Several weeks ago, Senator Grassley made the statement that Marshalltown had three cartels. That doesn’t sound so bad, until you decipher that statement. Cartel means GANGS! Now that’s something different entirely! Of all the towns in Iowa, he chose to make that statement about our town, Marshalltown! I communicated with a councilman and asked if the Council was aware of this? His answer, Yes, the Council is aware. So is the Mayor, The City Administrator, The Chief of Police and the Chamber of Commerce! I was shocked! Why was I not aware? Why aren’t the rest of the Citizens in Marshalltown aware that we not only have a Gang, we have three! I asked him what are we doing about this problem, the answer was a little vague. No solution yet. I asked Are we setting up a Task Force? Our police are busy most of the day dealing with everyday issues. I don’t think we have extra police officers to deal with this Gang problem! Has the Governor been made aware of this problem? Can she help us? Does she have any solutions or ideas?

I attend most City Council meetings and have NEVER heard ANYTHING about Gangs! Why not? This should be Marshalltown’s BIGGEST problem! And NOBODY has heard about it! This should not be a secret! Only people who subscribe to the Times Republican Newspaper will see this! There should be pamphlets available to every person in Marshalltown. Posters up at stores, Gas stations, the Community Y, EVERYWHERE! Telling everyone about the problem, its consequences, what to watch for. A special number to call, if gang activity is spotted and requires immediate attention! This NOT something that is under investigation and there cannot be anything discussed about it! Exactly the opposite should happen! Everyone should be talking about this!

We are not going to grow the population of our town or attract major employers if we have a gang problem. Gangs bring Crime, Violence, Vandalism, Thefts and DRUGS! They bring nothing good to our kids and teenagers or families! We need to solve this problem, the sooner, the better!