Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker says now is the time for the public to come together to discuss the recent violent attacks in the community. (Terry Roberts/CBC)
In the wake of three violent attacks in Mount Pearl that led to the arrest of seven teenagers, the mayor says now is the right time for the community to come together to discuss their safety concerns and how to move forward.
A town hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Reid Community Centre for members of the public to discuss the recent random attacks and youth violence in the city.
“I’ll be honest, it takes maybe a little bit better parenting,” Mayor Dave Aker told CBC Radio’s St. John’s Morning Show.
“At the end of the day, we’re all in this together and tonight I’m hoping it will be a supportive conversation where people can transition from fear of violence into, well, how do we make sure this doesn’t happen again?”
Late last month, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary laid charges against seven teenagers police say are connected to the three separate attacks. The accused range in age from 13 to 16 years old and they’re facing a range of charges, including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
“Everybody’s appalled and saddened. I think that’s the first reaction. And now it’s turned to a bit of anger and frustration,” said Aker.
He said now is the time to bring the public together to have a discussion.
“We still need to have that discussion while it’s fresh in people’s minds. There’s no good to do it in six weeks or six months. So now we feel it’s the right Goldilocks moment,” he said.
Seven young people have been charged in connection to recent violent attacks in Mount Pearl. Police say one of the attacks happened near Morris Academy. (CBC)
The meeting gives residents the opportunity to speak their minds, he said, adding that council will be taking notes.
“We’ll be coming up with a report to council, initially, that reaches conclusions and then we’ll have discussions with our partners, whoever they may be,” Aker said,
RNC Chief Pat Roche will also be there, says Aker, along with municipal enforcement and the crimes prevention committee. Provincial government officials have also been invited.
“We all have to work together. The justice system needs to serve us a little bit better, I think,” Aker said. “And tonight’s meeting, it’s all about information and informative, constructive discussion to talk about not only what’s on people’s mind, but also to find out where we go from here.”
Aker said some ways to address the youth violence problem could be additional programming, expanding the community watch, as well as exploring a role for the RNC versus municipal enforcement.
He says the recent attacks aren’t the norm for teenagers in the community.
“This is an exception. But the thing that stands out the most for people is the random nature of those attacks.”
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