Political Issues Where I Live - South Boston

BOSTON - I have lived in South Boston since late 1995. My kids were raised here. I have always felt safe here. Safe enough to walk down the street by myself at night. In the last few months though, that has changed. Businesses that were once owned by people I knew and trusted have changed hands and as a result crime has increased. We now have an increasing number of substance abusers and pan-handlers hanging out in front of stores and places we shop. There are people hanging out outside of these places asking everyone for "change" or if they can "spare a cigarette". This does not make me feel safe at all. I feel the store owners and managers need to be more pro-active about their No Loitering policies.

The public is put at risk when these people are high, strung out and are standing outside of places we go to often. One never knows how these people will react when told "No". If I go to the convenience store I usually don't take cash. Few people do. It has gotten to the point that I feel anxious about going to the store to buy a gallon of milk. It is necessary at times, but knowing what I face it's a nuisance. I feel strongly that something has to be done and soon. I feel strongly that we need the store owners and managers to step up to the plate on this issue. Someone who stops at the store quickly is putting themselves in harm's way.

The issue is two-fold. Substance abuse has increased and as a result public safety is a concern. At the end of last school year one of our local crossing guards (I'll call her J) was assaulted and beaten by a junkie. She subsequently died. J was a large contributor to our community because she genuinely loved her job and cared for the community. She was always there, dedicated. We got to know each other and would talk and when my Mom came to live with me she got to know her as well. Last winter Mom took a fall and J was right there to help her and make sure she was ok. Proof of her deep care for our community. It concerns me deeply that something so horrible happened so needlessly.

What can I do about it?

I can look for the right State Representative Candidate in my community who is dedicated to taking care of the issues that affect me, my family, those I care for in the community and look to make it a place, once again that we feel safe. Nick Collins is that candidate. He is a South Boston Native and he seems to understand the issues that affect his fellow citizens. He pledges to make Substance abuse and public safety among his top priorities for our community. He also wants input from the community members in what he calls "civic engagement". If Nick is elected and he does what he promises, than I believe South Boston can once again be a place I can be proud to call home.