May 15, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends, 

Last Friday I had the opportunity to sit down with approximately 60 leaders of the faith community. We had a very productive dialogue and I’m grateful they answered the call to be part of my annual “Ceasefire Sabbath.” This weekend faith leaders throughout Milwaukee will deliver a message of non-violence and encourage a summer of peace. Simply put: using a gun to solve a dispute is not the answer.

Public safety has always been my top priority and Ceasefire Sabbath is an important part of my efforts to galvanize the community in fighting crime, reducing violence and making every Milwaukee neighborhood safe. Congregations around the City will stand together to help rid the community of violence and illegal guns.

Our efforts to make Milwaukee a safer city are paying off. Homicides of young African American men plunged 65% last year. That’s still too many homicides and we have much work to do, but that’s a stunning one-year drop.

I believe that faith is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive community. Historically, it has been religious leaders who have led the charge for social justice and played integral roles in effective crime and violence prevention initiatives. I believe the same holds true today.

I know that the persons in the pews are not likely to commit violent crimes. As I personally visit churches throughout the City this weekend, I will call on congregation members, family members, and neighbors to reach out to relatives or neighbors and help deliver the message that violence in our neighborhoods will not be tolerated.

Last year’s crime statistics show there is a shared desire in Milwaukee to make our city safer and stronger by reducing crime. I look forward to working with all of our partners in continuing the progress we’ve made in reducing homicides and violent crime in Milwaukee.

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor