Mary Hansen
The State Journal-Register
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City leaders gathered Friday to call for unity and announce plans for a summer jobs and activities program for youth. Langfelder said that local businesses have pledged $35,000 to fund the initiative.
Ward 6 Ald. Kristin DiCenso, who voiced concern about the jump in shootings she’s seen in her ward at last week’s council meeting, praised the mayor’s efforts. She also said the Springfield Police Department could use more funding and officers, pointing out that that there are about 20 police officers patrolling the city at any one time.
Ward 2 Ald. Herman Senor emphasized that it was not just the city’s responsibility to address violence, butthat the school district, local businesses and community groups should be involved as well. “We have to make sure we’re all inclusive in moving this thing forward,” Senor said.
The broad-base support is a good thing, agreed Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin.
He’d like to see more statistics from police on shootings and deaths in the city and more information on where the gun came from in the death of 13-year-old Savanna Wilson at the hands of a 12-year-old friend two weeks ago. The 12-year-old was arrested and taken to the Sangamon County Juvenile Detention Center
“The public wants to assign responsibility for who is allowing our children to be endangered,” McMenamin said.
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 