Today's San Francisco Chronicle publishes opposing OpEds on Prop. 34, the SAFE California ballot initiative. Below, the beginning of each OpEd:
Former Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti writes, "End death penalty for dollars and sense."
My office sought the death penalty in dozens of cases when I was the Los Angeles County district attorney for eight years, and chief deputy district attorney for four. The cases had horrific and compelling facts; I had no problem seeking death sentences. But though I never was squeamish, I now fully support Proposition 34 to replace the death penalty with life in prison with no possibility of parole. Here's why.
California's death penalty is broken beyond repair, hideously expensive, and inevitably carries the risk of executing an innocent person. The hundreds of millions of dollars we throw away on this broken system would be much better spent on solving and preventing crime and investing in our kids' schools.
I have no qualms with the death penalty in theory. I do, however, object to the way it is carried out in practice. We condemn murderers to Death Row with the hope of delivering severe punishment for their crimes.
San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe and crime victims' advocate Marc Klaas write, "Ending death penalty would fuel crime."
Should California preserve the death penalty for vicious murderers?
That's the real question for voters considering Proposition 34. It's not about saving money or preventing the execution of innocent people. Those are political statements by special interests who have consistently fought against capital punishment. Prop. 34 is their latest effort, complete with a catchy name and slick sales pitch.
We oppose Prop. 34 from the perspective of a father forced to bury his 12-year-old little girl after she was raped and murdered, and a district attorney who has taken an oath to defend and protect innocent citizens.
Earlier coverage of Prop. 34, the SAFE California ballot initiative, begins at the link.
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