Team, we are in the final stretch, and now, more than ever, YOUR voice matters, and your collective role as campaign advocates has never been more important. Thank you!
Over the past year, I have worked diligently to show you a vision for a unified Memphis - one with less crime and less political games, with more investment, and more emphasis on collaboration. And I promise to work even harder following the election because I never saw the election as the finish line. My goal has always been to heal our city. The finish line I see is one where Memphis is on the top of all the “best” lists. The finish line for me is a Memphis with more thriving neighborhoods and engaged communities. And I won’t stop pursuing that goal.
To get to that point, we need to get a handle on crime. We must find ways to effectively deal with the 1% of our community creating havoc. The solution requires a balanced, dual-pronged approach. We must suppress violent crime (robbery, carjacking, murder) by quickly apprehending those responsible and preventing them from reoffending. And we must prevent crime through the use of data, tracking trends in petty crime, truancy, and suspension. Using data, we can identify those likely to be future perpetrators and proactively implement intervention programs.
The first 100 days in office will set the tone for our progress. During the first 100 days, I will take thoughtful, swift, and decisive action to restore community safety. Here is a partial list of immediate steps I will take as your Mayor. -
Create Efficiencies. Work with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) to find common sense efficiencies so officers spend more time patrolling and less time with booking and reporting procedures.
- Increase resources. Provide MPD with the resources necessary to reduce chaotic driving through increased enforcement. Expanding the use of camera technology with artificial intelligence is an example of the use of technology in this effort.
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Utilize the Data. Formalize a data-sharing partnership with the Truancy Court, MPD, Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center, and Shelby County Schools. By doing so, at-risk youth can be referred to nonprofit intervention programs.
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Enhance Recruitment. Supplement the recent reinstatement of benefits and bonuses for our MPD officers with additional recruitment and retention tactics, such as defining new opportunities for growth and advancement.
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Collaborate. Work with MPD, District Attorney, Judicial System, and community partners to align our goals for crime reduction. MPD can’t solve this problem alone. We must call on non-profit and community partners to help define and implement youth-focused programs to redirect those at risk.
Together, we will move our city forward. But only with the help of grassroots volunteers like you.
We need volunteers to help us out at Early Vote locations, door knocking, phone banking, Election Day Coverage, and so much more. Click here to see a list of volunteer opportunities to help this campaign over the finish line!
Let’s Go!
Paul A. Young
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