Like my neighbors, I am deeply concerned about the rising crime rate in our city. On the watch of the current city council, violent crime in the city of Troy has risen by 25 percent, while it has dropped 2 percent on average throughout the rest of New York. In several neighborhoods in my district, I have met some residents who are fearful of leaving their homes. This is simply not acceptable.

I am pledging to support our police force in order to keep our neighborhoods safe. I will call for increased patrols, and I am committed to providing updated equipment and superior technology to our officers.

I will stand up to the business-as-usual politicians who have created an adversarial relationship with the police department, and I will work with our police force in a manner that promotes mutual respect and understanding.