The residents became frustrated with the crime and created a similar task force to tackle the problems. It didn't happen overnight, but it didn't get bad overnight. Some short-term plans the task force is working on range from things as simple as cleaning the Carpenter Neighborhood sign to an idea as complex as establishing a regular farmers' market in the area. Dean of Students Jerry Price, a member of the task force, said that although the organization is young, it has promise. These are real 'do-able' activities that are going to happen.
Price is confident that, by working together, the task force can make a difference.
In order to really make an impact on crime, he said, Drake will need to strengthen ties with the surrounding community. However, the task force is set up for action - the members work to find mechanisms to make discussion of better relationships become the reality, he said. For example, this year's first annual Labor Day picnic could be shared between Drake students and community members in the future. If we make it difficult for these bad people to make their profits, they're going to move elsewhere. President Ferrari agreed.