Barton named to Oregon Criminal Justice Commission

Commission provides direction for state and local criminal justice system

The Estacada News, Sep 23, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Brent Barton

Submitted photo

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State Rep. Brent Barton (D-Clackamas) will attend his first meeting this week as the newest member of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. Barton, who served on the House Judiciary Committee this past session, was appointed to the Criminal Justice Commission by House Speaker Dave Hunt (D-Gladstone).

“Representative Barton’s work on metal theft legislation demonstrates his ability to shape policy and prevent crimes,” Hunt said. “He is rapidly asserting himself as a leader on public safety issues important to all Oregonians,” Hunt said.

The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission provides a centralized and impartial forum for statewide policy development and planning, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of state and local criminal justice systems. The commission develops and maintains a state criminal justice policy and comprehensive, long-range plans for a coordinated state criminal justice system that includes public safety, offender accountability, crime reduction and prevention, and offender rehabilitation.

“I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to find cost-effective methods to reduce crime and protect our communities,” Barton said. “The news this week that violent crime and property crime is down all across Oregon is testament to the good work the criminal justice commission is doing. I am excited to tackle the challenges ahead of us.”

Barton will be the only Oregon State Representative on the nine-member board. He is also a practicing attorney, bringing legal experience to craft effective laws for the legislature and constructive input for the commission.