To continue disseminating information to voters as they make their decision about who will serve as Dauphin’s next mayor, the Herald posed another question for candidates to answer.
This week we asked, “Crime continues to be a major issue for local voters. Considering the municipal government has no power to legislate criminal laws, has no influence over the courts and no real control over RCMP operations, what role do you see for the City in the fight against crime?”
Answers were received from two of the three candidates. They follow:
Steve Sobering
Crime and public safety are major concerns for our residents and local businesses, and they deserve practical action. While criminal law, the courts and the operational control of the RCMP fall largely outside municipal authority, the City still has an important role to play through effective local policing, safe public spaces, and collaboration with the organizations responsible for treatment and support services.
Policing is one of the City’s largest annual expenses, costing approximately $3 million, with the Province providing a rebate of about $1.2 million. Unlike many smaller municipalities, the City has a significant responsibility for funding its local RCMP service. One of the most important things we can do is make Dauphin an attractive place for officers to live and work. For the first time in many years, our local RCMP detachment has a full complement of officers, many of whom are recent graduates. Mayor and council also meet regularly with RCMP leadership to discuss local concerns and policing priorities. The introduction of street patrols, an RCMP initiative supported by council and welcomed by the community, is one example of this collaboration.
We must also recognize that crime, addiction and mental illness are related issues, but they are not interchangeable. Criminal activity, drug dealing, trafficking and behaviour that threatens public safety must be addressed. At the same time, people struggling with addiction or mental illness need access to appropriate treatment, mental health services and housing suited to their circumstances. Enforcement alone will not solve these challenges, nor will providing shelter without access to the right supports.
The safe warm space established through the Manitoba Métis Federation was an important initiative to help people get out of the cold during winter. However, an emergency warming space cannot be expected to replace specialized mental health care, addiction treatment or appropriate transitional housing. We also have a responsibility to residents, customers and business owners who have experienced threats, vandalism and disruptive behaviour. We need a model that provides compassion and support while maintaining clear expectations for public safety and cleanliness.
I will strongly advocate for greater provincial investment in organizations such as the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Echo Housing and appropriate mental health facilities. People dealing with mental illness and addiction deserve access to treatment and support based on their needs. We need more trained staff, appropriate spaces and consistent funding.
I also believe we should work with the relevant health authorities and local service providers to explore establishing the safe warming space at our health centre.
With appropriate staffing, security and sustainable funding, a seven-day service could help assess people’s needs and connect them with the right providers. Co-ordinating services in one location may also reduce duplicated costs and allow more resources to be directed toward care.
As mayor, I would continue working with the RCMP, local businesses, community organizations and other levels of government to identify problems, support effective solutions and measure progress. Where programs are working, we should advocate for their expansion. Where they are not, we must be prepared to make changes.
Residents deserve safe streets, businesses deserve to operate without fear of threats or vandalism, and people struggling with addiction or mental illness deserve appropriate care.
We can work toward all three goals through practical action, collaboration and accountability.
Keith Durston
I have to disagree with you, we do have local control on policing. We pay the police costs so we have the say.
With that being said it requires a multi-disiplinary approach utilizing local stakeholders and commuting our concerns to the local police. Why are we double paying for lower quality of policing with implementation of security guards?
I plan to be an effective communication for the people of Dauphin and to listen and implement the ideas and concerns from the citizens.
The potential for this city is astronomical due to the amenitiies available within 15 to 20 minutes, community spirit, and volunteers. The rec centre, the cinema, summer games just to name a few accomplishments of the people of the City of Dauphin.
I am in no way going to infer youth are responsible for the crime influx by suggesting more recreational and constructed participation. A good thing for sure in the upbringing. Crime is not transferable to one sector. Crime is a choice one takes to make and must be stemmed by all means necessary.