Citizenry can help mayor reach his goal
Johnson can't reduce homicides just by saying that is what he wants
It is likely cheers rang out across Chicago two weeks ago when Brandon Johnson declared he wants the number of homicides in the city next year to be below 500. Given the 2024 homicide total is currently at 532, with two weeks left in the year; the mayor’s wish might be attainable. He made the proclamation at the City Club of Chicago - a monthly gathering of venerable businesspeople and politicos.
Although the mayor’s speech to the members was sprinkled with the word “we,” he came across as though he has the ability to shrink the homicide number. His audience was comprised of decision-makers from throughout the county, and beyond. They no doubt interact with thousands of employees every day. That means it was the ideal time to ask for a buy-in, including from their respective corporate coffers.
Chicago’s budget situation scores high in the news every day. A plea from the mayor to help this cash-strapped city financially would not have been out of order. Johnson also could have explained how everyday Chicagoans can play a role in bringing down the homicide number.
Of every idea proffered since his election, this may be the one where there is universal acceptance. It is a concept that can easily be understood from North Shore to Roseland and all points between. Certainly, there are legions of people who are anxious to get behind the idea. Now, they need guidance on how it will be achieved. With the right direction, even naysayers are likely to get on board.
A successful Johnson-led homicide/shooting reduction campaign could be the catalyst to begin to bolster his anemic 14 percent approval rating.
Even though Chicago is rife with organizations focusing on anti-violence; Johnson may be able to glean some ideas by looking west to Richmond, California. About 17 years ago that city implemented an innovative and holistic approach to gun violence.
Richmond Office of Neighborhood Safety click her
City and police officials there were able to identify the individuals responsible for 70 percent of the shootings. They assembled the men and offered to pay them to stop shooting. However, to receive the money past the first month; the men were required to participate in self-improvement programs or courses for past convictions.
Those with domestic violence charges had to enroll in anger management courses. High school or grade school dropouts were given a set amount of time to get their GEDs. Still others had to enroll in courses that would result in them having marketable skills.
Of course, with the promise of a safer city businesses contributed financially. Every year a new and younger cohort is brought in and every year the violence abates.
Mr. Mayor follow up your homicide talk
This time next year Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to see Chicago finishing out the year with fewer than 500 homicides - a milestone. If that occurs, it will be the first time since 2015 the city’s homicide rate was under 500, That ambition and that number are sure to draw strong media attention. Johnson is correct to try to reassure residents, daytime residents and tourists he is aware of the problem and ready to address it.
If the mayor truly wants to address violent crimes, he must also develop a plan to reduce the thousands of shootings here every year. The website - heyjackass.com which tracks shooting, murders and violence catalogued 2.343 shootings as of last Friday. Get all of the detailed numbers here
Focusing on reducing the shootings may be more critical than the homicide. Gunshot victims are often traumatized-left unable to function like they could before the shooting. Often, family members might have to become fulltime caregivers, which can translate into them having to give up a full-time job. The emotional scars left by the shooting don’t always heal.
It’s past time that Chicagoans have to accept daily shootings, no matter where you live, as the norm.
If City Hall and the CPD don’t have answers it is definitely time to listen to and implement some of the thoughts of the general public.
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