Pubdate: Tue, 07 Oct 2003
Source: Charleston Gazette (WV)
Copyright: 2003 Charleston Gazette
Contact:  http://www.wvgazette.com/
Author: Greg Garner

EX-DUNBAR RESIDENT CRITICIZES CITY COUNCIL

A former Dunbar resident in town to visit relatives criticized city council 
Monday night for doing nothing and allowing the city to become a haven for 
drug dealers.

John Shook, a former New York City prosecutor, told officials they needed 
to increase the number of patrolmen and be more aggressive in policing 
narcotics trafficking.

"Right now it is a free-for-all, there's nose candy, crack cocaine and 
marijuana rampant," he said. "I've been in town four days and I feel safer 
in my neighborhood in New York than here in Dunbar."

Shook said he had witnessed several acts of drug dealing during his stay 
and thought the police were not effectively curtailing the problem.

Police Chief Terry Coleman responded by saying when Shook witnessed crime 
but did not report it, he was demonstrating the main problem facing his 
officers.

"You're a lawyer, and part of the system," Coleman said. "But you didn't 
pick up the phone and call us. The only way we're going to be able to do 
something is for the community and police to work together."

Councilman Dana Hayes said residents' lack of willingness to report crimes 
and cooperate with police in prosecuting suspects is contributing to the 
problem.

"I'm not asking people to go out in the street and take the knuckles to 
somebody," Hayes said. "But if you call us you will get a response."

Mayor C.B. Rigney said the police are working on the problem, but most of 
their efforts take place out of the public eye.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell you something that's going to tip a 
bunch of people off," he said. "But a lot of stuff has been taken care of."

Council plans to address concerns about city workers not wearing their 
uniforms at its next meeting. Hayes said he observed several workers 
wearing "vulgar" T-shirts.

Council also voted to require deposits for customers of the sewer system. 
First-time customers and those with unpaid bills will be required to make 
an up-front payment before service is provided. The rate is based on the 
monthly average citywide cost for the previous year. Customers will have 
their deposit refunded after 12 months.
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