AGAINST VIOLENCE: Rising concern about violence — as evidcenced by a march last Saturday — brings a news conference tomorrow by Mayor Stodola. Facebook

With Little Rock homicides trending higher than recent years (32 through last night) and still an absence of charges against shooters in the Prime Ultra Lounge gun battle and with 2018 an election year, Mayor Mark Stodola has scheduled a news conference tomorrow on violence reduction.

The mayor and city staff will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. Thursday at City Hall (remember that IDs are required for entry to City Hall beyond the rotunda and no guns are allowed)

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The news release says the mayor — and city directors are invited — will unveil  LR for Life. It’s described as “a comprehensive strategy and action plan that includes current and new measures aimed at violence reduction in the City of Little Rock.” The release lists these “six pillars” of the program:

Stopping the violence
Disrupt violence before it starts. Offer potential victims a way out of violence. Aggressively prosecute the small percentage of those who are repeat violent offenders.

Strengthening Little Rock Police Department
Strong police work combined with help from the community prevents violence in neighborhoods and quickly holds those who commit violent crimes accountable.

Improving the criminal justice system
Continue working with a task force of criminal justice professionals convened by the Mayor to find ways to improve the criminal justice system.

Investing in prevention
Place heavy emphasis on helping young people and families succeed.

Promoting jobs, opportunity and education

Employment helps people recognize their self worth. To change direction away from crime they need to have something too important to lose – a job.

Rebuilding neighborhoods
Blight threatens public safety, lowers property values, holds back neighborhoods and degrades quality of life. By eliminating blight, we are revitalizing neighborhoods.

These are familiar themes. Specific steps to advance them will presumably be offered tomorrow.

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Stodola, who’s said he’ll run for a fourth term next year, already faces one announced opponent, state Rep. Warwick Sabin, who talked of public safety in his announcement. State Rep. Clarke Tucker is also considering the race. All three were on hand for the KARK/Fox 16 Victory Over Violence march last Saturday. When the crime rate rises, it is easier to be on the outside than at the top of the City Hall flow chart.

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