No Shortcut to Decrease Crime in Athens
August 11, 2009
If you read the local papers, you probably have seen article after article detailing the rising crime rate in our wonderful city. We have seen a large increase in property break-ins alone in 2009, and we cannot forget the unbelievable 23 percent rise in violent crime between 2007 and 2008. The fact is that we are going through a rough time as a city, a state, and a nation, but even in rough times, though the shining sun may not shine as bright, the path to a better day is always visible. We cannot surrender to crime; we must be tough, strategic, and proactive.
Athenians, this is your city and you do not deserve to feel nervous about someone breaking into your homes. So many of us work hard, day in and day out, in order to pay the cost for having a home, transportation, a television, or anything else that makes us happy. The fact is that no one should have to fear that their property will be compromised by means of theft, but realistically speaking, these things are happening everyday. I personally know several individuals that have been affected by crime in Athens, and I'm sure that many of you do, too. As a citizen of this city, if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call the police, your help is needed.
Since declaring my candidacy in early 2008, I have continuously promised to make public safety one of the top issues on my agenda. No other mayoral candidate has yet spoken out about our crime problem, and the public should hold them accountable to talk about these issues. If elected, I will work closely with the police department in order to achieve real solutions that will decrease the rising crime rate in Athens. We must all come together to find solutions, and we must realize that the crimes being committed are not all about the crimes themselves - but the society in which the crimes happen; we must outline strategic plans to combat crime simply because there is no shortcut.
Earlier this year, I released my stance concerning the rising crime rate. As mayor, I would support an increase in the presence of police officers, which will ultimately help to increase concentrated analysis of specific problems affecting our city. Also, establishing a closer relationship between the citizens and police department will be essential, and that can be achieved by focusing more on neighborhood, business, and campus sector watch programs. Furthermore, I support an increase in safety education for concerned citizens and our youth.
I believe in having a strong police department with the best-trained and equipped officers, but the fact is that the city cannot arrest its way out of the crime problem. A strong approach to crime will ultimately decrease the crime rate, but we should not stop there. We must come to realize that prevention and intervention are key building blocks to decrease the crime rate in the long term, and we can enhance those efforts through jobs, education, and community-based partners. My administration will work hard toward these efforts to keep Athens a clean, safe, and enjoyable city.
August 11, 2009
If you read the local papers, you probably have seen article after article detailing the rising crime rate in our wonderful city. We have seen a large increase in property break-ins alone in 2009, and we cannot forget the unbelievable 23 percent rise in violent crime between 2007 and 2008. The fact is that we are going through a rough time as a city, a state, and a nation, but even in rough times, though the shining sun may not shine as bright, the path to a better day is always visible. We cannot surrender to crime; we must be tough, strategic, and proactive.
Athenians, this is your city and you do not deserve to feel nervous about someone breaking into your homes. So many of us work hard, day in and day out, in order to pay the cost for having a home, transportation, a television, or anything else that makes us happy. The fact is that no one should have to fear that their property will be compromised by means of theft, but realistically speaking, these things are happening everyday. I personally know several individuals that have been affected by crime in Athens, and I'm sure that many of you do, too. As a citizen of this city, if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call the police, your help is needed.
Since declaring my candidacy in early 2008, I have continuously promised to make public safety one of the top issues on my agenda. No other mayoral candidate has yet spoken out about our crime problem, and the public should hold them accountable to talk about these issues. If elected, I will work closely with the police department in order to achieve real solutions that will decrease the rising crime rate in Athens. We must all come together to find solutions, and we must realize that the crimes being committed are not all about the crimes themselves - but the society in which the crimes happen; we must outline strategic plans to combat crime simply because there is no shortcut.
Earlier this year, I released my stance concerning the rising crime rate. As mayor, I would support an increase in the presence of police officers, which will ultimately help to increase concentrated analysis of specific problems affecting our city. Also, establishing a closer relationship between the citizens and police department will be essential, and that can be achieved by focusing more on neighborhood, business, and campus sector watch programs. Furthermore, I support an increase in safety education for concerned citizens and our youth.
I believe in having a strong police department with the best-trained and equipped officers, but the fact is that the city cannot arrest its way out of the crime problem. A strong approach to crime will ultimately decrease the crime rate, but we should not stop there. We must come to realize that prevention and intervention are key building blocks to decrease the crime rate in the long term, and we can enhance those efforts through jobs, education, and community-based partners. My administration will work hard toward these efforts to keep Athens a clean, safe, and enjoyable city.
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