— Violence weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of many in the aftermath of the four homicides and other violent crimes that have been committed since November in Muskogee.

Two men seeking to replace Ward IV Councilor Jackie Luckey, who is relinquishing the post after one term, said Muskogee must address root causes of crime.

Both candidates, Wayne Johnson and Ron Venters Sr., blamed a breakdown in the social fabric for the recent spate of violent crime. Mending that fabric is critical, the candidates say, if Muskogee is going to turn the tide against violent crime.

Johnson, director of maintenance for Muskogee Public Schools, said he believes the recent violence “is a reflection of the social problems in our community.”

“The social problems consist of an overall breakdown of the family support system,” Johnson said. “It is key that we have family and friends which can support us and hold us accountable for our actions.”

Johnson said he would like the city to help establish a community network to fill the gaps in Muskogee’s support network.

“The youth in our community need a vision which includes stability, a strong job market and accountability,” Johnson said.

Venters, a Muskogee pastor who previously served 12 years as a city councilor, cited poverty as a major contributing factor to violent crimes. He said young people need career paths, which could be bolstered through economic development.

Venters said the initial response of many to violent crimes is to put more police on the streets. But he said it is impossible to hire enough officers be everywhere crimes are committed.

 “It is my belief that the root of the problem begins early in the life of a child. It is difficult for a community to correct parenting mistakes, but there is a need,” Venters said. “Because of the young age of many parents, there is a need for parenting skills to be offered through a community vehicle.”

Venters recommended doing that by summoning “people of good character” to become mentors for Muskogee’s youth. Venters said reaching out to Muskogee’s youth through mentoring programs, providing opportunities to tour businesses, would have the quickest impact with regard to crime.

“All children need to learn to be proud of the community and share in ownership of the town,” Venters said. “The town needs to take ownership of the children by providing faith-based support, job shadowing, internships and part-time jobs with the hope of changing the culture and belief system of the child.”

Presently, Venters said, efforts are being made to help disadvantaged youth, but those opportunities must be offered to a larger number.

“The dream of a better life needs to begin to be developed early in their lives,” Venters said. “The call of their dream in their heart needs to be greater than the call of the street’s people.”  

Muskogee voters will get their chance to choose four ward representatives and the city’s next mayor Feb. 14. A run-off election is scheduled for April 3 if one is necessary.

Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com.