Saturday, November 1, 2008

Rene Varela, Candidate for Commissioner District 4, on Crime

Today we were out canvassing in the south part of the City when all of a sudden a Sheriff's vehicle went tearing by. Soon after, the sheriff's helicopter was circling the sky. We found out that someone had stolen a vehicle and they were boxing him in.

  • Crime and ‘lawlessness’

The specter of crime in our neighborhoods is a product of the environment that has been promoted through governmental negligence. We must once again reflect the best values of Lake Worth residents to demand accountability, consistency, and fairness from all public servants and residents. The residents of this city must be assured that all ordinances are enforced and that we as public servants and residents demand appropriate and respectful behavior from everyone in this city.

The responsibility lies with all of us, but the process must begin in the actions of the city government. All of the components of government and community must work together to end this growing feeling of lawlessness in our city.

Now that the current commission has decided to have our Police Department merge with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department, we will continue to work toward removing the county-wide scourge of gang violence. However, it will take a dedicated commissioner who will persistently ensure that the concerns and needs of our residents are at the forefront of the mind of the local commander and the higher command of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department.