2. Keeping Our Streets Safe

The City of Boston has seen a dramatic increase in youth violence in 2011. Things haven’t always been this way on our streets. There was a period of time in the mid to late ‘90s when this City did not have one single teenage homicide, which was absolutely remarkable and as a result of an effort dubbed “The Boston Miracle.” The Boston Miracle was a collaborative effort that was championed by unprecedented partnerships among the Boston Police Department and various community partners. This effort was such a success that in 1997, President Bill Clinton announced a national anti-crime and community safety initiative designed to address the overwhelming issues plaguing urban areas across the country based on The Boston Miracle model.

I was part of that movement in managing the Summer of Opportunity program, which gave our kids alternatives to the numerous pitfalls waiting for them. The residents of this city should be able to leave their homes and enjoy what Boston has to offer without the fear of being innocent victims of violence.

As City Councilor, I will:
• Provide safe spaces and engaging programs for youth including vibrant neighborhood community centers, afterschool programs, extended library hours;
• Challenge our corporate citizens to train and hire city youth and mirror John Hancock’s Summer of Opportunity program; and
• Meet face-to-face with many of our most violent offenders to solicit their input on how to solve the street wars

Real leadership means standing on the front lines. I come from the same neighborhood as many of these youth, so I know it is possible for them to lead a life away from crime and violence.