By:Jerry Burke
"I believe we should have a comprehensive gang-awareness program in the communities, which include the schools," said Battaglia. "It is necessary -- there is no question about it."
A few months ago, state Assemblyman Tom Alfano of Elmont chaired a hearing that served as a think-tank in the effort to craft tougher legislation, along with Assemblyman Robert Barra of Lynbrook. This week the assemblymen were working in Albany to introduce legislation calling for, among other things, heightened felony criminal penalties for gang recruitment on school grounds and during after-school programs.
"This gang bill is a top priority for me," said Barra. "We have sponsors of this bill who are both Democrats and Republicans. They are going to do a full-court press to put this bill through, but it will be a tough fight."
Alfano said that a recent incident at Oceanside High School, in which gang members attacked students, is a wake-up call for communities to be even more vigilant in working with local law enforcement in fighting gangs and gang violence.
"The gloves have to come off, and direct action with these criminal organizations has to take place," Alfano said. "At the same time, we have to continue to offer outlets to young people so that they're not at risk for gang recruitment."
Locally, community leaders have come out in support of the proposed legislation (A10106), which has 34 sponsors and is gaining steam in the state Assembly, where Barra and Alfano have teamed with Long Beach Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg. In the Senate, the assemblymen have gathered the strong support of all the senators from Nassau County, who are serving as sponsors of the measure. Senators Dean Skelos, Kemp Hannon, Chuck Fuschillo, Mike Balbani and Carl Marcellino are pushing for the legislation's passage.
Battaglia's senseless murder, incidents in Franklin Square, gang-related graffiti in North Valley Stream and gang violence in Freeport, Hempstead and border communities in New York City have been the impetus for the effort. Barra has been vigilant in his efforts against gang violence and outspoken in his dedication to fighting it. He has said that the only colors gang members will be wearing will be the orange jumpsuits in the county jail.
"We have to attack this problem at its roots and offer positive alternatives to young people," said Alfano, adding, "Gangs are not families, they're not your friends, they're criminals who will be brought to justice. It's as simple as that."
Battaglia is offering her strong support for the Alfano-Barra-Weisenberg Bill, and is passionate about its being passed. "We need this legislation," said Battaglia, who has volunteered to appear in Albany with the assemblymen, with the hope of pushing the bill through before the end of the current Assembly session.
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> Karenlyn Barone contributed to this story.
