Making Eries Streets Safe

Keeping our city safe from crime and violence is of the utmost importance to Bob Merski.

Over the past few years, Erie has seen an increase of crime, gun violence and a lack of cooperation with the community in
bringing those responsible to justice. It is vital to ensure that this problem is brought under control immediately and Bob Merski
will make this issue a top priority. As Mayor, Bob will work with federal, state and local law enforcement, to do whatever he can
to ensure safety on Eries streets. Of paramount concern is the increase in gun violence and the use of illegal weapons. Bob will
work with law enforcement to increase resources and funding to decrease violence in the city. He will also implement proven
community policing strategies to foster trust between the community and law enforcement and expand successful Neighborhood
Watch programs throughout the city.

Key priorities:
WORK WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO USE ALL LEGAL MEANS TO GET ILLEGAL
GUNS OFF OF ERIES STREETS. As the son of former Erie County Sheriff, Robert Merski, Bob recognizes that there are
many law abiding citizens in Erie who are responsible firearm owners. However, there are also those individuals who do not
respect the heavy responsibility of owning a gun. As Mayor, Bob plans to work closely with law enforcement to combat the
issue of illegal weapon possession and use.

IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY POLICING POLICIES TO FOSTER TRUST BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND
POLICE. Many cities across the nation have successfully developed and implemented policing strategies that focus on
the police working closely with individuals in the community to build ties and foster relationships. Bob believes a similar
approach would succeed here in Erie to help reduce some of the crime facing our neighborhoods and the reluctance of the
community to work with the police in bringing those offenders to justice.

PUT AN OFFICER FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION TEAM IN EACH OF THE COMMUNITY CENTERS. The
Neighborhood Action Team was established in February of 2002 under the Community Development Block Grant to combat
violence and gang activity occurring in the inner-city. Our community centers in Erie, such as the MLK and JFK Centers,
serve a vital role in the city as central locations in our neighborhoods that offer services and outreach to our community.
Installing a police officer in those locations allows the community centers to continue to be a welcoming and safe place for
city residents and also promotes accessibility and a presence of law enforcement in our neighborhoods.
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 Making Eries Streets Safe
Key priorities (continued):
PARTNER WITH ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY FOR MORE COMMUNITY POLICING GRANTS AND FUNDS. Bob
Merski understands that many of Eries taxpayers are stretched thin, financially. So, while it is important to continually bring
in revenue to support law enforcement, a Merski Administration would seek funding from outside sources and grants to
support public safety before increasing taxes for city residents.

WORK WITH UNIFIED ERIE TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM AND HELP CONVICTED OFFENDERS RE-ENTER
SOCIETY AS PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS. In the book of Matthew, Peter asked Jesus, How many times shall I forgive
my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus response was clear, I tell you, not seven times, but
seventy-seven times. Bob believes that too often we forget that individuals who are re-entering the community after being
incarcerated need opportunities that will support their rehabilitation and allow them to be productive citizens. Bob supports
the work of Unified Erie in the reduction of recidivism here in Erie, and would be a partner with them to achieve common
goals.

EXPAND AND SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS. Bob founded the South East Hills
Neighborhood watch in 2007 and has been an ardent supporter of all of Eries watch groups since. He believes that they are
successful in reducing crime and bringing the neighborhood together. Bob believes that safety in our community is, not
only contingent on law enforcement, but it also depends on the vigilance and reporting by residents of our neighborhoods.

MODERNIZE OUR FIRE HOUSES. Eries bravest have been making the best of antiquated equipment for far too long.
There are available grants and organizations who work to secure funding for public safety improvements and a Merski
Administration would be relentless in securing those funds to make needed improvements.