Downtown Springfield could be an extremely nice place for the community, it once was. It still can be. Unfortunately, the issue we are facing when it comes to violence in the downtown area has skyrocketed in the past five years with no sign of stopping. I am a 25-year-old woman who enjoys a drink and appetizer on the weekend. When I think about where I am going to get that drink, I no longer include downtown in my options. With the increase in violence and bar fights and shootings, downtown is the last place I want to go. And I am not the only person who feels this way. 

I have created this petition to add more safe spots in the downtown area. Whether that be something like the blue-light system we have here at Missouri State University that gives people the opportunity to call for help if needed without a phone; or beefed up security at the bars and a larger police presence. 

The violence downtown is un-excusable and needs to be dealt with. If it is not, the money being spent in Springfield will go elsewhere and downtown will start looking more like a ghost town. 

https://www.ky3.com/2021/04/26/downtown-springfield-business-says-crime-is-an-ongoing-problem/