After attending City Council meetings for over six months, I’ve learned who is concerned about the city, who is fake and who straddles the fence. This council consists of members who campaigned and were elected with the belief that the city and all citizens within the city could trust these individuals to hear the public’s cries and concerns, to look into the city’s goals and the needs of the city as a whole.

I have witnessed City Council members being rude and talking while concerns of violence in the city were being addressed. I have witnessed false statements concerning public speaking, as if something was written as a rule for public speaking. Now, council wants to discuss potential changes to public comments? What is the purpose? Can someone explain to the public what is the reason for these changes? Does council wish to stifle the speech of citizens whm are concerned about the violence that plagues the city of Salisbury?

Gang activity is rampant in Salisbury, yet the mayor and some  council members have a problem admitting that. Council seems to have a problem with admitting there is a problem. Salisbury is in a crisis whether anyone wants to admit it or not. Denying the problem will not make it disappear. Gang violence is on the rise and there is a serious threat to the city and the citizens. Shootings are no longer just occurring at night but also during the day when children and innocent bystanders could become victims. With summer approaching, homicides are expected to increase unless the city puts in some proactive measures and seeks the help of those qualified and experienced to handle what Salisbury is dealing with.

Signing up to speak before the meeting eliminates those who don’t get off work in time. Giving someone’s name could put that person at risk for retaliation. The city is so quick to want tax money but are the citizens not entitled to public safety? Are the citizens safe?

Now that citizens are expressing concern for safety and pleading with the council to help, this calls for potential changes to public comments? Are you serious? This will add more stress to an already strained relationship between citizens and council.

Murders, shootings, home invasions, drug busts, meth labs, gangs! Instead of trying to control public speaking, why not put that focus towards controlling the crime and violence that plagues the city? Sure, I know who you are. You’ve shown me who are.

Carolyn Logan of East Spencer owns property in Salisbury.