Shots fired, murders, carjackings and drug deals should not be common occurrences in our small town. Let’s bring safe streets back to the residents of CB. We need to start by being honest with the residents and hearing their concerns.
Crime on the Rise
While I may not be an expert on crime I do listen to people and I hear their concerns. The fact is crime is on the rise in this town. People are frustrated and they want answers.
GUN SHOTS, MURDERS AND CAR JACKINGS!
This is a normal headline and trending news in social media as our neighbors try to raise awareness of the crimes happening to them or those close to them. This is a small town so why do we have this level of crime going on? A few months back a Colonial Beach resident testified at the citizen's input during a Town Council meeting very frustrated about crime in town and proposed to start a neighborhood watch. While in the audience, I could hear the frustration in this man’s voice. During his testimony I was thinking, just a couple of weeks back we were researching the crime stats in Town and discovered the crime rate doubled; which was then reiterated by the Chief of Police during his testimony. I can relate! He, like I, speaks to town Council and regretfully it usually goes in one ear and out the other. This gentleman came back a couple of weeks later and nothing had happened. The truth is, that everyone in this Town deserves to feel safe, no matter where they live.
Residents want a Solution
There are many ways to address this problem. Our residents know what should be done. For example, the other day, one of the residents raised a very good point, why do we not have a place where a citizen can go into the police station and actually talk to someone. Some no cost ideas that I have heard from the community are:
1) Create a crime task force where members of the police and community collaborate to find solutions to the problems affecting our Town
2) Set forth specific guidance for police patrolling- Many residents say they want to see more police presence, I was told that many years ago one officer patrolled this whole town and did it well, so this problem can be fixed. I wonder why this can’t happen.
3) Establish the neighborhood watch- this is a great idea which brings the residents together.
4) Seek grants to establish any crime related initiatives recommended by the task force.
5) Make public the monthly crime rate stats, so everyone knows what is happening in Town.
The only fund related activity that has been recommended is to fix the street lights. There are many street lights out and this is a safety concern. This is something that could be easily addressed by Public Works. We need our Public Works Department to prioritize our safety.
Finally, people in this community deserve to be heard and when they volunteer to help make their community safer they should be given the opportunity to do so. People in Town are eager to collaborate but feel shut down by the current administration and Council. In my opinion in order for change to take place the residents need to stand together and demand change. Make sure to vote on November 2, 2021 and change the members of the Town Council by giving opportunity to the people that will hear, collaborate and work for you.
Thanks!
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