Mayor-elect Andy Berke hosting open forum on public safety

Chattanooga Mayor-elect Andy Berke announced Wednesday that he would be hosting an open forum focused on public safety on March 21 at Tennessee Temple University from 5 to 7 p.m.

"Our streets are too dangerous," Berke said. "We must have a comprehensive plan to reduce the amount of crime in our community."

This forum was announced as the first in a series of events focused on encouraging public input throughout Berke's transition. There will be upcoming events centered on education and economic development. 

A central part of making citizens safer is community involvement, Berke said. Whether it is through these meetings, neighborhood discussions or a conversation on social media, citizens' ideas, concerns and participation will be central to his administration, Berke continued.

Members of Berke's transition team will be lending their experience and expertise to the public forums in a variety of ways—as panelists, participants or facilitators. 

Wade Hinton, co-chair of Berke's transition team, said members of the transition team are committed to improving their community and are excited to engage in this effort.

Additional details about the remaining events will be released in the coming weeks. 

Berke will be participating in an "Ask Andy" Twitter hour on Wednesday March 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. Participate by tweeting @AndyBerke or use #RenewSAFETY.

This article is published with permission of NewsChannel 9.