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Mount Vernon community discusses issues facing the city at public safety summit

District officials with city officials
Mount Vernon community discusses issues facing the city at public safety summit

The Mount Vernon community filled up Grace Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, and passionately discussed the public safety concerns in the city during a public safety summit hosted by the City of Mount Vernon. 

“I applaud everyone for showing up, and now my real challenge for you is to stay engaged…” said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard at the event attended by public officials, local organizations and concerned citizens. “We’re asking that we have more future collective dates so we can get to know each other, so we can find out what our strengths and our weaknesses are, and who has the best knowledge, skills and abilities and passion or desire of learning to be a part of this process.”  

Joanne Dunn, executive director at the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, facilitated the forum. Representatives from Cities United, an organization dedicated to making cities safer, also led parts of the discussion.  

Community members discussed the public safety concerns of Mount Vernon, the strengths of the city and what youth can do to help improve public safety.  

Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith and Associate Superintendent for Operations and Accountability Mark Raimondi attended to listen to the community's concerns. 

"When the community comes together to solve problems, that is when we have the most success,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “As someone who grew up in Mount Vernon, I will always be an advocate for a safer community, especially for our scholars." 

As community members spoke, many agreed that part of the solution is getting everyone consistently involved and driving more young people to get involved in the issues surrounding the city.  

“I’m also a community member, so it's great to see the community come together,” said Mr. Raimondi.  

Mr. Raimondi, Dr. Smith, Dr. White, and Ms. Hopkins
Dr. Smith smiling at Mayor as they speak
Mayor speaking to crowd
Cities united representative speaking to crowd
Cities united representatives speaking to crowd
Cities united representatives speaking to crowd
Cities United representative reading off questions on wall
Dr. Smith smiling at Mayor as they speak

 

 

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