Of all the issues cities face, public safety is the single most important. Here in St. Paul we are seeing a significant cycle of violence that’s leaving everyone on edge, from residents to workers to visitors. As our hearts go out to the victims and their families, it’s important to ensure that public safety is the focus as the City of Saint Paul finalizes its 2020 budget.

As leader of the East Metro’s largest business organization, I know jobs and businesses are at risk in a city perceived as unsafe. A Downtown Alliance survey from last year confirms this, with the overwhelming majority of 15,000 respondents sharing that a feeling of safety is the most important factor businesses take into consideration when finding a place to locate their jobs. Any step backward from that criterion puts our quality of life and our economy at risk.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is having important community conversations on the topic of public safety, and those of us in the business community are coming together on this issue as well. The Chamber of Commerce is working with the private sector to host a public safety forum in January. The Downtown Alliance is working with a group of downtown property owners to consider creating a safe and clean program through a Business Improvement District. But we can’t do it alone.

In his laudable efforts to restrain the city budget through across-the-board cuts that would keep taxes from rising inordinately, Mayor Carter trimmed his recommended increase in the number of new police officers from 12 to seven.

In light of what’s happening in our community, I urge Mayor Carter to recommit the five eliminated officer positions, even at the prospect of further cuts in other departments. Related Articles Soucheray: A peaceful transfer of power? We’ll get there, if that’s the vote. Or else.

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St. Paul is at a critical point, with our residential population at historic levels and our tax base growing 6.6% in the last year. There is a deep need for new development and increased vitality to create jobs and opportunities for people in Saint Paul and across the region. Maintaining a police force that is sizable enough to support our growing population and deter perpetrators is just one of the important ways we can address public safety in our community and ensure continued growth and investment in St. Paul.

B Kyle is the president and CEO of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.