Fewer people but more crime justifies new city courthouse

EDITOR:

Once again Bertram de Souza took a vox populi position last Sunday, which loses it credibility by the omission of one fact and its implications. The fact is: crime is up since the Ohio General Assembly adopted an antiquated population formula for municipal courts.

It is correct that the 2010 census will confirm Youngstown’s population at 70,000+.

City Council has promised the Youngstown Municipal Court financial support for the past 10 years, as stated by Administrative Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr., whose assertion and concern for security and safety are equally valid. So while overall population is spiraling downward, the 18-25 year old black male population, allegedly responsible for the vast majority of our local crimes, is not; thus “Operation Ceasefire” being initiated by Mayor Jay Williams this spring. Poverty, lack of education and crime have all escalated among this demographic, as documented by your own publication and noteworthy experts.

Along with all of the above as feeder sources, the municipal court docket, will confirm this epidemic crime wave cycle and the necessity for a new secured courthouse.

Mayor Williams is correct when showing good stewardship in pleading financial hardship. But Judge Douglas has been correct for 10 years when insisting that financial help and/or physical assistance be forthcoming for a new court to adjudicate criminal cases safely and professionally.

Two intelligent, articulate, educated, assertive and opinionated men with concerns for the citizen-voter-taxpayer. What a delightful dilemma. The real voices of the people.

CLARENCE N. BOLES

Youngstown