Saint Paul is my home, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to this city. Growing up here, I used to walk downtown with my grandmother, even at night, feeling safe and proud of the charm and beauty that our city had. But now, things have changed drastically. Just the other night, I was walking downtown when I noticed a group of four individuals following me across Kellogg Boulevard. They were pointing at me and acting suspicious, and though I was lucky enough to find a safe space nearby, I couldn’t shake the feeling of fear and frustration. It reminded me of how much the city has changed over just the past 10 years.

The thing that really hurts is that Saint Paul used to be a place where families and residents felt secure, even at night. Now, I wouldn’t even consider walking downtown after dark. I’ve seen the increase in crime and disorder in our city, like people visibly struggling with drug addiction right next to the light rail, or loud disturbances in areas that should be quiet and welcoming. It’s heartbreaking to witness this decline, especially when I think about how different it used to be.

I want to bring back the Saint Paul that we all loved: a safe city with vibrant streets where people of all ages can walk freely at anytime of day, where families don’t have to worry about their safety, and where our community can flourish again. We need leaders who will prioritize public safety, revitalization of our downtown, and real solutions to address crime and homelessness. Our city deserves better than what it’s become, and it’s time to make real changes.

Saint Paul is my city, and I believe in its potential. We can restore our downtown, make it safe again, and bring back the pride we once felt. I’m calling on city leaders to take action to make Saint Paul a place where people can feel safe, walk freely, and truly enjoy the beauty of this great city once again.