HomeMy WebLinkAboutPress Release 06-04-2024 Conrad, Gayle
From Brennan,Nicolette
Sent: Tuesday,June 4,2024 11.48 AM
To Haskin, Kenneth,Conrad,Gayle
Subject: News Release and Meeting
Please review the timeline and release below Could we meet tomorrow to cover the process with the mayor and sign-
off on the project plan before we announce it?
Anticipated Timeline
Now - Draft charter and kickoff news release under review
Thru June 5 Mayor soliciting participant registrations
June 5 Initial news release at 2pm
June 6 - KZIM live radio, Mayor's article sent to newspaper
June 13 registrations due, scheduling begins for start late July
July — December—TBD / Twice monthly two hour evenings
Mayor Announces Gun Violence Task Force
The City of Cape Girardeau is forming a task force to publicly review what is currently working, and what more could
be done to deter gun violence
"Our city has seen various issues develop in recent years that impact the level of safety we expect to see here, in our
neighborhoods and our business communities," said Kinder "Our community is pleading for these issues to be
addressed, and the City needs to partner with the community to make a difference."
The effort follows several very public incidents, including a shooting at a busy city intersection and a graduation
"Well-supported law enforcement is an essential component of public safety," said Kinder, "but they alone can't
produce the changes that are needed in our community. Those are the things this task force will begin to look into,
and specifically how the City might impact or advocate for some of those changes "
Through the end of 2024, a committee representing neighborhoods and agencies from the private, nonprofit, and
government sectors will meet to review current and potential programs and policies. The meetings are expected to
be twice-monthly and open to the public and media The topics to be covered will be partially determined by the
committee itself, but are already expected to include a review of local data, chronic nuisance property policies and
other current laws, nonprofit programs, support for at-risk youth, and successful case studies and initiatives from
other communities
"This task force will be a strong start for City Hall and our partners to dive into the issues that surround gun violence
here," said Kinder Nonprofits, law enforcement, and other service providers continuously work to end violence, but
the effort is first of its kind for Cape's city government "In partnership with the community, our combined efforts
should result in a safer Cape Girardeau "
The public can attend meetings or watch them online, providing feedback throughout the process through the
website, their Council members and staff "Our neighborhoods, families, and businesses demand this focus, and I'm
thankful for the community members who are pledging their time and energy in this important effort."
Nicolette Brennan
Citizen Services Department
Public Information Manager
City of Cape Girardeau
nbrennan@cityofcape org
573-339-6391
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