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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Council Asked to Place Crime Task Force Ahead of Arena Task Force
by Henry Harry, published on January 5, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Storyline: crime
Crime continues to rock the Sacramento community. The shooting of Monique Nelson on December 14th, 2010 was another heartbreaking act in a long line of violence.
Just nine weeks ago, I wrote an article in this paper titled "The Challenge of Crime." Unfortunately, several more people have lost their lives since that publication date.
Following is a letter I submitted to the Sacramento City Council on January 4th, 2011 requesting creation of a Crime Task Force.
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Honorable Council Members:
After the December 21, 2010 press conference regarding homicides at the Fly Cuts barber shop, leaders and activists expressed concern the event would fade into just another “photo-opportunity.” We were pleased that our leaders appeared moved to action by this tragic shooting, yet some wondered if our complex crime problem can be best addressed by a rushed summit of elected officials and a few community leaders.
All communities experience problems, but impoverished areas, usually neighborhoods of color, suffer extreme challenges. These challenges range from economic disadvantages to entrenched gang cultures - from youth who need a little extra guidance to those who need serious intervention. While leaders preach the need to denounce the “stop snitching” code, they also know many citizens have legitimate security concerns if they come forward and point out vicious perpetrators. In fact, I have addressed this council about doing something regarding witness intimidation. These and many others issues should be discussed, and information gathered, prior to holding another summit.
A few examples of this type of information gathering can be seen in the high-profile and ongoing arena plan efforts, the Sacramento City Charter Review efforts, and the Green Wise Initiative. Citizens were allowed to engage in two-way communication in all of these important processes. Our youth deserve the same level of attention from city leaders to address our serious crime problem. I would like everyone with concerns or ideas about crime, or related conditions, afforded opportunities to participate in work-groups before we hold yet another summit.
I hope this council, and other county leaders, will support holding public meetings to allow citizens to express views about the future of our kids, our neighborhoods and our city and county. Months ago, a mayoral task force was created regarding building an arena. I implore each of you to use your power and zeal to create a task force to deal with crime. In fact, this crime task force should take priority in your thoughts, time, efforts, and use of governmental personnel and resources above the quest for a new arena.
I pray the expressions of concern and pledges to do all possible that were made by politicians at the press conference were genuine. The tragic shooting of a mother who gave her life protecting her son has put intense spotlights on the community, law enforcement and politicians to make tangible improvements. This is a pivotal moment of opportunity and I hope each of you will give this request serious consideration.
Respectfully,
Henry Harry
Community Activist
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There is fatalistic attitude among many who consider the problem beyond our city's ability to solve. That has to be fought. Initiatives for new arena, green policies and charter changes, while important to many, are simply not as critical to most Sacramentans as securing the public's safety, keeping our neighborhoods safe and saving our youth from oblivion.
If ever there was a time for the community and its leaders to come together to advocate for bold solutions, this is it.
Mayor Johnson did not attend the meeting. Much of the rest of council was disinterested too. Further, THE CITY, MBA or COuNCIL MEMBERS have taken no action of significance to prevent such violent crimes from happening again in midtown--in fact records show violent crime continues to flourish. What causes anyone to think any meaningful solutions thing will come from these meetings?
First, an ongoing task force, if it gains the support of a number of community groups, might bring some sustained advocacy and community action which one-time meetings cannot generate.
Second, we cannot give up on this issue or give in to discouragement. We have to do what we can to build community pressure on the city and the schools to deal with this problem. If elected officials see inceasing numbers of voters behind such a movement, we will start to see real action ... or we'll see new elected officials. Voters are in no mood to reelect incumbents who are failing to adequately represent their interests.
Cactus Ray, Mayor of Oak Park !
GO HENRY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!