ELECTION 2011: What can we do about Crime?

What are you going to do about crime in Chester? is a popular question being asked these days.

Simple. Get rid of all people 25 and under.

I know that’s a stupid answer, but isn’t most violent crime committed by young adults and teens, not just in Chester, but around the country.

It’s so sad to see the violent mentality of our young people. It’s even sadder that no one has figured out how to stop it; not in Philly, Chicago, LA, New York, Atlanta, Memphis, Cleveland, or Upper Darby.

Yet, some folks blame politicians for these crimes and expect them to come up with all the solutions. 

In my opinion, it’s not a political problem as much as it’s a social, psychological, and family problem. Lack of recreation, employment, and food doesn’t help either. 

Politicians don’t make criminals and the only tool they have at their disposal is a commitment to provide public safety by way of a police force.

Chester has all types of police at its disposal. 

As I sit on my front porch, I see Chester City Police, State Troopers, Delaware River Port Authority Police, School District Police, Public Housing Police, Homeland Security, Police from nearby towns from around the county, and a lot of unmarked official looking cars with guys in sunglasses and vests.

I’d be willing to bet that no city in Delaware County has a greater police presence than Chester.

But even with all this fire power, kids are still acting stupid. Too many have no fear of death, destruction, or jail.

I believe Chester’s abundance of law enforcement is a result of Mayor Butler’s familiarity with it as a former police commissioner.

Let’s be real. No matter who takes the office of mayor in November, they will still be faced with a crime problem that no one has found a solution to anywhere in the country.  

I’m sticking with the guy who is committed to keeping an abundance of police protection on our streets. It may not be the total solution but I’d feel worse without it.