CRIME, DRUGS THREATENING TO CHOKE OFF PEORIA'S GROWTH

I come to Peoria frequently because my in-laws reside there, but each trip
becomes more and more infrequent. You have done a good job of renovating
the Downtown area, but crime seems to be out of control. It seems obvious
that the money that has gone into renovation should be directed to
rehabilitation.

Widespread cocaine addiction is the very essence of most of crimes reported
in your newspaper. You may be able to attract tourists and big businesses
to your city, but how do local lawmakers, investors and decision-makers
intend to make Peoria a safe place to live?

I would love to relocate back to Peoria, but I honestly would be frightened
to retire in Peoria. With all of the wealth in Peoria, it would be
beautiful to see it invested in residents instead of buildings.

The famous adage "if it plays in Peoria, it plays anywhere" is outdated,
unless you are talking about the out-of-control drug epidemic. Enforce
tougher laws. Don't throw out lesser crimes to control the jail population.
Wrong is wrong, and our generation needs to quit pampering our youth's
disregard for illegal activities.

I have watched this ridiculous, horrendous epidemic destroy members of my
own family, and I can assure you that anyone who reads this can relate it
to their own family or someone they know. If the citizens of your community
don't stand together against this drug war, Peoria will be forever changed.

Cynthia Cockfield

Des Moines