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Updated: January 14, 2025 @ 12:20 am
Shamar Salter
Annie Adams
Williams
Editor
Shamar Salter
In the seventh installment of our series, Urbana High School student SHAMAR SALTER asks: How do you plan on reducing crime in the community — more specifically, areas that may affect the youth or put them at risk?
Annie Adams
“I want to thank Shamar Salter for raising this important question. By genuinely listening to our youth, we can better understand the root causes of crime: poverty, lack of care, domestic violence, limited parenting support, youth gangs and access to guns. Youth leadership is key to addressing these challenges.
“I’ve engaged with students, teachers, staff, parents and volunteers across Urbana schools.
“At Yankee Ridge Multilingual School, I learned about the challenges faced by immigrant families and ways to support them. At Urbana Middle School’s Winter Market, hosted by the PTSA, I witnessed fundraising efforts for feminine products and other essentials. At an Urbana High School PTSA meeting, I heard student ambassadors share ideas about supporting peers, managing finances and improving their community.
“My administration will introduce a Teen Council and collaborate with Urbana’s leadership to amplify youth voices. Students have expressed ideas about mental health support, safe routes to school, lowering speed limits, adding crosswalks and the role of school resource officers. Questions such as why automated license plate readers, like those at the University of Illinois, aren’t implemented in Urbana have also emerged.
“To address these issues, I plan to collaborate with stakeholders from the Urbana School District, the University of Illinois, the Urbana Police Department, PTAs/PTSAs, parks, libraries and local organizations. We can create a coalition to support youth and tackle the root causes of crime.
“Empowering youth and addressing their needs can build a safer, more affordable and better-connected community for everyone.”
Williams
“Thank you for this question, Shamar!
“Reducing crime is a complex, multi-
dimensional challenge that requires a united effort from various organizations — the city, the school district, the police department — but, most crucially, the residents of Urbana.
“As mayor, I will build a coalition to tackle this issue head-on, because true success can only be achieved through collaboration. While there are standard strategies we can implement, the key to lasting change lies in engaging and empowering our youth to shape a safer, more equitable Urbana for all.
“My experience working with youth has been extensive, from mentoring with CU One-to-One and serving on the CU Schools Foundation to launching my own youth-centered initiative, KidBiz — a pop-up event where young people can showcase their art, talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Through these efforts, I’ve learned that our youth crave to be seen, heard and engaged. They want to be part of the solution, and they’re more than capable of leading the charge for change.
“The most effective way to reduce crime is not just through law enforcement but by addressing the needs of our young people. This means providing job training, educational support beyond the classroom, vibrant and inclusive community groups, and giving youth the opportunity to take the lead on the issues that directly affect them.
“My approach to reducing crime is clear: empower our youth with the resources, support and opportunities they need to take ownership of their future. When they lead, they will create the Urbana they want to live in — a stronger, safer and better community for us all.”
In the kickoff of a new News-Gazette feature, Urbana resident Theresa Michelson asks the two Democrats running for mayor: Explain why you are in favor or against the city of Urbana purchasing ALPRs to be used by police.
In Part 2 of a News-Gazette feature, Urbana resident Charlie Smyth asks the two Democrats running for mayor how they would enhance Urbana’s Bicycle Friendly Gold status and improve pedestrian safety.
Lucia Maldonado asks the two Democrats running for mayor: What are your plans to ensure that immigrant families feel safe in this community the next four years in spite of all the current anti-immigrant rhetoric?
Jeniece Mitchell asks the two Democrats running for mayor: As an Urbana resident of nearly 35 years, I have witnessed many businesses come and go. What is your plan to promote economic growth and stability within our community?
Matt Cho asks the two Democrats running for mayor: If elected, what are your top one or two economic development priorities, and what specific strategies would you implement to achieve them?
Taren Nance asks the two Democrats running for mayor: Can you talk about how you plan to support youth from our most vulnerable populations, specifically the increasing percentage of Black children who have historically struggled in traditional K-12 public school models?
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