Memphis - Crime is everywhere and everyone wants a solution.
"There needs to be more stress on protecting Memphis and the Tennessee area." says Jim Mathenia of Troy, Tennessee.
Operation Safe Community is calling on residents to contact the governor and lawmakers to put up the dollars.
"Obviously it's important to have money behind this. State funds must be appropriated to help fight violent criminals." says Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery.
They want the Governor to change his mind and fully fund the Crooks with Guns Bill, strengthening gun crime penalties.
"Ultimately we have to get these kids out of high school, onto college and get them good jobs. That is gonna do as much about crime as building more jail cells for a long time to come." says Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen.
"If you don't get a handle on crimes in our community, you are not going to be able to protect our children, not going to be able to help with education." says Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin.
Even though the Crooks with Guns Bill will affect the entire state, many are wondering if Nashville and the Governor just don't get it. Memphis' crime crisis is real and may be different from problems in other parts of the state.
Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton says, " the Governor may be under some budgetary restraints, but whatever he can do to fund this bill will be appreciated. Funding this bill lends support to the men and women in law enforcement."
Now the public is being urged to make the calls and send the emails to send a message to crooks about crime.
You help push these crime bills forward by calling Governor Bredesen at 615-532-4562 or you can e-mail him at
phil.bredesen@state.tn.us and please also sign this petition to stop gun violence
