Linda Newell

LITTLETON, October 9, 2008 – Saying domestic violence threatens the well-being of too many families and children in Colorado, Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell promises to find more resources for domestic violence victims when she’s elected to the Colorado Senate in November.
 
“County courts in Colorado are clogged with nearly 15,000 criminal cases a year stemming from domestic violence,” Newell said.  “Nearly half of all murders in Colorado are committed by a current or former intimate partner. This is an extremely serious issue. And even larger is the challenge of undiagnosed, untreated mental health needs at all ages in Colorado.  This has led to our county jails essentially serving as 72-hour holding tanks for people with mental health problems who are then released back out on the streets without needed medication or treatment. Many of the criminal justice issues stem from the lack of mental health resources in this state.  We’re working with band-aids when we need surgery. For the safety of all of us, we need to make systemic improvements.”
 
Newell spoke Wednesday at a town hall in Littleton on criminal justice issues. It was sponsored by nine criminal justice organizations, including the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, Colorado Police Protective Association, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance.
 
On other issues, Newell said:
 
·  “It’s ridiculous that we don’t even have the resources to train our law enforcement officers.  My opponent voted against providing those resources while she was in the Colorado House.  These are the people who protect us on a daily basis.  What can be more important than giving them the tools they need to do their jobs?”

·  “The lack of mental health resources contributes to juvenile offenses.  We should look into mandatory mental health evaluations for students who are repeatedly suspended or expelled from school to determine if the problem is an undiagnosed or untreated mental health issue.  The Cherry Creek School District has started work in this area to address the needs of at-risk children and get them back on track, thus preventing juvenile crime.”

·  “One more time, my opponent has not shown up to listen to the voters or respond to their questions.  I promise you that when I am your senator, I will listen, respond and get results for you.”  Wednesday’s forum was the eighth consecutive community forum skipped by Newell’s opponent.  “She’s missed so many events that the sponsors are beginning to ask me where she is.”
 
Newell’s running for the Colorado Senate District 26, which includes Littleton and parts of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood and Sheridan.  She’s running to provide common-sense solutions to the problems facing Colorado.  She’s focusing on building stronger schools, providing affordable healthcare choices for all citizens and developing sources of renewable energy that will add jobs to the local economy.  She’s worked for large and small businesses as a consultant working with executives, managers and employees on job training, leadership development and people strategies.  She’s been active in community activities for many years, volunteering for the Girl Scouts, ARC, local public television, Littleton Public Schools and other worthy organizations.