The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Hi Mr. Mayor. Thank you for always being available to help all of us.

Lately there have been a few stabbings in downtown Lakewood. One victim tragically died from their wounds.

I worked in that area for over 20 years. I remember when they first started having officers patrol on bikes. There also added foot patrols and there were always police officers visibly present. They really cleaned up the area and we all felt safe to go to and from work, and shopping. I no longer work there and I was recently shopping in the downtown area and I was shocked at how the neighborhood has deteriorated. I felt scared to walk there for the first time in about 20 years. There were a couple of people who crossed the street right in front of my car, yelling and fighting and frightening myself and my kids. There were no police officers anywhere in sight.

What is being done to clean up downtown Lakewood? What is being done to keep us all safe in our own town? I have faith that you and in our amazing police chief and all of our dedicated police officers can turn this situation around and bring back the downtown Lakewood of just a couple of years ago.

Thank you!

Response from Mayor Coles:

I have also been very disturbed by some recent occurrences downtown recently. We have asked the chief to increase patrols, especially foot & bicycle patrols.

Ray

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Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]

Have a question for the Chief? Send it to [email protected]