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II I: I I II "I am going to vote against the motion because what I really want to see happen is - something that I suggested a couple of months ago. I want to see a third, independent person or party come in here, and evaluate this System. I have been too close to all this... maybe we all have.... If the System stands up to scrutiny, weU and good. But that is where I'm at now. My vote against the motion is not for one minute against public safety. I want another opinion on the technology, that's all." Councilwoman La Berge said, "Thank you for your intelligent and thoughtful presentations tonight, and for your attention. It is an issue that I have struggled with. In the beginning I based my thinking mostly on whether it was a good investment ITom a technology point of view. And my feeling is that technologically the Gunshot Locator System does fall short. "However, through conversations with people who live in the area... ITom others who know of young people especially, who live in the area, I have come to understand that the technological part of it is only one aspect of it. There are other aspects that are just as important to consider. "This evening I will be supporting it. There are four points I would like to make:... One is... I would like to reiterate the point that was made by Juan Vilorio. He said, twice, the bottom line is that the gunshots have decreased. That is the bottom line. That is the most important thing that could be accomplished. We don't know to what - degree this particular System has affected that, but we have to assume that it is part of the reason that the gunshots have decreased. "Secondly, we understand ITom listening to you all this evening that you feel safer, that there is a perception that your neighborhood is safer, and I believe that perception is reality. If you feel safer, you are indeed safer. It becomes what you think it is. That is worth a great deal to me. That you have a safe neighborhood to live in, and that your children and your families feel better. I do not want to hear stories about children who are aftaid and who are having difficulties concentrating on their studies... or aITaid to go to school.... The health and welfare of our families is very important to aU of us. "Another very positive aspect of this is that it has fostered coUaboration between the Police Department and the citizens. I believe very much in citizen involvement and I'm very pleased that two Neighborhood Associations, one in full support, the other one in opposition have taken the time to become involved in a community problem. That's a very positive thing... I encourage more of it. "My fourth point is that I am hoping, and I am praying that in addition to this that we will have a stepped up education program. An intensified education program would mean that we would continue to have the Police Department's Silent Night program, - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 MARCH 17,1997 MINUTES Page No. 207 PAGE 13