The UM System president praises “Operation Brightside”, the recent federal and state warrant sweep in the Columbia area.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Price says violence in the Columbia area is unacceptable, especially when innocent people are being harmed. UM System President Dr. Mun Choi spoke to reporters and praises U.S. Attorney Price, who he knows:
“He was an attorney at a very large firm in Jefferson City. And I’m very thankful for his support. For his support in addressing crime in Columbia,” President Choi says.
The sweep resulted in 19 federal indictments and 32 felony arrests. The U.S. Attorney describes Operation Brightside as a homegrown solution to a hometown problem.
Meantime, Columbia’s proposed pedestrian safety ordinance and an ordinance aimed at illegal camping are backed by President Choi. He tells reporters he supports them for public safety reasons:
“And I want to see what comes of the (proposed) ordinances, whether it’s the median ordinance that’s in the books or the illegal camping ordinance. Whether the rest of city council believes in the need to improve public safety in the city. And we’ll see,” President Choi.
Columbia’s council voted 6-1 at their last meeting to table the proposed pedestrian safety ordinance until February. The proposal that was tabled would restrict pedestrian use of medians and traffic islands at intersections where the speed is 35 miles per hour or more, average daily traffic is 15,000 or higher and that are less than six feet wide. Homeless advocates say it would not reduce pedestrian accidents in Columbia.