Law and Order: Knoxville Style

I woke up this morning to news of a gunshot victim in Downtown, specifically at the intersection of Bell and Summit Hill. This sort of thing is not ok. We can not simply accept incidents like this in our community as has often been the case in the past.

For too long, this part of the city has been looked down upon as unsafe, undesirable, and maybe even unworthy of the effort it would take to solve the problems. I don't believe this to be the case at all. This District is blessed with some of the best property in the city. We are urban but not overcrowded, we are Downtown but not out of touch.

As county commissioner one of my prime concerns will be to bring back a time honored and tested method of law enforcement and prevention, Police officers on the beat. Oh I'm not saying that this will solve the root of the problems that exist. Last nights' shooting would likely have happened whether or not there was a police offer who regularly strolled by the Wiegels.

But we need a multi-leveled approach to addressing crime, beginning with the basics of bringing the police back into a relationship with the community. It's time to begin the long process of changing downtown's image. Making it family friendly again, bringing those people who will make a life in the district, but need to know that they're safe.

We can change it, but there needs to be a new face for this new direction, and I believe I offer that.