Race for Brooklyn Park Mayor: Candidates Answer ‘What Can Be Done to Stop Violent Crime?’
Brooklyn Park voters will elect a mayor in a special election to fill the remainder of Jeff Lunde’s term. We invited both candidates to come to our studios and answer three key questions impacting the city. Both candidates received the questions ahead of time.
Lisa Jacobson and Hollies Winston answered the question of ‘what can be done to stop violent crime?’
It’s been a violent summer thus far in Brooklyn Park. Shots-fired calls are up 55 percent from this same time last year, with more than 60 cases so far.
The area around 63rd and Zane has been a particular hot spot. Faith groups have kicked off a 21 days of peace initiative there.
Police have also expressed frustrations about a lack of cooperation at the scene of crimes.
Brooklyn Park police are also down nine officers on paper, but functionally they are down 17 officers who are either in training or cannot work. The city has an authorized strength of 107 officers.
Visit our Brooklyn Park Special Election Home Page Here
What Can Be Done to Stop Violent Crime?’
Lisa Jacobson said gang violence and domestic violence are on the rise in Brooklyn Park and nationally too. She says the city is currently “not sitting on its hands.”
“We’re working in the areas that are affected, including our largest apartment complex. I was out there last week walking the grounds and talking to the people in charge,” said Jacobson. “The things they are doing and putting in place and working in partnership with our police department are making a difference.”
Jacobson went on to say she would like the city to start a youth mentoring program.
Hollies Winston says there are two things that need to be done to address violent crime. One of those is youth programming to give kids something positive to do.
The other is greater police presence.
“The issue with more police presence is that police are coming on the crime scene and folks in the community are coming out with their cameras because they don’t have that faith in police, so police can’t be effective, nor can they be safe in that situation,” said Winston. “You have to address that faith piece by bringing other resources to the police.”
See also: How did candidates answer the question, “What can be done to encourage racial healing and bring people together in Brooklyn Park?”
To learn more about voting in Brooklyn Park, click here.
