Recent polling clearly illustrates the strengthening belief of New Orleans residents that they are at risk of becoming the next victim(s) of crime. This feeling is not isolated, but pervasive, reflected by the results of the New Orleans Crime Coalition survey that finds only 65% of residents in the Crescent City believe their city, the place they call home…is NOT safe. AND, some 74% believe the crime problem has gotten worse over the last year. (The survey is broken down by neighborhoods and the genuine sentiments of fear and dissatisfaction permeate many.)
Mayor Cantrell’s response to the poll leaves much to be desired and as such residents should demand more. To respond in sound bites at a press conference saying “we’re concerned as well…and nothing stops a bullet like a job,” then listing programs funded with little or no additional information should not and canNOT be acceptable. The who, what, why and how of each program needs to be fully explained. In addition, there should be a correlation between the programs and how these programs help to reduce crime. Moreover, the city should illustrate how these programs fit within the overall crime fighting strategy that the city is deploying, because right now they’re not working - evidence points to a failing strategy.
Political theater in the midst of an election season is so predictable, it is particularly frustrating and distasteful when it involves the safety and well-being of the city’s residents! No big surprise that there was a mention of hiring more police-let’s hope it’s not an empty promise just to garner votes! Are you satisfied yet? I’m not. DEMAND MORE!!!
