Dangerous.

This is the first word that many people associate with the Springfield, Massachusetts, the 77th most dangerous city in the country. The reoccurring problem that has plagued Springfield seems to be one that is never ending.

Gun violence.

In 2013, there have been 16 homicides and numerous incidents where victims weren’t killed. The continuous cycle of gun violence has city residents wondering if Springfield will ever change.

When asked what he believes the driving force behind gun violence is today, Mayoral Aid Darryl Moss says, “A driving force behind the intensified level of violence in Springfield is due to the severe disconnect between young people and the communities in which they reside.”

He adds, “Over the years there has been a severe decrease in funding to programs that once serviced young people and provided them with guidance and intervention.”

Ms. Denise Jordan, Chief to Staff, was asked about the steps the city is taking to decrease the issue of gun violence. She said, “The city of Springfield has joined forces with the Springfield police, state troopers, the district attorney’s office and the US Attorney General’s office and have developed a partnership with the neighborhood councils.”

She also added, “This is the first time that the city has ever organized all levels of law enforcement to sit down with the residents to discuss possible solutions to help curb violence in their neighborhoods that ultimately affect all neighborhoods throughout the city.”

Ms. Jordan finished by saying, “Steps to decrease crime is something the municipality alone cannot take alone. Over the last four years the Mayor’s Citywide Violence Prevention Task Force has increased from five consistent members to a collaborative consisting of over 50 agencies from across the region [sic].”

The residents of Springfield have been in a state of unease for quite some time now, making sure to stay off the streets at night and at certain hours of the day. Ms. Jordan was presented with a question about what steps city representatives are taking to reassure the city’s inhabitants that this is a safe place for them to live. She said, “By encouraging residents to attend their neighborhood council meetings where police officers and staff from the mayor’s office attend so they can report any neighborhood issues and share information [sic].”

Ms. Jordan adds, “We respond to residents’ concerns and we make sure that the public is aware of any initiatives launched by the city in an effort to combat crime.”

Mr. Moss also chose to respond to the question presented. He said, “By increasing our Public Relations Campaign to better inform the public of strategies and initiatives being implemented in their neighborhoods. The media has not worked in the city’s favor, being that typically the media only reports bad things happening in the city and never on the capacities that exist or in the process of being developed.”

Once the city’s gun control issue is curbed to where residents feel safe, it is essential for the problem to stay in the past and not infest the streets again. When asked how the city plans to remain safe, Mr. Moss said, “The city of Springfield will continue to work vigilantly with the residents of our great city and support neighborhood based strategies to keep our residents vested, empowered, and involved in the process of creating a peaceful and industrious environment for all of our families.”

Springfield finally seems to be taking a turn for the better. Residents have often complained in the past about the city never taking action in caring for its people. The city is now taking initiative. Now, it is up to the inhabitant to do their jobs. If they want these senseless crimes to continue, they’ll sit back and let the opportunities breeze past them. But if the residents truly want things to see things change, they’ll stand up. They’ll be at every neighborhood meeting with local law enforcement. They’ll have their own voice in what they want to see change in the city. Then surely enough, they’ll start to see things change.

Growing up in Springfield hasn’t been easy to do over the past years. With constant outbreaks of violence, gang warfare, and drug-related problems, the city has earned its reputation of being extremely dangerous. But for once, things are looking like they’re changing for the better. The city is getting sick of dealing with an issue that’s been taking and changing the lives of the people involved.

It’s time for a change. Another family shouldn’t have to suffer a homicide that takes the life of a loved one. Take a stand.

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi