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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=philadelphia

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1809582/posts

Mayors Meet In Philly To Discuss Violent Crime
CBS 3 PHILADELPHIA ^ | 30 MARCH 2007 | AP

Posted on 03/30/2007 5:26:45 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist

(CBS 3) PHILADELPHIA -- Mayors from cities throughout the tri-state area met at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Friday to discuss ways of stemming violence.

Philadelphia Mayor John Street was joined by mayors of cities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware as they searched for answers in a creating a safer environment for their residents.

"We recognize that we can be a better and a strong city and a strong region if we come together and we talk about these things," Mayor Street said.

Philadelphia is rapidly approaching 100 homicides for 2007, up 18 percent from last year. Officials agreed the impact of violent crime sends a shockwave through surrounding communities.

"Whether it's a homicide that takes place in Scranton and the victim may be from Philly or the crime takes place in Philly and someone goes to Allentown, we need to be able to communicate with each other," said Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty.

Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson recently announced 300 top ranked officers, including himself, will join patrols in Philadelphia's most violent neighborhoods.

"I'll be out there more than just four hours a day. I think it's very important," he said.

The group of mayors shared their thoughts on crime prevention and legislation, but it was clear there is no easy solution to bring an end to violent crime.

"No one has found that silver bullet yet, no one," Johnson said.

But Mayor Street said the meeting was a step in the right direction.

"We will be better prepared, better off to deal with the problems that we find in our individual jurisdictions, but we'll also be better prepared to work together to make sure that our common efforts are as effective as they can be," he said.

Mayor Street is also planning to push a public effort in attempts to convince Congress to pass stronger gun laws.