by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Sheriff John Rutherford simplified the math for everyone.
“One gun and one thug equals one grand,” he said at Tuesday’s press conference at Highlands Little League park to announce the gun bounty portion of Operation Safe Streets.
The initiative — created by the Dalton Agency — is called “See it, say it, stop it” and is sponsored by the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to put those carrying illegal guns behind bars and reward those who turn them in. Mayor John Peyton echoed Rutherford’s simplification of the program designed to serve as another facet to lowering the escalating murder rate in Jacksonville.
“This is not to be confused with the gun buy back program,” said Peyton. “This is a gun bounty. We are going after the person carrying the gun.”
A year ago, Burr — who was chair-elect at the time — met with State Attorney Harry Shorstein to devise a way the Chamber could help with the violent crime problem in Jacksonville. Burr said the Chamber would help as long as the initiative was actionable. The answer came a month ago when Chamber Chair Ed Burr got a phone call from Rutherford.
The Chamber committed to raising $200,000 and the effort was spearheaded by Haskell President/CEO Steve Halverson. It didn’t take long.
“We started last Wednesday and on the first day we had $50,000. By the second day we had $100,000,” said Halverson, noting City Council member Kevin Hyde who responded “within 30” seconds of Halverson’s e-mail seeking help. “After six days we had $180,000.”
Rutherford, through drug seizure and promotional funds, is kicking in another $130,000.
Halverson said the overwhelming response indicates three things to him: 1) the business community cares, 2) the business community understands the murder rate is an intolerable situation and 3) the business community believes in the local elected officials.
“Burn through this money and put 100 people behind bars,” said Halverson to Rutherford. “There’s more where this came from.”
Peyton said it was important to have the backing of both the business community and the local faith community, as evidenced by the 6,000 that attended Saturday’s “Day of Faith” at the Arena. Peyton also said he knew the Chamber would respond.
“I predicted this. Jacksonville has a history of responding,” said Peyton, pointing to Consolidation, the acquisition of the Jaguars and the passing of the Better Jacksonville Plan as examples.
Burr called what Halverson did “one of the greatest efforts in a short period of time I’ve ever seen.” Burr, who is usually careful about choosing his words, had a harsh message for those out there carrying firearms.
“We have got $100,000 to buy the guns and $100,000 to tell the criminals, ‘We are coming after you and we are going to get guns off the street.’ The real power of this is the coming together to stop and reduce crime in Jacksonville,” said Burr. “We are going to let the criminals know it’s not OK to commit crimes in Jacksonville, we are coming after you and we are going to get you.”