On the heels of a summer that saw an increase in violence in Kansas City’s neighborhoods, Mayor Sly James announced today that he will reconstitute the Violent Crime Commission. Councilman Reed, who was instrumental in calling for the reestablishment of the Commission, will continue to be involved in as the group begins its work. The Commission will be tasked to specifically recommend innovative and effective programs and solutions that will reduce crime across the city.
“This is yet another piece of the complex set of solutions needed to reduce crime in our neighborhoods. I am looking for the best ideas and am willing to try any reasonable solution to help decrease the number of people injured and killed in our city. Every single citizen deserves the simple promise that they will be safe in Kansas City. This is a promise we make as a community. Reducing crime will take a joint effort. Any solution will require a consistent and sustained effort from the city, the police department, the faith community, neighborhood groups, schools and families. Together we can bend the trend line down. Together we will make good on our promise,” said Mayor James.
“I appreciate the Mayor acting on my recommendation to reconvene the Violent Crime Commission. With 77 homicides so far this year, violent crime in Kansas City is a problem that should concern everyone. As a Council we join the Mayor in aggressively pursuing a reduction in violent crime. This is not a cure-all, but I am confident the Commission will provide workable ideas and suggestions on the best way to move forward,” said Councilman Jermaine Reed.
Mayor James will appoint the following residents of Kansas City to the City’s Violent Crime Commission:
Chairperson Stacey Daniels-Young, Director of COMBAT
Charles Atwell, Presiding Judge, Jackson County Circuit Court
Richard Bryant, Attorney, Richard T Bryant & Associates
William Dowdell, Director of Males to Men, Kauffman Scholars Inc.
Dr. Ruby Ellis, Community Activist, Students Against Guns
C. Stan Henry,Operations Manager, The Main Street CID
Rodney Knott, Executive Director, ReEngage Inc.
Lora McDonald, Second Chance Program Director, Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission
Sr. Rose McLarney, Adjunct Professor, Avila University and founder the Missouri Restorative Justice Coalition
Pastor John Miles, Pastor, Morning Star Baptist Church
Charles Morgan, Retired, Kansas City Community Center
Jalilah Otto, Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office
Rachel Riley, Neighborhood Leader, East 23rd St. PAC
Angel Torres, Community Outreach Coordinator, Don Bosco
Dawana Wade, Sr. Vice President for Mission Services & Urban Outreach, YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Marjorie Williams, Superintendent, Hickman Mills School District
