Endorse the #FUNDPEACECHICAGO Ordinance

I am submitting my endorsement for support for the creation of an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in Chicago. We firmly believe that this office is essential in addressing the urgent issue of gun violence in our community.

Live Free Illinois has outlined guiding principles that underscore the importance of accountability, transparency, and stability in the efforts to reduce gun violence. These principles provide a strong foundation for the establishment of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, ensuring that the initiative is carried out effectively and with the community's best interests at heart.

Here are some key principles that underline our endorsement:

1. **Accountability:** Ensuring a responsible and efficient response to gun violence necessitates active community involvement, oversight, and collaboration with leaders and organizations in the most affected areas. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will provide a platform for such collaboration, enhancing the effectiveness of gun violence reduction strategies.

2. **Transparency:** A well-defined long-term plan and regular reporting to the public are essential for the successful execution and continuation of ongoing operations. Transparency is key to gaining public trust and ensuring that the community is actively engaged in the prevention efforts.

3. **Stability:** Secure substantial funding, strong commitment, interagency cooperation, and codifying the office by ordinance will ensure that the office and its progress cannot be altered or eliminated on a whim. This stability is crucial for sustaining long-term initiatives.

In conclusion, I endorse the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in Chicago as an essential step toward addressing the complex issue of gun violence. This initiative, aligned with the principles of Live Free Illinois, will empower our community to work together in a coordinated and effective manner to reduce the impact of gun violence and prioritize community safety. For years, community members have advocated for this office to be established through an ordinance. The goal of the ordinance is to create community accountability, long-term and sustainable solutions, give the office grant-making power, and ensure that this office is not subject to be dissolved due to political priorities. This office must be established by ordinance and have a minimum budget of $100M.

Please consider this endorsement as a sincere and enthusiastic show of support for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. I look forward to witnessing the positive change it will bring to our beloved city.

Sincerely,

You can view the fact sheet here.

You can read the proposed ordinance here.

#FundPeaceChicago