KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A visibly frustrated mayor says he is “disappointed” and concerned after learning there is still no plan on the table to prevent gun violence in Kalamazoo this summer, after asking for one two weeks ago.
Mayor David Anderson told the Kalamazoo City Commission says lives are at risk, the clock is ticking, and he has a “burning desire” to allocate some of the million dollars they have set aside before someone else gets shot.
Vice Mayor Don Cooney says his only recommendation is to restart talks with the county.
Commissioner Veronica Hoffman says one of their first steps should be support for those underfunded grassroots organizations already working on reducing gun violence.
But Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners County Chair Mike Quinn thinks some of the money should go to the troubled county juvenile home and County Commissioner Jeff Heppler thinks law enforcement should also be involved.
County Commissioner Tami Rae said those groups have already tried and failed.
Vice Mayor Cooney was asked but could not provide a timeline for giving the mayor what he wants.
(reporting from John McNeill)
