News-Gazette, Town Hall #7: Reduce Youth Crime
Urbana, IL (News-Gazette)—Urbana High School student SHAMAR SALTER asks: How do you plan on reducing crime in the community? More specifically, areas that may affect the youth or put them at risk.
“I want to thank Shamar Salter for raising this important question. By genuinely listening to our youth, we can better understand the root causes of crime: poverty, lack of care, domestic violence, limited parenting support, youth gangs, and access to guns. Youth leadership is key to addressing these challenges.
“I’ve engaged with students, teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers across Urbana schools.
“At Yankee Ridge Multilingual School, I learned about the challenges faced by immigrant families and ways to support them. At Urbana Middle School’s Winter Market, hosted by the UMS PTSA, I witnessed fundraising efforts for feminine products and other essentials. At a UHS PTSA meeting, I heard Student Ambassadors share ideas about supporting peers, managing finances, and improving their community.
“My administration will introduce a Teen Council and collaborate with Urbana’s leadership to amplify youth voices. Students have expressed ideas about mental health support, safe routes to school, lowering speed limits, adding crosswalks, and the role of School Resource Officers (SROs). Questions such as why Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), like those at the University of Illinois, aren’t implemented in Urbana have also emerged.
“To address these issues, I plan to collaborate with stakeholders from the Urbana School District, the University of Illinois, the Urbana Police Department, PTAs/PTSAs, parks, libraries, and local organizations. We can create a coalition to support youth and tackle the root causes of crime.
“Empowering youth and addressing their needs can build a safer, more affordable, and better-connected community for everyone.”
—ANNIE ADAMS
