In a Citizen guest commentary last week, retired Boys’ Latin founder David P. Hardy got a few things right. He says that Philly’s crime problem is “not just Larry Krasner’s fault.” What a relief! In contrast to what Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature believe, impeaching Larry Krasner is not the only way to make crime disappear from Philadelphia streets.
Hardy, however, does not go on to point out what has been working to fight crime in other cities — Chester, PA, Camden and Newark, NJ. Those attending the Citizen’s December 15 Ideas We Should Steal Festival heard that a substantial reduction in crime in Chester resulted from close coordination among mayor, police chief, and district attorney. What a concept! Communicate — that’s something Philly could actually do rather than pointing fingers of blame.
Another idea that Hardy got right — improved education will reduce crime. He writes:
Philadelphia’s crime problem today is — at least in part — explained by decades of failing our students. An inadequate education not only hurts our children’s futures but impacts their communities as well.
