Oliver Thomas: “We need to figure out how we sustain this. It's about time that we make our schools better, our criminal justice system…”

Think of yourselves as survivors, not as victims

We need to take a look at the state laws. We need to take a look at the speedy trials of violent offenders. If you use a weapon, the laws ought to be stricter, stronger enforcement.

I would like to see the city take all of its capital funds, whatever we have, and just spend it. Get together with non-profits, housing agencies, and let them have it. Let them start rebuilding yesterday.

We owe it to them and other families to make sure they are safe, that their streets are clean and that their tax dollars mean something.