MA governor hopefuls debate anti-crime agenda
The four candidates for Massachusetts governor are proposing different strategies to help stem gun violence and street crime.
Republican Charles Baker said at a debate Friday the state should sign on to a federal program that would target illegal immigrants involved in crime. He also said that anyone attending a trial should be forced to sign in to discourage intimidation of witnesses.
Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick said education should be strengthened, including lengthening the school day and the school year as a way to discourage young people from joining gangs.
Independent Tim Cahill said the state needs to increase the number of police and youth workers, while Green-Rainbow candidate Jill Stein blamed standardized testing for students dropping out of school.
The debate was sponsored by the Boston Herald, Emerson College and WFXT-TV.
