Potter Longway group discusses crime

The Potter Longway Neighborhood Association discussed crime Oct. 17.

President Robert Gill said that while breaking-and-entry crimes slowed down in the neighborhood, gang graffiti and gunfire are still major problems.

He complained that media is not accurately reporting crime.

"Where in America is an AK-47 shooting not a media story," he asked, referring to a recent East Side shooting.

He encouraged members to keep reporting crime and keep listening to police scanners.

Other members took a different view saying the group needed to focus not only on identifying problems, but on holding the proper authorities accountable for solving them.

"We need to become a thorn in the side of City Hall," a member advocated. "We need to keep our officials accountable."

"We also need to keep a balanced approach when discussing neighborhood activities," another member said. "There are a number of positive things going on here."

Gill reported that neighborhood signs purchased by the association from a grant he wrote have helped build awareness of the group and its goals.

Gill also announced he is moving out of the city. He said he will be staying on as president to keep the group moving, but that the group should consider new leadership in the February 2012 elections.

Burton Brown, legislative aide for Rep.Woodrow Stanley (Flint), talked about the $27 million reduction in state and personal property revenue the city will have to deal with.

"It costs the state $44,000 a year to house a prison inmate but we can't afford to fund our kids," Brown said. "The Republicans are destroying the whole fabric of our community."

Asked if the Democrats have any plans to combat the Republican cuts, Brown said, "At the state level it's difficult for Democrats to do anything because of the Republican majority."

The recycling trailer will return to Longway Park the weekend of Oct. 28.

Trees will be planted at 9 a.m. Nov. 5. People will meet at Eastwood United Methodist Church, 3312 Whittier St.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at Eastwood United Methodist Church.