Selma needs a leader. We need someone who will stand up and decide that enough is enough. We need someone who will respond to the needs of the public.

Nearly 10 days ago, some of the problems facing the security of Selma citizens was reported to the people of this community. Within that report, Selma City Council members, Mayor James Perkins Jr. and Police Chief Robert Green were asked what could be done to help solve the security crisis.

Since that report, a man has walked into a local restaurant with a gun and robbed the business. This past weekend, a man walked into another store, jumped the counter and struck a store employee in the face, taking an undisclosed amount of money in the process.

After the latest incident at a jewelry store, the life of a Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputy was put at stake.

While some may view the Times-Journal’s report on July 28 as just another series of stories on the police department, leaders in this community must realize that those stories were about the people in Selma and how those people feel.

To this point, not one leader in Selma has come out and said anything about the police report. Some have criticized the &uot;negative&uot; coverage. Most has said nothing at all.

The men and women who protect Selma deserve better. The men, women and children who live in Selma deserve better.

We all must wonder why our mayor, city council and police chief have chosen to remain publicly silent on this issue. Does it not matter to them, or do all of them feel like there is nothing more that can be done?

What the people of Selma must realize is that we have good men and women working to protect us every day. Those people, who risk their lives, deserve credit for the cases they solve and the arrests they make.

What the people of Selma also must realize is that our leaders are to be held accountable. There should be a public outcry when our leaders seemingly ignore public sentiment.

We cannot stop every crime in this city and county. But when Dallas County has the highest crime rate in the state &045;&045; which it does &045;&045; surely someone will prove his worth in our community and tell us how we can feel more protected.

Is there anyone who cares to tackle that challenge? Selma needs a leader.