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Madam Mayor, Council, good evening to you all.
I'm here tonight for a couple reasons. One, to thank you for removing the graffiti on the wall at sunset and Travis. I looked at Trust No One on that wall for over 6 months. Secondly, I want to address what I witnessed while that and other graffiti existed on the wall. Then I'll offer solutions.
It all started with a vacant lot. I presented on this in the past, little responsibility shown for its upkeep, garbage accumulated then the graffiti showed up. I think we are all aware of the perils of graffiti and how it degrades a community. Saying we don't care for the area the homeless moved in and set up camp. Next, following the broken windows theory crime, violence and the fear of crime follow.
We could check with the police dept to verify but we don't have time so I'm going to cherry pick one example. About a month ago a mother on drugs and alcohol at 8:30 in the morning caused a horrific accident in front of grange middle school, one that will reverberate through that community and the two families for years and decades to come. Graffiti is expensive to combat, when accidents like this are considered, it gets very expensive.
I'm not saying the graffiti caused her behavior, I'm saying the negative and threatening messages in that area coupled with the difficulty she has dealing with her daily stresses don't help.
In an earlier speech I suggested the words love, trust and unity on the wall for a better environment. I also see a lot of 13's painted in the area- taking control and producing fear. I tried 4 times on the My Fairfield App to have the wording removed. Twice I said I'll do it. No response.
We can change this environment so events like this are rare and less likely.
First, we must decide what graffiti is. When is it art and when is it offensive.
Second, where is it acceptable. On the front of a building? On the sides? In tunnels? No where?
I drove down N. Texas this afternoon and it's looking really good. Businesses are cleaning up their fronts. — getting control of their physical environments. I might start spending my money there as it looks safer.
Lastly, you have a program coffee with a cop. Let's add paint with a cop. No? What about paint with a rookie? Paint with a cadet? Paint with a first responder? Engage your residents.
So, let's do some painting and fight crime together. Get it started. I believe a resident or art student will take the lead.
Have a good night.
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