Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Break-ins, burglaries, and car thefts remain a significant concern among Buffalo residents. James Gardner, Republican candidate for Buffalo Mayor, claims it is the No. 1 issue in the upcoming election.
"No matter what part of the city I'm in, it makes no difference if it's
business owners or homeowners. The No. 1 issue that I get asked about is crime and public safety," said Gardner with WBEN on Wednesday.
He says city leaders have a "shrugging of the shoulders mentality" when it comes to defending it.
While Buffalo Police statistics show all crime rates are down compared to last year, and down in almost all categories compared to the five-year average, Gardner says he is the only candidate talking about it.
"Perception becomes reality. If people in Buffalo do not feel their community is safe, they're no longer going to live in Buffalo. They're no longer going to restaurants downtown, and you're not going to get people to move to the city of Buffalo, which is precisely what we need," he said. "What I'm hearing is that people all over the city have lost confidence in their personal safety. It's a dangerous thing. Until we address that, nothing else matters."
Gardner has a three-point plan to turn it around in Buffalo:
1.) Create a task force with surrounding municipalities to share resources.
Gardner says often, vehicles get stolen from the city and end up in the suburbs, or the reverse happens.
2.) Review the current prohibition of Buffalo Police from pursuing stolen cars.
Gardner understands the liability issue, but when you're talking public safety, you have to go and apprehend a criminal.
3.) Legislation. Gardner says there is a need to revisit bail reform and the Raise the Age law, because the current laws enable repeat offenders, as the crimes are not bail-eligible.