Quincy resident asks about crime

QUINCY - A Quincy businessman and resident questioned what the

city is doing about crime.

Tom Parrish, Windemere Real Estate co-owner, brought his concerns

about public safety to the city council during a recent meeting. He

referenced gun fire, drive-bys and thefts in the past few

months.

QUINCY - A Quincy businessman and resident questioned what the city is doing about crime.

Tom Parrish, Windemere Real Estate co-owner, brought his concerns about public safety to the city council during a recent meeting. He referenced gun fire, drive-bys and thefts in the past few months.

"The reason I come here tonight is I would probably be considered a silent majority, not one to really complain, and I'm not going tonight to complain to anybody in particular," he said. "The business we're involved in, in real estate, we probably touch bases with more people than the average person."

People looking to purchase property in the city have brought their concerns about crime to Parrish lately, he said.

"This has increased to the point that Deb (Adams) and I have said, 'The time has come that we need to come to the city council and voice our opinion as citizens and business owners,'" he said.

Parrish said once people have the perception Quincy is not safe, whether it's real or not, it doesn't matter how much business comes to the city, people won't want to live there.

"I have not noticed a lot in (Quincy Valley Post-Register) about what is being done, or what the city council perceives. In fact, whether they perceive that it is an issue," he said. "I would like to see these issues be addressed with fervor and with the utmost care and expedience that you could."

Parrish continued, saying communities can be defined by moments, and it is closing in on determining what action needs to be taken. He pointed out a planned town hall meeting about the quality of life in the city.

"So I commend your service. I commend those who do work hard to provide a safe environment, but I do ask the city council and Mayor (Jim) Hemberry would consider this utmost," he said.

Councilmember Scott Lybbert said he appreciated Parrish's remarks. He attributed increases in crime in the city to chance.

"I hope that is just it. I'm excited about the program we have in place, " he said. "(Chief Richard Ackerman and Capt. Gene Fretheim) have brought in some cool ideas. You've seen some things that we're putting in place right now."

Lybbert pointed to an audit planned for the city by the Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs, and putting in place reports showing crime statistics from year to year.

"So it sure isn't that we're not trying," he said. "I just want to be a little vocal about that."

Councilmember Tony Gonzalez echoed Lybbert, saying he's seen the police department make a lot of changes during the years.

"There are a couple of agencies from Ephrata that come to me and say, 'I can't believe the way the police department works over there. They're actually helping us out every which way they can, and I'm so grateful. This is the first time ever that I've seen that,'" he said.

Councilmember Jose Saldana pointed out part of the success of stopping crime is the community.

"We, as citizens, if we see something going on, it's our duty to call law enforcement," he said. "The police, themselves, are not going to stop all of this."