A week ago, my NPJ column stated that “perception is reality” and the prevailing perception is that Natchitoches has a crime issue.
Over the past six weeks, I have visited with citizens in all four city districts and the concern is consistent. I repeatedly hear phrases like “this isn’t the town I grew up in” and “I am worried about my town.” I also have received considerable feedback validating the premise of last week’s column. Furthermore, 97 percent of responses to last week’s NPJ poll asking if crime is increasing were affirmative.
Getting a handle on crime creates opportunities which, when combined with the strategic “Natchitoches NEXT” plan, will truly make the sky the limit for Natchitoches.
A safe and secure city generates the following:
- Higher tourism (and more return visitors) pouring more tax dollars into the city.
- More retirees moving here for their “golden years.” Keep in mind that being home to a university with all it has to offer is especially attractive to those individuals.
- A larger university enrollment. Parents do their research and want to know that their child is safe and sound. More students mean a better bottom line for local businesses and an NSU regional economic impact that will grow from the current mark of $520 million.
- Businesses and companies moving here because they have a comfort level with their employees (and their families) relocating here…and best believe that they will be doing their research before committing to “setting up shop” here.
- Last but certainly not least, peace of mind for residents.
Again, continuing to expand law enforcement staff and focusing on retaining them (compensation) is imperative. Youth mentoring programs such as Big Brothers and Sisters and the rejuvenated Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana are positive. The announcement last Thursday of a renewed emphasis on enforcing curfew by the NPD will be effective. Everyone, from the mayor to city council to law enforcement officers to the community must, however, do more. See last week’s column for some of my thoughts on this and, by the way, one of them was enforcing curfew.
The horse will never be 100 percent dead but nonetheless, we must start beating it.
Final reminder – the voter registration deadline for the upcoming election is this Saturday, March 2 and must be completed on-line at vote.gov. Early voting is from March 9-16 and Election Day is March 23.
Paid for by the Greg Burke Campaign
