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2005 - Critical Year For Gwinnett's Future
Gwinnett County is not the place that it used to be! I wish I had a nickel for every time that I have heard that comment. I've heard it from people who long for a time when Gwinnett was a much slower place and I have heard it from those who are excited about the changes that have and continue to take place. But, no matter which side of the comment that you might find yourself, the statement is most certainly accurate. Gwinnett is not the place that it used to be. However, the more important question should be, what will Gwinnett become in the next few years?
2005 is a pivotal year as to what type of place Gwinnett will be for those of us who call it home. Growth, industry, and commerce are good, but the bottom line for most of us, is will it be a place that we will still want to live and raise our children? Some Gwinnettians have already answered that question by moving out and heading to some of our sister counties, but the majority of us are still willing to wait and see. I don't think that it is time to sell the farm, but I do think that it might be a good idea to mend the fences a little. The increase in crime over the past few years has been well documented, but some of those increases are to be expected. As our population continues to rise, so will our traffic woes, so will the demand on our infrastructure and yes...so will the crime rate. It's a phenomenon that cannot be erased. However, it is important that we continue to do those things that will allow us to keep pace with these changing trends.
This is accomplished by keeping a safe percentage concerning the number of police officer per citizen ratios that are vital to our overall safety. Police officers are already backed up with calls in some portions of our county which will only mean trouble in the long run. When officers run from one call to another, the prevention aspect of police work is diminished and we become nothing more than a reactive force. Criminals are well aware of things like response times, number of officers in a particular zone, and their chances of escape. It is important that we also remain conscious of these facts as we calculate how many officers that we need to do an adequate job.
Chief Walters recently told the Board of Commissioners, at their year end retreat, that the Gwinnett Force was in trouble. Having known Chief Walters for many years, the incoming Board should take him at his word. He is not one to spew rhetoric for headlines sake; he is giving us all fair warning of what we need to do to keep this county safe. It is good to know that the Chairman-elect and the incoming commissioners all ran on platforms that were tough on crime. This is a good thing and the timing could not be better. Here's an opportunity to stand firm on those campaign promises and ensure Gwinnett's safety for many years to come.
None of us expect these changes to come easy. We may have to slow down a tad on new parks, new libraries, and some of the other amenities that we all love so much. But, keep one thing in mind, if all of these fancy additions are not a safe place for us to take our families, they will become nothing more than a memorial to a Gwinnett that we wish that we had back. If we do the right thing, they will become a shining symbol of the Gwinnett that we hope for. A place of hope, prosperity, families, and yes....a feeling of being safe in our homes.
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for a great 2005!
For further information, visit www.voice4victims.com
If you are interested in having Mr. Hall speak at your next club or group meeting, please email contact information to:
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