The Politics Of Violent Crime–Newton Calls Community Rally

Afternoon Update

: Police Chief Joe Gaudett, fresh off a new five-year contract, isn’t exactly relaxing the first week of the new year. Two homicides, including 14-year-old Justin Thompson in the East End on Sunday, multiple shootings, several wounded, has pressed city police into overdrive.

The crime rate’s cooperation has been a silver lining during this economic downturn. Historically when the economy craters violent crime goes in the other direction. In the recession of late 1980s and early 1990s the city experienced a murder a week and some years more, fueled by a crack cocaine epidemic. Irrespective of the recent economic malaise, crime was not a top-tier issue in the latest mayoral campaign. It has bitten several mayors through the years. Although the mayoral cycle is over this is not a low-profile election season. Hopefully, the violent action is just a blip, if not candidates for state legislative seats will turn up the heat for more police coverage with proposals, real or imagined, in the upcoming General Assembly session to appease voter unrest.

Former State Senator Ernie Newton is organizing a neighborhood rally for Wednesday, 5 p.m. at the Stratford Avenue police precinct. He says he’s inviting a cross section of community leaders to attend.