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Cook County Task Force Looking For Practical Measures To Stop Gun Violence

(CBS) -- A Cook County Task Force on Gun Violence has held its first meeting, with a stated mission of hearing fewer speeches, and more ideas that can actually work, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

County Commissioner Richard Boykin—who called for this Task Force—started the meeting by saying there is no higher priority right now than addressing gun violence.

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"Economic development, education, infrastructure, healthcare, none of these important police priorities can be effectively pursued unless our people are safe," Boykin said.

And they're not. County Sheriff Tom Darts says speeches should be at a minimum, and he really hopes not to hear proposals for the state legislature which routinely sidetracks gun legislation. Dart says he wants this anti-violence task force to be different. If there are four or five things that the county and local law enforcement can realistically do on their own to combat gun crimes—he says—that would be a home run.

Mike Anton, the Task Force coordinator suggests better sharing of information and communication.

They hope for practical recommendations within a year.

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