Addressing Violence on Pittsburgh’s South Side
Gun violence continues to be an issue on which Democrats are ready to act. Recent horrific mass shootings have pushed the subject to the forefront for state legislators in Harrisburg. And back home in Pittsburgh, the issue has been on my constituents’ minds for some time.
I recently held a telephone townhall on the matter for my constituents and received several questions and comments about what can be done to address shootings and violence on the city’s South Side, especially on evenings and weekends.
The South Side is a great community and a strong business district, but residents and business owners there are concerned. I take what’s going on in the South Side very seriously. I’ve met with the state Liquor Control Board, the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement officials, City of Pittsburgh officials, and other community leaders to make sure we’re taking a collective approach to violence and safety issues.
On a local level, Mayor Ed Gainey has worked with residents and local officials to understand the situation from all sides and implement comprehensive solutions. Just last week, in a town hall hosted by Mayor Gainey, police commander John Fisher said that he wants 15 officers dedicated strictly to East Carson Street; Gainey said that the city will continue to put extra officers on patrol in the South Side on weekends. The Department of Public Safety is considering bringing back one-way traffic flow to East Carson, as it did last summer.
The state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement is cracking down on alcohol offenses by making sure businesses with liquor licenses comply with state laws, that underage individuals are not being served or drinking alcohol in the area, and that visibly intoxicated individuals are not being served in bars. And the city is working with its department of Permits and Licenses and the fire bureau to do occupancy checks and building-code enforcement.
On a state level, we need to pass commonsense gun reform. Democrats have tried to use discharge resolutions to bring extreme-risk protection order and universal background check laws for discussion and vote on the floor of the Senate. Republicans voted down this attempt, so those bills continue to sit in committee. We have three other bills that we want to discuss and vote on. They involve lost and stolen gun reporting, safe storage of firearms, and a 72-hour waiting period for firearm transfer. These are not radical laws, and there is nothing in them that aims to take away guns from law-abiding citizens. Senate Democrats have the political will to work with our Republican colleagues to bring about meaningful reform. Unfortunately, the majority party continues to tie our hands.
In addition to gun reform, Pennsylvania needs to invest in mental-health, education, and anti-violence programs that will curb violence and address many of the root causes that lead troubled young people to pick up a gun in the first place. We often hear about acts of violence after they’ve occurred, but we can get ahead of it by supporting organizations dedicated to prevention. We must empower people on the ground to address these issues among their peers and in their own communities. With $8 billion in surplus funds in Pennsylvania’s budget, we have the money to do that.
Stopping violence on the South Side will require a multifaceted approach. Recognizing that safety concerns in the neighborhood are keeping shoppers and diners away, my colleagues and I are working to ensure a safer environment. In Pittsburgh, we will continue to monitor the situation and act where we can. In Harrisburg, I will continue to fight for the reforms and investments that would make a real difference for the safety and well-being of Pittsburghers – and all Pennsylvanians.
State Sen. Jay Costa is the Senate Minority Leader for the Pennsylvania state Senate.
