Candidate Will Work to Improve Community/Police Relations
By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador
Residents of Santa Clara County have recently been having a difficult time trusting those who swore to protect them. This is especially true in the city of San Jose.
Martin Monica says he plans to change that by running for sheriff this election year.
"If I am elected, I will make sure that all deputies are trained to work with the community on problem solving," Monica says. "When we do not work together, we all lose. I believe we all need to work as a team."
Martin has 18 years experience in law enforcement and is committed to the safety of those in the community. He believes that community input and participation during the public hearing process helps guarantee success in enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
"One of my top priorities is the safety of our children and our senior citizens," Martin says. "I arrested a police sergeant for child molestation even in face of being fired for this arrest. The police sergeant was married to a city council member and she told me that if I continued with the arrest I would lose my job, and that they are only migrant children. I followed through with the arrest and was removed from my position, this is community work at its highest."
He was the former Chief of Police of the city of Parlier and says he is committed to helping immigrants.
"I was the first police chief in California to accept the marticula for identification," Monica says.
His other priorities include a zero tolerance for drugs and weapons to ensure a safe learning environment for children, a strong emphasis on community policing, and a commitment to animal rights and environmental laws.
Monica participates in several community activities including the annual Cesar Chavez walk, and La Raza Roundtable's monthly meetings.
"I have lived in Santa Clara County my whole life and participate in many neighborhood associations," Martin says.
He has Master's degrees in Public Administration and Education.
"I also have a BA in Social Work from San Jose State, and I have been tentatively accepted into my doctorate program in education and leadership," Martin says.
Art Calderon of Calderon Tires and Jose Mendoza of the Men's Warehouse in the Tropicana are some of Monica's endorsements.
For more information on Martin Monica visit www.martinmonica.com.