

The Governor has recently expressed interest in funding these measures, and I look forward to working with him to make it happen. As Senate Majority Leader, it is my hope we can do so to effectively fight crime and make our streets safer sooner than later.