By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo residents are being urged to attend a public hearing Monday night at City Hall that will address a number of crime issues.
Citizens will have a chance to speak out about crime issues and meet with all levels of law enforcement. The Common Council will be hosting a public hearing at 6pm in Council chambers.
"Buffalo doesn't need to be a safer city, we need to become the safest city," said Masten District Council Member Antoine Thompson.
Thompson says they will be addressing some of the city's toughest crime issues from homicides, to rival gang warfare, and illegal drug activity, as well as other violent and quality of life crimes.
"Unfortunately, it (the city) has a bad reputation in terms of violence and crime," Thompson said.
Thompson says citizens are asking for a higher level of attention to these crimes. He says lawmakers want to residents to offer recommendations.
"We must set the bar at a higher level. We can't just say we want to reduce crime. We ought tp a set a level like New York City did. We need to say we want to be the safest city in America. We need to start thinking first, second and third place, as opposed to the bottom."
Thompson says residents want to see more murder cases solved, and a stronger police presence with more city cops walking the beat. He says Monday night's public session has been designed to get results.