If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
Kwame Kilpatrick's conviction might feel like the end of a chapter, but there's many more stories to follow. Despite Detroit's own precarious future, we see evidence every day that people, and cities, can change for the better.
Amid the many political distractions associated with a city in crisis, it is easy to lose track of the main purpose of city government: the health, safety and well-being of its citizens.
Crime continues to be Detroit's number one issue. It is on the mind of every citizen. We will not thrive until the perception of Detroit is changed to that of a safe city through reducing the number of crime victims.
While full of possibility and enormous opportunity for growth and renewal, Detroit's future remains tenuous. Our civic leaders must urgently confront the deep historical challenges that are engulfing us today with three essential tasks.
Monday, January 21, at least 10 shots were fired from an SUV a man was killed on the sidewalk, about a thousand feet from my front door. But I don't feel unsafe is because the neighborhood mobilized instantly.
I am concerned that there are not sufficient strategies in place to reduce the number of crime victims in Detroit and change the perception that Detroit is not a safe city. In my view, there are 10 strategies to achieve the goal.
As Detroit nears the possible appointment of an emergency financial manager, it's important to note that although the current pace of change is not as rapid as necessary to extinguish this fiscal crisis, we have made progress since 2009.
After spending some time here, I saw an alternative view of Detroit: a model for self-reliance and growth. They'd welcome help, but they're not counting on it.
I know all too well the damage that crime can have on families and our community. However, I caution Detroiters and people looking to move here -- the crime you see on the news is not a citywide epidemic and it's not insurmountable.
There is another news report this week about a potential lead in solving the case of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance. Rather than participating in the media circus, I ask you to reflect for a moment on the impact of his abduction on those who loved him most -- his family.
When you look at the social decay of Detroit's neighborhoods, you see a city that is on life support. The majority of Detroit citizens have given up hope and crossed over to desperation.
Detroit has made a reputation on building things, so let's start by building a future without fear.
Detroit and Hamtramck residents -- in fact many residents across Michigan -- have a primary, burning issue. They have a strong need for their quality of life to be improved.
As an elected official, I will work diligently towards restoring faith and confidence back into our government by providing the highest level of integrity to the office of State Representative.
It's no secret that Wayne County government faces a budget deficit and ongoing economic challenges with declining property values. However, now is not the time to decrease resources for public safety.
How in the world can someone from the city that made gangland shootings famous worry that one more shooting means Chicago is "becoming Detroit?"
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