These city council candidates are running unopposed. Here are their thoughts on crime
EVANSVILLE — The Courier & Press asked candidates for Evansville City Council to share their responses to questions about some of the local issues on residents' minds.
Six seats are open on the nine-member city council in the Nov. 7 general election. This includes First Ward, Second Ward, Third Ward and three At-Large seats.
Because there are 12 candidates competing to fill these positions, the candidates were asked to keep replies to 200 words or less. The Courier & Press also gave the uncontested councilors seeking reelection the opportunity to answer.
Running unopposed are Fourth Ward representative Alex Burton, Fifth Ward councilor Angela Koehler-Lindsey and Sixth Ward representative Jim Brinkmeyer.
More: These city council candidates are running unopposed. Here are their thoughts on city parks
Fourth Ward: Alex Burton
Do you feel there is an issue with crime in your ward? If so, what do you see as the most serious concern?
Unfortunately, crime exists everywhere. According to a report published by the Police Foundation - poverty, unemployment, sub-standard housing, inadequate education, racism, disease, inadequate health care, physical deterioration, and drugs are all related to crime in cities that mirror the 4th Ward. These issues have been at the forefront of what I have sought to address as Councilman.
In order for our entire city to thrive, we must address all of the things mentioned above, while also using the tools we currently have like the (1) Promise Zone, (2) the recently obtained Promise Neighborhood Grant via the US Dept. of Education, and (3) all effective (and willing) nonprofit organizations that work with children, adults, families, housing, healthcare, drug prevention, and mental health. The organizations that are truly effective should get the bulk of resources to usher our community into its best future.
What role do you believe a city councilor plays in crime prevention and response?
A City Councilor must be in tune with what is happening in our community as it relates to crime, crime prevention, and response. This means listening to the community, putting the right person as our representative on the Police Merit Commission, allocate funding when necessary, and ensure a city budget is passed that keeps our community safe.
I have fielded the most calls, messaged the most videos, and answered the most questions as it relates to crime and our police department more than any other Councilor (or candidate). I work with Chief Bolin and his leadership team to create a safer Evansville. This includes voting to update equipment, install license plate readers, place surveillance vehicles in neighborhoods, and hire a consultant to implement strategy that leads to crime reduction.
Do you believe local law enforcement has a good relationship with the community in your ward?
As a City Councilman, I have been incredibly vocal about the importance of strong and healthy relationships. Again, I am proud of the work led by Chief Bolin to ensure the public perception of the police department has improved. Things are certainly better than what they were 10 years ago, but things can always be better. Unfortunately, a lot of my neighbors have had bad experiences.
Moving forward, I am looking forward to the next Administration embracing what Chief Bolin has implemented. Relationships matter and it is imperative that more people from our community (Evansville) serve on the police force. It is my hope that in the next decade, more residents of the 4th Ward will serve on the police department. Evansville deserves to have its officers live among us.
Are Evansville police officers paid appropriately? If not, would you support raises across the department if elected to city council?
Every city employee deserves to have a wage that is competitive and aligns to the cost of living. I’m proud of the work that this Council has done to ensure that public safety continues to be take care of. I’m looking forward to making every employee of the city feel valued and that is reflected in their pay. Moving forward, I would love to incentivize officers who choose to live in the urban core, specifically in the 2nd and 4th Wards.
If elected, would you speak publicly in the situation of police killing a community member during an arrest or other interaction?
As Councilman, I speak publicly when necessary. I’m grateful that our community has a Chief and Police Merit Commission that is fair. I fully trust both the Chief and Commissioners that govern EPD. I am hopeful that the next Administration will keep us going in the right direction.
Is the Evansville Police Department equipped to respond to mental health or substance abuse crises?
Unfortunately, there are not enough resources dedicated to Mental Health or Substance Abuse in our community. I’m grateful EPD has officers dedicated to persons when in crisis, but there could and should be more. Bloomington and Indianapolis are two cities that have approached mental health and substance abuse in a creative way. Moving forward, I will gladly vote in favor of city resources being allocated to better equipping a unit and/or officers to handle 24/7.
Fifth Ward, Angela Koehler-Lindsey
Do you feel there is an issue with crime in your ward? If so, what do you see as the most serious concern?
Crime is an on-going issue throughout the city, including the 5th Ward. Public safety will always be one of the most important issues for this community.. Our citizens need to know that we are doing everything possible to keep them safe. As a member of the city council, I will continue to be available to listen to concerns from my constituents and assist in any way that I am able to keep crime low and keep them safe!
What role do you believe a city councilor plays in crime prevention and response?
As the fiscal body of the city, we must prioritize allocation of funds for our police department to provide the necessary tools to prevent crime. It is also important to get involved in neighborhood associations to keep open lines of communication between police and neighbors.
Do you believe local law enforcement has a good relationship with the community in your ward?
I believe that our local law enforcement works hard to establish and maintain a good relationship with our community. I see amazing programs like Cops Connecting with Kids, School Liaison officers, and law enforcement volunteers in Youth Resources programs as a few examples of building important community relations.
Are Evansville police officers paid appropriately? If not, would you support raises across the department if elected to city council?
As I stated earlier, I believe that Public Safety will always be the top issue in the city budget. I will continue to support appropriate salaries and raises for our police officers.
If elected, would you speak publicly in the situation of police killing a community member during an arrest or other interaction?
As an elected official, I will comment publicly when it is appropriate to speak on any issue. It is important to keep open lines of communication.
Is the Evansville Police Department equipped to respond to mental health or substance abuse crises?
We need to continue to do everything possible to better equip our police department to respond to mental health and substance abuse issues. Education, training, and proper funding must be part of the tools in our box.
Sixth Ward, Jim Brinkmeyer
Do you feel there is an issue with crime in your ward? If so, what do you see as the most serious concern?
There are various parts of the 6th ward that have more crime than other parts. When talking to constituents most would just like there to be a more visible police presence.
Do you believe local law enforcement has a good relationship with the community in your ward?
I do believe that our Crime Prevention officers in the 6th ward have a good relationship with our constituents. They talk to and respond to issues that are brought to their attention. They do a good job. I have worked with them on a number of issues that have been resolved.
Are Evansville police officers paid appropriately? If not, would you support raises across the department if elected to city council?
I believe that being a police officer is a difficult job. I think a raise is in order for the Department.
Is the Evansville Police Department equipped to respond to mental health or substance abuse crises?
The Department does its best with the resources they have. I think most Police Departments around the country could use mental health and substance abuse professionals to help dealing with these tough situations. As always, the hard part is finding money in an already tight budget to fund these professionals.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Here are Evansville's unopposed city councilors thoughts on crime
