Mt. Airy confronts rising murder rate

by ED MAHON

The murder rate is rising in Philadelphia, jumping by 21 percent from 2002 to 2003. In the 14th Police District, that upward trend continues. From January to July there have been 14 homicides in the district this year, five more than the same time period last year and one shy of last year’s total.

That spike brought more than 50 Mount Airy residents to a town meeting last week at the Sedgwick Cultural Center seeking answers to the question that State Rep. John Myers (D., Phila.) said, looms larger than life: why?

State and city officials — including the event’s host State Rep. LeAnna Washington (D., Phila.), and District Attorney Lynne Abraham, City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, and representatives from the Philadelphia Police department — focused on three things Philadelphia lacks: adequate gun legislation, federal aid and community partnership.

There was a good turnout despite the torrential downpour that one attendee said, “turned Germanton Avenue into Germantown River.”

“Murder is going to happen, whether it’s sunny, hot, snowy or rainy,” Abraham said. And in Philadelphia, murder is not only happening in all weather, but also at a higher rate than other cities. And in the 14th and 35th Police Districts, the murder rate and total crime rate are higher than most city districts. For 2003, the 14th District ranked 2nd in total crime with 5,036 and 15 homicides. In 2002, the district had ranked 4th with 5,099 total crimes and 16 homicides.

One cause heavily discussed in the question and answer session was the easy accessibility of guns in Philadelphia.

“Probably 85% of our murders in the city are by handgun,” Abraham said, adding that weapons used on the streets of Philadelphia are as lethal as those used in Iraq.

All panel participants voiced their support for tougher gun-control laws. Despite Philadelphia’s gun problem, Myers said, passing gun legislation is difficult because Pennsylvania has the second-highest National Rifle Association (NRA) membership, just behind Texas.

Even though Philadelphia is a heavily Democratic city, the majority of Pennsylvania, “is still a conservative, rural, gun-loving, state,” Myers said, citing the state legislatures’ inability to limit a person’s right to buy only one gun a month.

And even though other areas of the state do not have the same gun violence problems, Abraham said, she wished the legislature would let Philadelphia pass its own laws regarding gun restriction. But, Abraham said, the state won’t “let us” deal with Philadelphia’s problem.

There are only 94 Democrats in the state legislature as opposed to the 112 Republicans, and Myers said it takes 102 votes to get anything done in Harrisburg.

Even though Myers is not up for reelection in November, he’s waiting until after the elections to propose a new gun bill because such a controversial issue wouldn’t receive support from candidates seeking re-election.

Myers unintentionally garnered laughs when he said since gun legislation is a controversial issue, they don’t want to “pull the trigger” too early. Myers joined in the laughter, but the issue remained serious.

“Win, lose or draw we should introduce” a bill to limit gun rights, Myers said, because by doing so discussion will at least take place.

Wayne Jacobs, a member of X-offenders for Community Empowerment, said his organization is pushing for legislation that makes a gun owner responsible to report a gun missing.

Panel members also addressed reports that the FBI will send special teams to combat violence in Philadelphia. To the disappointment of the audience, Abraham said, this aid will benefit South, West and Southwest Philadelphia, but not the Northwest,

Political involvement, not just voting on election days, but sending letters to representatives could make a difference, Myers said. “One thing elected officials respond to is numbers.”

Panel members also stressed community involvement, including taking responsibility for younger people and for their neighbors.

Someone is shot outside a club, 30 people are there, Abraham said as an example, but no one is willing to testify because they fear retaliation. If all 30 people testified they wouldn’t be in danger, but if only or two people do then they are in danger, Abraham said.

Joyce Alexander, of Mothers in Charge, offered an example of the importance of community involvement and courage. Her organization is one that no one wants to belong to, Abraham said, and its membership is increasing. The group is composed solely of those who have lost family members through homicide.

Alexander’s only son was shot and killed in 2003, outside a club. Despite the large crowd outside, no suspects were identified, Alexander said.

“They say we’ve got a war in Iraq,” Alexander said,” We’ve got a war over here. We have to do something to save the kids.”

“Get involved, stay involved” was Sgt. Kevin Long of the 14th District’s message to residents. Calling the police when crime is suspected is important, Long said.

Long credits the Safe Streets Program with helping the fight on crime. Under the program, police presence at high homicide areas helps prevent “accidental homicides” where a young child is killed caught in the crossfire, changing an already sad situation to tragic.

Long said one problem is fights that escalate into homicides.

“If someone wants to kill someone, they’re going to do it,” said Long after the panel ended, but he said, the Safe Streets Program helps protect bystanders.

The meeting began just before 7 p.m and ended at 8:30 p.m., 30 minutes later than planned. Panel participants and guests were pleased with the questions.

“Well, I think we raised some important issues,” said Marc Stier, West Mt. Airy Neighbors president. “We need jobs, education, opportunity, drug education, more police and that will just make a dent.”

Stier encouraged participating in Town Watches and calling 215-438-6022, Mount Airy Safety Network, if anyone witnesses a crime. “People need to be vigilant in protecting each other,” he said.

Washington thanked the Sedgwick for allowing them to host the event, and said another town meeting to address the homicide issue is in the works for the fall.