By Maureen E. Feeney

In the wake of the recent tragic shootings in our community, we are reminded that while the New Year brings hope for a new beginning, many neighborhoods continue to live with violence.  Recently, some neighborhood activists have suggested that our best response to tragedy of this kind is to stay indoors until this cloud has lifted and not to travel on our streets until our neighborhoods are once again considered safe.  While this feeling is natural, it is counterproductive. 

Our worst response to violence is fear.  We should not let a small group of street terrorists weaken or break our spirits.  We should not fall to the temptation of sensationalism and panic.  And while we should encourage, at all times, behavior that is vigilant, we should not let our caution paralyze our daily lives. 

Our best response to violence is to remain active.  Get involved in a neighborhood watch.  Meet your neighbors.  Watch and report suspicious activity on your streets.  Introduce yourself to the police in your neighborhood.  While the city takes its responsibility to provide for safety very seriously, we cannot do it alone.  We need passionate, dedicated and engaged community leaders to help make our neighborhoods stronger.  In short, we need more activity, not less. 

As the New Year begins, please be assured that working with my colleagues and the Mayor, my first priority is to work at all levels to make our streets and neighborhoods safer.  From adding new walking beats, to rebuilding a culture of respect between our community and police, we made progress in 2007, but as these recent tragedies suggest, much more work lies ahead.  In particular, we must do more to put high impact criminal players behind bars.  Know that your elected leaders continue to be available, alongside the Boston Police Department, to respond to individual fears and concerns.  While these events make our hearts heavy and our spirits shudder, let these tragedies serve as a call to stop violence and create a culture of peace. 

 Maureen E. Feeney is president of the Boston City Council and has represented Dorchester District Three since 1994.