CRIME.

There is nothing pretty, nice, or fun when it comes to crime.  It’s a problem many cities deal with, and a general frustration of citizens everywhere.  Lately it’s frequently found on the minds and lips of East Ridge residents.

Since first announcing my intentions to seek a city council seat this November, I have had this concern come up in practically every conversation.  Most citizens I’ve spoken with feel that while economically things in East Ridge seem on an upward trend, when it comes to crime things are getting worse.  There have been more incidents of gun violence and armed robbery than ever before.

Police Chief J.R. Reed has been making an effort since last budget cycle to get laptop and mobile reporting in cars.  This will allow officers to file reports from their cars making them visible and as such a bigger deterrent  to crime than an officer at the station filing a report.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t solve the problem … we just don’t have enough officers.

With Bass Pro opening and further development going on officers will be stretched even thinner.  It’s time city leaders take the steps to create more positions in the police force.  Then fill those positions with cops who understand that in East Ridge catching and arresting criminals is job one.

This week the City Council will take up the newly proposed budget.  This makes right now the perfect time for city expenses to be looked at and the needs of the citizens, particularly the need for increased police protection, to be prioritized and budgeted.  

I understand that at the feet of the council lay many issues that need to be dealt with.  I argue _ and I believe reasonably so _ that it’s time to make sure the needs of citizens are addressed and met before any funds are allocated to non-essential items.  Let’s make sure those that protect us and our property _ both police and fire departments _ have the manpower, and equipment they need. Manpower alone isn’t always enough. It’s about having the tools and resources you need to execute your objective.

Let’s figure out what those items are and budget for them.

Finally, since we are talking about the budget, let’s take the complex items on the budget and separate them in a manner that makes expenditures more transparent.  After all, this is the people’s money and taking an extra step or two for the sake of accountability and transparency is never a bad thing … unless there is something to hide.

If you’ve read this and agree with me then I ask you to reach out to a council member or the city manager and ask them to support these ideas.  Stress to them that you expect the safety and welfare of the citizens to be their top priority.