COLUMBUS (WCMH) – NBC4’s Mike Jackson and Colleen Marshall hosted a town hall meeting on August 30th to help stop youth violence in the Columbus community and Central Ohio.
The goal of the town hall was to promote a conversation between city leaders, civic leaders and members of our community, attendees will have a chance to have their voice heard.
Jackson and Marshall hosted the conversation with a panel of city and civic leaders including:Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther
Mayor Ginther is the 53rd Mayor of Columbus. He is the former president of Columbus City Council and a former member of the Columbus school board. Mayor Ginther has worked to increase Columbus’ public safety forces and has expanded community policing initiatives by adding diversity and inclusion liaison officers and is an advocate for body worn cameras. The Mayor has worked with Columbus City Schools to increase access to early childhood education.Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Kimberly Cocroft
Judge Cocroft is a frequent guest speaker for elementary, middle and high schools as well as colleges and universities in Franklin County and she has recently partnered with Columbus City Schools to develop programming focusing on the consequences of negative choices and the power of positive choices.Jason Morton, Principal, FLEX High School
Morton was born and raised in Columbus. He is the first Principal of FLEX High School located in Franklinton. Morton played football at Bowling Green State University. He coached football at Oklahoma State University. Morton has a Masters of Educational Administration. Felicia Saunders, President, Easthaven Blockwatch
Felicia Saunders is the president of the Easthaven Blockwatch and Civic Association. Her son Anthony Sowers was murdered in 2009. Saunders used that tragedy to get more involved in her community. Saunders has led efforts in her community to cut down on violence and has organized petitions to improve gun safety laws.
“NBC4 is proud to elevate a dialogue with leaders and stake holders in our community on the issue of youth violence. Our children are our greatest asset, as well as our hope for a better future. By raising awareness of the complicated factors affecting our kids, we believe we are contributing to making a positive difference to central Ohio.” said Ken Freedman, NBC4 vice president and general manager.
“Everyone should be concerned about a trend that’s taking young lives and indirectly impact the lives of others. We can’t use old solutions to solve new problems,” said Mike Jackson, NBC4 anchor. “If communication is the beginning of understanding, the NBC4 town hall will open up the dialogue as we take steps to confront youth violence”