a small city with issues
Two issues have been raised on the Transparency Facebook Page (ie., risks of government fraud and the realities of a homeless population). Each of these topics deserve a thoughtful response to the questions posed to me on these topics.
I have written multi-page white paper responses to each of these questions: Strategies to Combat Fraud in Municipal Management, and The Homeless. Additionally, I include my worldview which would remain separate from my job as your potential City Manager.
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- Top 10 affordable places to live in Oklahoma. (#3)
- Top 10 most dangerous cities in Oklahoma. (#9)
Small cities, often with a deceptive ‘underbelly,’ can initially charm with their close-knit communities, local businesses, and peaceful atmosphere. However, beneath this facade, there may be a darker side involving illegal activities such as trafficking, graft, illicit substance peddling, governmental favoritism, and behind-closed-doors deal-making.
Quiet streets and friendly facades can conceal illicit operations and criminal networks. These nefarious operations are often perpetuated by a few individuals who exploit the vulnerabilities within the community.
This aspect of a city starkly contrasts the idyllic image often associated with small municipalities. My current opinion is that Sallisaw would benefit from periodic police bicycle patrol. With close promity, community interaction increases. With the inherent stealth nature of bike-patrol could descrease criminal and deviant activity in hot-spot crime areas.
Ignoring the possibilities of an underbelly would be imprudent and naive.
This aspect of a city starkly contrasts the idyllic image often associated with small municipalities, highlighting the complexity and hidden issues within seemingly serene environments.
Red flags for this include:
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- High turnover of establishments
- Unexplained wealth disparities
- Disproportionate crime rates
- Increased secrecy and mistrust
- Lack of oversight and governance
- Suspicious activity in unlikely places
While these six aspects in isolation would not prove deviance, they can serve as signals. Vigilance in identifying these signals, such as a constant turnover of businesses or noticeable wealth disparities, is crucial. It can encourage proactive measures against potential deviance.
Recognizing the signs of a community’s ‘underbelly, ‘such as high rates of crimes or a pervasive atmosphere of secrecy, fear, or mistrust, is not just important; it’s crucial. This recognition can prompt action against hidden criminal activities.
Even a well-meaning Sallisaw City Manager cannot reasonably eliminate all of this. Aligned leadership within the municipality, a culture of open communication, and a supportive community can mitigate much of this, however.
Crime Profile Maps
The source for this page uses color coding to indicate the severity of crime per 1,000 people. Other sources vary somewhat from this analysis depending on the timeframe evaluated, the granularity of the analysis, and their respective sources of data collected.
These maps are intended to provide generalities. The boundaries shown do not indicate a particular crime type on one side of a boundary in contrast to the opposite side, which can be misleading.
Rather than considering the boundary lines absolutes, they should only be regarded as general statistical areas.
Overall
Crime Involving Property & Possessions
Property
Burglary
Theft
Vehicle Theft
Arson
Crime Against People and Animals
Animal Cruelty
Assault
Drug
Violent
Murder
Kidnapping
