Keeping citizens safe is the primary responsibility of any government. The very first tax collected in this country was for this purpose.

We are fortunate to have top notch police, fire and paramedic services in Richmond, though the funding received by these departments has at times made their jobs more difficult to accomplish. These men and women, those we call upon on the worst days of our lives, deserve to work in departments that are properly funded. One of the common complaints across the district is crime, mostly of a nuisance level. Community officers average four per shift per precinct. While an officer on every corner is not realistic, I know we can do better than the current citizen/officer ratio, just as I know this will impact crime statistics in a positive way.

Whether it is new equipment, additional “on the street” personnel both in cars and on bicycles, or some other need, I will work to make certain those who have sworn to protect and serve will not have to settle for react and serve.