Use commander's legacy to fix the system

I am stunned at the tragic loss of Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer. Yet another murder due to gun violence in the city I love.

What is appalling is finding out the lengthy criminal record the suspect racked up.

In and out of jail, repeatedly; let out to walk our streets time and time again. Drug convictions, weapons convictions. Paroled after having been found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm with a serial number rubbed out. In and out of jail, for 20 years. Twenty years. And out on the street, once again, with weapons, drugs, and wearing body armor when Commander Bauer encountered him.

There came a time when the justices, who presided at this man's numerous trials during those 20 years, when either the sentencing laws failed or the justices failed to enforce them to the fullest. I have read numerous comments made by colleagues of Commandeer Bauer regarding him as a man who wanted to do the right things, for the right reasons. Our lawmakers have the power to ensure the sentencing laws are written to require convicted felons, having been found guilty once again of breaking the law, to relinquish their right to ever be on the streets of our city, of any city in the U.S.

Take Commander Bauer's legacy and be men and women who do the right thing, for the right reason.

Kathleen Rodanhisler

Prospect Heights