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SubscribeAngela Leet Releases Statement on Crime Numbers
Mayoral candidate and current District 7 Councilwoman Angela Leet called the Fischer Administration’s claim that crime is down, “dishonest.”
“This claim is absolutely disingenuous. During Fischer’s first year in office, there were 49 homicides in the county. Last year, there were 108 homicides in the county. This year, we are currently on track to double the number of homicides in Fischer’s first year. So seeing a tiny downtick in a few week’s time is not a victory when all Fischer has managed to do is set a new normal of more than a 100 homicides a year,” said Leet.
In a 2005 survey, Morgan Quitno Press ranked Louisville as the seventh safest large city in the United States with that rank dropping to number eight in the 2006 edition of the survey. Lousiville, however, failed to make independent security review site SafeWise’s 2017 list of 50 Safest Metro Cities in America at all and came in at 106 in WalletHub’s 2017’s Safest Cities in America rankings.
Leet claimed that the legacy of the Fischer Administration would be that “homicides have doubled, shootings have doubled, and drug overdose deaths have tripled” under the oversight of the current mayor.
The LMPD historical homicide data does show a dramatic uptick in murders over the past several years. The highest number of murders since 1960, the earliest year in which data is available, was 2016’s record setting year with 122 homicides in Jefferson County, followed closely by 2017’s number of 116 total homicides.
Fischer’s first year in office, 2011, saw the lowest number of homicides since 2003. The several years following his tenure as Mayor showed measurably higher numbers before beginning their remarkable increase to the numbers seen in recent years.
Leet continued, “For the 10 years prior to Fischer taking office, U of L Hospital admitted an average of 166 gunshot victims per year. During the Fischer Administration, U of L Hospital has seen an average of over 200 shooting victims, and that average is over 300 for the last 2 years. 1700 people have been admitted to University of Louisville Hospital for gunshot wounds since Fischer took office. That does not even include victims who were not admitted.”
Putting a rosy spin on crime numbers is nothing new, however. Last August we published the city’s release claiming that crime overall in Lousiville was down 4%, driven by large decreases in violent crimes such as rape and robbery, and smaller decreases in property crimes like larceny. The article, however, noted then that homicides were up by 20% over the previous year’s data.
However, Leet said of Fischer’s attempt “to spin a tale of ‘crime is down'” in a year in which he is up for reelection, “I am disappointed that Fischer is manipulating numbers and denying the reality of drug and gang issues in our neighborhoods.“
Free training to quickly prepare Louisville residents for good jobs in construction, manufacturing and other fields is available in west Louisville, and new classes are starting soon, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today.
Applications are being accepted now for training courses that range from two to seven weeks and will help participants connect to the many jobs created by the city’s building boom, or in manufacturing at companies such as GE, Ford, Algood Foods, Dakkota Integrated Systems and other companies.
Also, the REimage re-entry program is enrolling young people involved in the court system to help them stay in school, get a job or in dealing with family and social issues – with the goal of breaking the cycle of violence.
Job training and re-entry programs are Louisville Metro Government priorities and were high on the recently released 10-point plan of suggestions to reduce violence from the Brothers Reaching Brothers and Community Connections citizens’ group.
“Giving an individual the basic skills, support and connections to opportunities that are out there right now can turn that person’s life around, change their family’s outlook, and change their neighborhood,” said Mayor Fischer. “Most people just need that one break, that one opportunity. Incrementally, that helps reduce the hopelessness and violence, one person at a time.”
Classes for Kentuckiana Builds, which prepares people for construction-related jobs, are based at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway. The manufacturing training is being held at Nia and at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center, 160 Rochester Dr., in south Louisville.
More on the programs:
- Kentuckiana Builds is a seven-week program with participants receiving training that prepares them for building trades such as plumbing, pipefitting and carpentry. Students meet four hours each day, five days a week. Those completing the training receive job placement assistance and other supportive services, such as financial empowerment and housing assistance. The next trainings are Jan. 23 for a class meeting in the evenings, and a daytime class starting on Feb. 6. Persons interested should attend an orientation session, held twice weekly at the Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway. For more information, call 566-3371 or go to kentuckianabuilds.org.
Kentuckiana Builds is a partnership between the Louisville Urban League, KentuckianaWorks, The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the Jesus and a Job program and New Legacy Re-Entry Corporation.
The program is designed to get more people, especially women and minorities, quickly prepared to work on major projects under way or planned, including the expansion of the Kentucky International Convention Center, the Omni Hotel and many other hotel projects and new bourbon distilleries and tourism facilities.
- Manufacturing training is available through a shorter, two-week program, the Manufacturing Training and Employment Connection (M-TEC) and a more intensive 30-day program, the Certified Production Technician (CPT) course. In 2016, the two programs have graduated more than 150 individuals, with more than 105 securing jobs with an average hourly pay of about $14.25. The next classes begin Jan. 3 with additional offerings in February, March and May. For more information or to enroll in either training program, call 276-9711, extension 4001.
- REimage is a city-funded initiative that helps stop the cycle of crime and violence by intervening with youth, ages 14-24, who have been charged with a crime or are at high risk of criminal behavior. Case managers and adult volunteer mentors work with the young people in the program.
Recruitment for REimage, which is run by KentuckianaWorks, focuses on the Russell, Shawnee and Park Hill neighborhoods of west Louisville, although eligible youth from any neighborhood can participate. Young people wanting to enroll in the program or adults who would like to volunteer as mentors can call 574-4115 or apply online at kentuckianaworks.org.
“These training programs are designed to quickly get people prepared and employed in business sectors where there is high demand and a clear path to job and wage growth,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks, the region’s workforce development agency. “The bottom line is helping people succeed, and helping our community and region succeed.”
“Identifying and helping minorities secure jobs that will improve their family’s standard of living is a strong focus for the Louisville Urban League,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, president and CEO of LUL. “This often requires developing training programs and initiatives that can prepare minority groups to seize opportunities.”
Kentuckiana Builds orientations and classes:
- Orientation: Thurs., Dec. 29,, 5:30 p.m. at Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
- Orientation: Thurs., Jan. 5, 10 a.m. at Louisville Urban League
- Jan. 23 – evening class begins at Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
- Feb. 6 – daytime class begins at Nia Center
M-TEC manufacturing classes in 2017:
- 3 – 13 at the NIA Center, 2900 W. Broadway
- 13 – 24 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center, 160 Rochester Drive,
- March 6 – 17 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
CPT manufacturing classes in 2017:
- 9 – Feb. 3 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
- March 6 – 31 at the NIA Center
- May 1 – 26 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
Mayor Greg Fischer, Neighborhood Place representatives, community members, and friends and family of Jane Charmoli today officially dedicated the new Charmoli Neighborhood Place at 200 Juneau Drive in Middletown.
Joining in the celebration were Dr. Donna Hargens, superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools, and Joe Hamilton, deputy commissioner for the Department for Community Based Services for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The Charmoli Neighborhood Place site replaces a Neighborhood Place location in the former Urban Government Center at 810 Barret Ave. The new location was renamed in memory of Jane Charmoli, one of Neighborhood Place’s founding champions.
Charmoli, who passed away in July 2015, spent her life as a public servant. She worked for the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) for 20 years as a teacher, and served as president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association board for two years. She also served as a liaison between JCPS and the city of Louisville.
Charmoli was known to insist that there could be no cookie-cutter service delivery; that each family’s unique situation requires a solution customized for them. She helped shape the expectation that a Neighborhood Place would meet those needs.
“For thousands of Louisvillians, Neighborhood Place offers easy access to critical services,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Jane Charmoli’s dedication to establishing the Neighborhood Place model leaves a legacy that will impact families for generations to come, and we’re pleased to honor her work and compassion.”
“Jane Charmoli loved JCPS — its students, its staff and its families,” said Dr. Hargens. “Jane was tireless in her efforts to connect families with the resources they need so that every child could be successful. She would be honored to have this new center named for her in the community she loved so dearly, serving the students and families she treasured.”
The Charmoli Center houses staff from multiple agencies — Louisville Metro Community Services, JCPS, Kentucky’s DCBS, and Centerstone (formerly Seven Counties Services, Inc.) — in one accessible location. Core services provided include:
- Financial and housing assistance with case management services
- Juvenile and school-related services
- Child abuse intervention and prevention
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Medicaid Assistance
- Substance abuse assessment
- A Dare to Care emergency food pantry
- Self-sufficiency programs
“DCBS is proud to be a partner in the Neighborhood Place network and to see the grand opening of the Jane Charmoli Neighborhood Place,” DCBS Commissioner Adria Johnson said. “The blended services that each Neighborhood Place provides are customer-focused, but the overall goal of the program is family well-being and safety, which mirrors our agency mission. The Charmoli location will fill a need of service for hundreds of residents in east Louisville.”
The Charmoli Center has ample, free parking and is accessible by several TARC bus routes. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A total of eight Neighborhood Places, along with two satellite sites, serve residents across Jefferson County. Residents are free to seek services from any of locations.
To find Neighborhood Place in their area, residents may call 311 or 574-5000, or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/neighborhood-place.
The city has awarded loans totaling $95,000 to two small businesses to help them renovate or expand. The loans have been awarded by Louisville Forward Economic Development’s Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) and the Department of Community Services’ Microbusiness Development Program.
METCO loans have been awarded to the following business:
- Two loans were approved for Cynthia Torp Properties, LLC for its property at 804 S. 5th Street. The loans will allow owner Cynthia Torp to renovate a warehouse in the SoBro neighborhood. Upon completion, the front of the building will house office space for Solid Light, and the back portion of the building will serve as its metal fabrication shop.
- $75,000 façade loan
- $15,000 accessibility loan
A microbusiness loan has been awarded to the following business:
- $5,000 loan to Abound In Grace, located at 1226 Krupp Park Drive. This loan will allow owner Nina Smith to purchase more book inventory and supplies. The business is expanding their new product line Abound in Grace Kid’s Corner and will host bi-weekly youth activities and events. One new employee will be added to handle operations during peak hours.
The Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) governs metro government’s small business loans, which include facade, accessibility and gap financing loans. Because metro government is not the primary lender, the loan program allows many public-private partnerships between government and private business ventures that further the vitality and quality of life in the Louisville community.
To learn more about the METCO loan program, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/local-loan-programs
Four local nonprofit organizations have received Mayor’s Healthy Hometown mini grants totaling $33,000.
The recipients are the Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED); Girls on the Run of Louisville; the Metropolitan Housing Corp.; and 2NOT1 Fatherhood and Families Inc.
“Each of these grass-roots organizations are providing compassionate care and services to improve the health and quality of life of the people they serve,” said Mayor Greg Fischer.
Dr. Joann Schulte, director of Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, said 19 applications were received.
“A panel of representatives from the community reviewed the grants and based awards on the organizations’ abilities to impact the city’s Healthy Louisville 2020 focus areas of Healthy Homes and Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies, Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, Mental and Behavioral Health, Obesity Prevention, Social Determinants of Health and Substance Abuse Prevention,” she said.
Since 2005, the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to more than 100 community groups. To learn more about Healthy Louisville 2020, our shared community plan for improving health in Louisville, go to www.healthylouisvillemetro.org.
Organizations receiving the grants are:
Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED)
$10,000
AMPED is a free youth program that provides a safe and productive environment for youth to explore their creativity through music. AMPED will use its grant for “MENAISSANCE,” a program that reintroduces high school males to reading and the power that it holds for their future success. They are assigned challenging novels to read, and then taught to break it down, analyze it, and draw themes that relate to their lives. After completing the novel, they began the creative process of writing spoken word, poetry, song, or rap. They parallel and contrast the novel characters’ lives with their own and develop creative pieces. Next they document their work using audio, video and photography. In AMPED’s on-site recording studio, the students learn about audio engineering, photography and video documenting.
$6,650
Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. It is a 10-week program for 50 girls from Title 1 elementary and middle schools during the 2016-2017 school year. The girls engage in twice-weekly lessons, for a total of 30 hours of programming, following the professionally developed Girls on the Run curriculum. They will discuss topics such as peer pressure, bullying, positive body image, nutrition/hydration, and stress management. The girls will also engage in running and other physical activities, and by the end of the program they will be physically and emotionally prepared to complete the Girls on the Run Louisville 5K run. This provides the girls with a framework for goal setting and achievement in the future. Additionally, the girls will learn the importance of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices, which are crucial to their future health and wellness.
Metropolitan Housing Coalition
$6,350
For many families living in older homes, lead is an invisible danger. Children who are exposed to chronic low-level lead poisoning may show no single sign or symptom, but lead poisoning in children is often linked to poor school performance, lower IQ, greater incidence of ADHD and other behavioral issues. Yet, children living in these older homes could be protected if these hazards were identified or eliminated. The Metropolitan Housing Coalition’s “Get the Lead Out” program enlists community groups in low-income neighborhoods to teach parents how to detect lead hazards in their homes. By helping fund this project, we can help provide parents the tools and information they need to identify lead hazards in their home and correct them.
2NOT1 Fatherhood and Families, Inc.
$10,000
2NOT1 Parent advocates are those who have successfully worked through the child protection system and have taken on the task of providing support to birth families currently working with Child Protective Services. The goal is to assist the families in meeting CPS determined goals to either prevent removal of their children or successfully return them to the home from foster care. Advocates provide extended support and resources to birth parents in courts, schools, and various institutions and systems of care. By bridging the gap between CPS case worker, birth parents and foster families, Advocates help achieve case closure in less time. These mentors, formerly engaged in the child welfare system themselves, assist and encourage birth parents in maintaining a connection with their children. Advocates participate in team decision making processes, assist with development of family action plans, and encourage parent participation. Advocates become engaged within the first 90 days of an active CPS case and work with the family until case closure or at the request of the parents. Mentors help parents reduce stress by helping them to understand their rights and the CPS system in terms parents can understand. Advocates help case workers in identifying the family’s strengths and needs and support the family in times of crisis.
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville announced today the third annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a week-long series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Coinciding with Veterans Day, Week of Valor events focus on honoring veterans’ contributions to their country and facilitating their successful transition back to civilian life.
“The willingness of brave people to serve and sacrifice for this country is an essential part of the American character,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I’m encouraging citizens from across the city to attend Week of Valor events and to show support for military members, veterans and their families.
“It’s our goal to make Louisville the most supportive and responsive community in the nation for our veterans.”
The 2016 Week of Valor will feature 14 educational, patriotic, community or civic events in Louisville from Friday through Nov. 13. Citizens are encouraged to recognize, support and honor veterans.
Events include a Veterans Wellness Expo on Saturday and the Run With Our Heroes 5K on Sunday.
On Friday, Nov. 11, the Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville from Third to Sixth streets. The parade welcomes all military personnel and veterans, either in groups or as individuals, to participate. (There is no cost to enter; participants are asked to contact Dell Courtney at (502) 228-5237 to register.)
A full schedule of events is attached or can be found at http://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.
2016 Week of Valor Events
Veterans Thank You Day
- Fri., Nov. 4, 1 – 4 p.m. at Sullivan Campus-3901 Atkinson Square Dr.
- Contact: Deena Madison at (502)-213-8224 or dmadison@sctd.edu | http://SCTD.edu
Veterans Wellness Expo
- Sat., Nov. 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Beargrass Christian Church-4100 Shelbyville Rd.
- Contact: Dr. Patricia Weiter at (502)-287-6442 or Rhonda.Parero@va.gov | www.louisville.va.gov
Night of Heroes for Veterans with PTSD
- Sat., Nov. 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Louisville Executive Aviation,2700 Gast Blvd. Tickets are $20 each.
- Contact: Freda Chapman or Laura Wright at (502) 245-0404 or middletownchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com
Run With Our Heroes 5K
- Sun., Nov. 6, 12 – 3 p.m., U of L Campus, behind Ernst Hall, 216 Eastern Pkwy.
- To register, contact: Susan Norsworthy at(502) 589-8600 or snorsworthy@sevencounties.org | http://www.runwithourheroes.org/
2016 Kentucky Veterans of the Year Banquet
- Mon., Nov. 7, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Brown & Williamson Club, 2800 South Floyd St. Tickets are $35 each.
- Contact: John Mustain at (502) 544-5926 or jmustain@efky.org | http://www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
Kentucky Veterans of Vietnam War Film
- Mon., Nov. 7, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Kentucky Science Center, 727 West Main St.
- Contact: Fred Johnson at (803) 741-4540 or fjohnson@ket.org | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be8pueNPwN
Veterans Appreciation Event
- Wed., Nov. 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy.
- Contact: Tracey Pruifoy-Moneypenny at (502) 964-9204 or purifoyt@erau.edu
Veteran TSES Job Fair
- Thurs., Nov. 10, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Robley Rex VA Medical Center, West Entrance, 800 Zorn Ave.
- Contact: Stacy Norris; (502) 287-4162 or stacey.norris@va.gov
Man on TV/Shakespeare with Veterans
- Thurs., Nov. 10, 7 – 8:15 p.m. at Louisville Main Public Library, 301 York St.
- Contact: Rachel Smith at (502) 574-1676 or gshelby3@gmail.com | http://lfpl.org
6th Annual Veterans Day Parade
- Fri., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Main Street, from 3rd to 6th St.
- Contact: Dell Courtney at (502) 228-5237 or dellcourtn@aol.com | http://www.louvetparade.com
Pearl Harbor Commemoration and Exhibit Opening
- Fri, Nov.11, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Frazier History Museum, 829 West Main St.
- For ticket information, contact Andy Treinen at (502)753-1692 or atreinen@fraziermuseum.org
Veteran Charity Walk & Screening of the New Documentary: The USS Indianapolis
- Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd.
- For registration information, contact Andrew Hagerman at (502) 272-7027 or ahagerman01@bellarmine.edu | http://bellarmine.edu
2016 VA Welcome Home Event
- Sat., Nov. 12, 12 – 2 p.m. at Papa Johns Stadium, 2800 South Floyd St.
- Contact: Crystal Woodard at(502) 287-5606 or crystal.woodard1@va.gov | http://www.louisville.va.gov
Family, Food, & Fellowship Dinner
- Sun., Nov. 13, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at 4019 Dixie Highway
- For registration information, contact Chris Johnson at(502) 222-3477 or csncfj05@aol.com | http://www.mentalhealth.com
The Mayor’s Week of Valor is supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL). VCAL is an initiative launched in 2014 by a group of young professionals participating in Leadership Louisville’s IGNITE program in conjunction with Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Seven Counties Services. Now operating with an advisory board comprised of more than two dozen individuals representing corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations,VCAL’s mission is to create an integrated network of support for veterans and their families by coordinating services, resources and initiatives to increase communication across organizational lines, enhance quality and delivery of service and promote veteran-friendly community relations in Louisville.
To learn more about Mayor’s Week of Valor events and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville, visit www.vcalouisville.org.
Citing a suicide rate that is higher than the national average, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, the city’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and several community partners announced a suicide prevention summit on Nov. 9-10 that aims to champion “Zero Suicide” as a community goal, while educating citizens and community leaders, and arming them with the tools and resources necessary to reach that goal.
“The number of suicides in our community is tragic and unacceptable,” Mayor Fischer said. “Our Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods is working closely with the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness and other members of the Louisville Health Advisory Board to get at root causes and find solutions to avoid such senseless losses.”
The first day of the summit includes keynote conversations with suicide survivor Kevin Hines, and activist Becky Stoll. Hines will share his compelling story and talk how community transformation can truly be the difference between life and death (http://www.kevinhinesstory.com ). Stoll, part of the national Zero Suicide initiative (http://zerosuicide.sprc.org/), will engage attendees in a conversation about achieving this bold goal in Louisville.
The summit’s second day includes Mental Health First Aid Training for 250 adults to create an army of people able to intervene on behalf of adults and youth in our community. This nationally recognized eight-hour course helps those trained to identify, understand and respond to signs of addiction, mental illness and suicidal ideation.
Organizers hope to engage 250 community leaders in the discussion, including clinicians, educators, social service providers, non-profits, faith-based organizations and anyone concerned with the health and well-being of our residents.
“One suicide is too many. Embracing the goal of Zero Suicide is another visible step in continuing to make Louisville the most compassionate city,” said Kelley Gannon, COO of Seven Counties Services and co-chair of the Suicide Summit steering committee.
Organizers are seeking donations and sponsorships for the Summit so attendance can remain free. Various investment opportunities are available; please contact Kelley Gannon at (502) 589-8615 ext1305 or via email kgannon@sevencounties.org for sponsorship information.
The Bold Moves Against Suicide Summit will take place at Spalding University November 9 and 10. To register: Click Here
