Antioch’s Harper endorses McNerney for reelection to Congress
Congressman Jerry McNerney has received the endorsement of Wade Harper, Tracy Police Lieutenant and Mayor Pro Tem of Antioch. The new 9th Congressional district, in which McNerney is running for reelection, includes the majority of Antioch.
“Over the years, I have seen Congressman McNerney stand up for what is right for our city, state and country. He has fought to bring back federal resources, partnering with local folks who know what is needed most, right here at home,” stated Harper who was elected to the city council in 2010 and is running for Mayor, this year. “Especially when it comes to reducing crime, we have a true partner in Congressman McNerney and should send him back to Washington to keep fighting for us.”
When asked what specifically McNerney has done for Antioch, Harper said “Jerry always fights for federal funds to improve infrastructure, like the bypass, that creates jobs and relieves congestion in our area.”
“He is a supporter for public safety, such as the COPS program that gives the state and cities in our country the resources to keep our officers on the street,” he shared, “I know Jerry is someone I will be able to count on to help Antioch address the crime and gang problems. I participated in a meeting with him in 2011 when he attempted to get the National Safe Streets Gang Crime Prevention Act of 2011 passed.”
“I met with Jerry a couple of months ago and discussed the need to protect Antioch’s water rights. He made a commitment to me that he would stand with me in protecting Antioch’s water rights,” Harper added.
Besides introducing the Crime Prevention Act, to expand the FBI’s Safe Streets Program, to establish a National Gang Activity Database, which was referred to committee but never passed, McNerney “brought $750,000 to boost probation services in Contra Costa County and he introduced a bill to improve treatment and awareness of methamphetamine, use during the last Congress,” according to his campaign staff.
It was a collaborative effort with U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s office, that resulted in the grant being awarded to the County.
McNerney also co-sponsored the 2007 bill to increase funding for the COPS program to make grants for public safety and community policing programs.
“I am committed to doing what I can to help address the crime rate in our community. Improving public safety is one of my highest priorities,” said McNerney.
The new 9th District includes the majority of San Joaquin County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.
Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) has served the area for nearly six years and is the Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. For more information visit www.JerryMcNerney.com.
To view a more complete list of legislation voted on by Congressman McNerney, visit http://ontheissues.org/CA/Jerry_McNerney.htm.
Publisher Allen Payton contributed to this article.
