TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) -
Toledo City Councilman Tyrone Riley is forming a task force, with the hopes of curbing violence in the area.
"What I'm proposing is trying to establish a task force of various people in the community to try to bring them together to help come up with a solution," said Riley.
As a criminal defense attorney, Riley says he knows about the underlying issues surrounding violent criminal activity.
"One, it's a lack of education. Two, the lack of jobs, and three, the lack of a father in the home," said Riley.
Riley has recruited Associate Pastor Ernest Jackson with Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church to try to bring about change, saying "I want to be part of the solution. I want to bring concrete programs to our youth that will teach them this one principle; they're the boss of their behavior".
Jackson says part of his focus will also be on people already in the criminal justice system.
"Intervention is a must. The community must take a stand. Nevertheless, those who are already in the system, we're constantly locking the door and walking away," said Jackson.
Even though the task at hand may seem monumental, Riley says that is not stopping him from trying to make a difference.
"It's going to take a community effort in order to solve the problem. I don't think any one person has the answer," said Riley.
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