Campaign Email #4 - Public Safety

Good morning, neighbors -

As promised, this governance-oriented email is going to dive into the topic of Public Safety. In one sense, it's a great example of how I intend to lead - parsing the different aspects of a given problem to better understand the contributing issues and identify solutions that will actually address the root cause(s). But on the other hand, this is a case where all the contributing issues are thorny ones, with few immediate solutions. That said - let's dive in!

This summer, I've fielded a lot of questions about homelessness and crime, especially in light of the high-profile incidents along Fairfax Boulevard. I don't believe in sugar-coating, so yes, the data shows that unhoused individuals have been responsible for the preponderance of most recent violent crime in the City. But beyond the headlines, multiple things can be true: one, the individuals responsible for these acts were already known to local law enforcement both within the City and in surrounding jurisdictions, and two, Fairfax City's crime rate is still exceptionally low. To point one: put frankly, our region has a judicial problem. Whether it's case volume, difficulty of getting testimony, politicization of the court, or some combination of these factors (and more), there is a clear trend of repeating offenders. This isn't a City problem alone to solve, but our leadership needs to clearly and consistently communicate the impact these judicial decisions are having on our community. To point two, I believe we have a responsive and well-trained police force who diligently assess and mitigate risks day in and day out, and who deserve the flexibility to spend time building relationships in the community that will pay dividends in terms of crime reduction. 

One of those places where relationships are built is in and around the Lamb Center. The City's enduring support for the Lamb Center (and now the Beacon Housing facility) speaks volumes about our foundational values: we aspire to do right by all who call Fairfax City home. Please know that I am not disparaging the mission or the clients of the Lamb Center by pointing out that there remains an increased public safety risk posed by bad actors who may pass through the Center or be affiliated with its clients. The City, by way of staff and the Human Services Committee, has a solid partnership with Lamb Center leadership wherein these risks are addressed in good faith, and I would strongly urge concerned (or just curious) residents to attend a Committee meeting to find out more.

That being said - it would be a mistake to attribute all criminal activity to homelessness. Our entire region continues to see seasonal upticks in "crimes of opportunity" (cars rifled through, vandalism, petty theft), sometimes conducted by organized criminal groups. One of the biggest things we can do to keep these incidences low in our community is simply look out for one another - the old, "if you see something, say something" adage. Another strategy is activation of our public and commercial spaces - getting more people out and about in our parks, shopping centers, and pedestrian paths is a natural deterrent for would-be criminals who capitalize on inattention. It's also why I'm in favor of pushing for code enforcement and other legal remedies that would go after absentee or otherwise negligent property owners.

Another aspect of public safety is illegal drug use. Addiction is sadly a frequent co-morbidity with homelessness, but it is absolutely not confined there. I was strongly in favor of the Chris Atwood Foundation's headquarters establishment in the City as a Planning Commissioner, and I continue to be so impressed with and grateful for their work. Evidenced-based harm reduction strategies are critical to preventing overdose deaths and helping individuals access recovery assistance, and I want to see the City continue to be on the leading edge of this movement. This is also an area where I view strong partnership with George Mason University as essential in terms of keeping all City residents healthy and safe.

As seems to be the trend with my "hot topic" emails, this one is running long. If anything I shared here resonates with you, please let me know - or better yet, share this email with a friend or neighbor. I'll also post it on the Blog section of my website for ease of sharing.

Thanks for your continuing support - looking forward to connecting with many of you soon via events and canvassing!

Sincerely,

- Kirsten