Mayor: Time to end dysfunction of Mahoning's criminal justice system

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It’s time to end the dysfunction of the criminal justice system in Mahoning County, said Mayor Jay Williams.

He told the crowd Saturday at the Mayor’s Community Celebration at Stambaugh Auditorium that he’ll

accept responsibility for the aspects of that dysfunction that occur within the city.

“But I won’t take responsibility for the failures and indifference of the criminal justice system outside of the city, in Mahoning County,” Williams said.

Firearm specifications that would result in mandatory prison sentences shouldn’t be dismissed, and high-level felonies shouldn’t be plea-

bargained down, he said.

“It’s time for fewer plea bargains, more trials, stiffer sentences and more accountability,” Williams said.

The mayor also said that 2011 would see the completion of the revision of the city’s code-enforcement system and the strengthening of Youngstown’s partnership with Lien Forward Ohio.

The city also will continue to build on its relationships with Youngstown State University, the city schools, Youngstown Development Corp. and Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative.

Youngstown must develop its vision for the future.

“Youngstown 2010 must become Youngstown 2020,” Williams said.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.