by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
City Council President Michael Corrigan recently established a Special Committee for a Safer Jacksonville to help reduce violence in Jacksonville.
Corrigan said he created the committee to continue the work that members of City Council have already begun. Members of the committee include Gwen Yates, chair; Daniel Davis, Lad Daniels, Suzanne Jenkins and Mia Jones. The committee is in partnership with the Mayor’s office and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
“We are taking the work we began and incorporating it into the upcoming (2007-08) budget,” said Corrigan. “We are working toward ensuring the public safety needs of the committee.”
The committee will study public safety, intervention and prevention practices and programs. If necessary, the Safer Jacksonville committee will report its findings and propose legislation by June 30, the end of the 2006-07 term.
“The new president can reappoint the committee on July 15,” he said.
Corrigan said there are a few reasons why City Council has been focusing on a way to help reduce violent crimes in Jacksonville.
“It was a combination of the high violence rate and the closing of the Juvenile Assessment Center,” he said.
The Juvenile Assessment Center recently closed due to a lack of state funding.
“We are looking toward local funding for the center,” he said. “(Mia) Jones and I have been active in helping to restore this.”
Corrigan said Sheriff John Rutherford is also looking at adding a parole assistance program.
“We want to help make sure the sheriff gets enough funding,” he said.
Corrigan is confident the committee will help ensure available public safety dollars are used the correct way.
“This is not just to help reduce violent crime, but to make Jacksonville as safe as possible,” said Corrigan.
Misty Skipper, spokesperson for the mayor’s office, said public safety is one of Mayor John Peyton’s highest priorities.
“He is very supportive of Council President Corrigan’s efforts and looks forward to working with him on this committee and helping him in any way possible,” said Skipper.