Let’s cut to the chase….If the rising crime rate in Eddystone doesn’t make you mad, then what will?? I have never seen a town in such a state of denial. Our leaders are so worried about changing direction within the (what is now being called) “Wreck” Center, that they are losing sight of the safety of our neighborhood. Some residents are more concerned about attempting to publicly humiliate others with lawn signs about their house smelling like pee (yea…have you seen THAT one?), rather than demanding that our leaders take immediate action on the rise in burglaries and drug use. This town is in a shambles and it has only gone downhill in the last few years. Traditionally, a mayor is responsible for law enforcement(at least in the past and now only when it suits him) Our mayor, however, seems more interested in party-planning or monopolizing the volunteer committees with his pawns. (Insert picture of Pinky and the Brain here…Pinky: "Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?" The Brain: "The same thing we do every night, Pinky—try to take over Eddystone!")
But it’s not just about leadership. The residents are partly to blame too. Most want to complain or point the finger, instead of trying to do something about it. (Facebook really is such a great tool) I hear Neighborhood Watch has some openings. Speak out PEOPLE!!! Not on Facebook or in line at the grocery store. Come to a council meeting. Take part in taking back our town. Most of us are stuck here because our mortgages are underwater and we can’t afford to move. May as well make the most of it. If residents would just take as much pride in their REAL town as they do in their pretend farms on Facebook, Eddystone might stand a chance.
Our leaders need to come together as a unit instead of trying to find ways to tear each other down. Behave like the elected/appointed officials that you are and DO SOMETHING!! Here are some ideas to get you started.
1.Have a “Meet and Greet” between our police officers and the residents.
2.Make Neighborhood Watch something that people will WANT to join.
3.Have our police officers “walk the beat” or patrol on bikes again (whatever happened to that?)
4.Host drug awareness programs every 3 or 4 months.
5.Instead of buying yet another police car, maybe invest in some lights for our alley ways.
6.If the police chief can have a surveillance camera on his corner, maybe there is a need in other areas of town (train station, 11th and Toll, 9th and Saville)
7.Contact several home security companies and inquire about discounted rates for the community.
8.Sponsor self-defense course for residents of all ages.
These are just some of the ideas that have worked in other neighborhoods, but it took the work of a community as a WHOLE…Leaders and residents working together for the greater good. It’s like the old saying goes, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem”. Which one are you?