The Disconnection of Westchester County Goverment with its People

April 2, 2009

There is hypocrisy in Westchester politics. Why did the County Executive and Legislators push a shotspotter system that is neither preventative nor a true quality of life investment for the residents of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers while residents of Ardsley received monies for school improvement, road maintenance and wireless systems for their schools?

As citizens, we must ask if Mt. Vernon and Yonkers whose high schools are averaging a 60 percent graduation rate (according to publicschoolreview.com) and the majority of the gun violence are perpetrated by 16-22 years old who have either dropped out of school, can't find a means to make a living and turn to guns, gangs and violence for means of survival. Why our legislators and County Executive did not see a greater need to invest in our youth and in our community? What about something very simple; Create jobs with the 3 million dollars. Not to mention it will cost another 300 thousand dollars to maintain and operate this system. Yet, Mt. Vernon’s operating techniques are ancient. Officers lack the proper equipment in squad cars such as computers to run license plates or I.D checks and working car-cams. Just small investment in the officers will help them do their work more proficiently, effectively and safe.

Our County Executive and Legislators are disconnected. How does Shotspotter invest in our community, our people, and our children? Does this really make the citizens of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers feel safer and more secure?

If the community leaders and politicians were really connected to the community they would know that it is easier for a child to get a gun on the streets of Southern Westchester than a job since no politician is really serious about creating jobs in Southern Westchester. The tax payers are force to take Shotspotter.

The community meeting at Grace Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 31, Mt Vernon Police Chief Duncan mentioned implementing Operation Protect. The National Black Police Association is familiar with this program. As a national organization we offer all of our assistance and resources to make it effective, but it will take many community components such as: social work, education, proper outreach, and job placement to make this program truly effective.

If community and political leaders truly want change they should demand that their tax payer dollars are better spent on preventive measures such as Operation Protect that Mt. Vernon Police Chief Duncan has spoken of to provide a more effective tools to reducing crime as opposed to a haphazard device that sounds good but does not create a long lasting solution to the prevention or reduction of crime in our neighborhoods.