February 2009
Community Paper
copyright ©2009 by Community Paper College Park, Inc. All rights reserved.


From the Desk of City Commissioner Robert Stuart

As the first month of 2009 ends, it is my hope that even with our economic struggles we will continue to see a renewed involvement of our citizens in their community and in their government. And while the economy certainly influences much of what we are dealing with at City Hall, I continue to try to focus on what I believe is one of the primary responsibilities of your City government, and that is public safety.

For those of you who know me, you have probably realized that I am someone who likes to deal in facts. So as we all continue to deal with the realities of today’s world as it relates to crime, I wanted to study the statistics for the past two years and share with you what I have learned from speaking to the experts at the Orlando Police Department.
With regard to the College Park area, commercial and residential burglaries are down 29% from 2007 to 2008. Aggravated assaults are down 22% and car thefts are down 45% in the same time period. But, there has been a significant increase in car break-ins from 2007 to 2008. And that is where I want to focus.

As OPD puts it, these kinds of crimes are crimes of opportunity. Criminals find opportunities when cars aren’t parked in a secure location (such as a garage), when electronic devices, such as IPODs, satellite radios, and GPS units, are visible in a person’s vehicle or when cars are left unlocked. This is not to say that any theft is excusable or that any car owner in College Park who has done these things is in any way deserving of or responsible for this kind of violation happening to them.

But by being aware of these risks and trying to avoid them, we can all help our community to be a safer place. And while many of you may think I sound like a broken record, one of the best ways to create community awareness and to focus citizens on crime prevention is to start a Neighborhood Watch program on your street. I am proud to say that in 2008, out of all 6 districts in the City, District 3 had the most participants attend Neighborhood Watch meetings. But that number, about 550 people, is only 2% of the residents who live in the district.

As citizens deal with downturns in their businesses and other pressures related to the economy, I know that many may not want to add more to their plate right now. But with all of the economic difficulties, including cuts by the State to public safety and court budgets across the region, I believe that we all must turn our attention to crime prevention and toward doing all we can to assist our crime fighting professionals as they try to do more with less. Even if you choose not to join or start a neighborhood watch, at least make sure you take the time to meet your neighbors and to call the police if you see any sort of suspicious activity in your area.

On February 25th at 9:30 a.m., Mayor Dyer will be giving his annual State of the City address here at City Hall in Council Chambers. Please join me in listening to Mayor Dyer’s vision for our City through 2009 and beyond.

Someone once said that only the owner of a business truly cares about its overall success. As a lifelong resident of Orlando, it is my belief that we as citizens own this City, and it is my hope that as owners, we can all contribute to its overall success through our everyday actions and attitudes. So thank you for your continued commitment to our community and for giving me the opportunity to serve as your city commissioner.

Robert
Robert F. Stuart, District 3 City Commissioner
400 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-246-2003; e-mail Robert.Stuart@cityoforlando.net
or check out Orlando's website (www.cityoforlando.net)