Ways to curb SEPTA shootings
A teenager was shot on a SEPTA bus near the intersection of 3rd Street and Allegheny Avenue. Shooting happened on a crowded bus that was traveling along Allegheny Avenue in North Philadelphia.
Bus shootings should not be tolerated. Taking public transportation is supposed to be another safe way to get from one place to another. It is unjust that a shooting would take place right on the bus.
SEPTA control center has to manually take their drivers and train them on how to avoid violent altercations if they have a feeling something will happen wrong to the passengers riding.
First instinct is to call the police but having lockdown bus drills could work for avoiding shootings. This way no one would have to witness or be in harm’s way of a gun shootout.
Now what could be implemented is all SEPTA buses having gun censors. Detection equipment for weapons that can be used to monitor the bus so a warning of a gun can be in the system. SEPTA police have to be placed at bus stops where gun shootings took place previously so passengers can feel safe.
SEPTA Transit Police’s mission is to provide a safe and secure work and travel environment and to enhance the quality of life on its system through law enforcement efforts that reduce the fear and incidence of crime.
SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson, Capts. R. Kitt Walls and Daryl K. Jones and Inspector James Reynolds have to put in serious measures of how to protect people riding SEPTA moving forward because this is not the first incident of gun violence on or near SEPTA transportation vehicles.
Alim Howell
First time mail-in voter
I just received an email from the Pennsylvania Department of State that they received my mail-in ballot. So, even though many voters are still mulling over which candidates they might choose for the highest offices in our country, I already made that decision.
So, first I had to fill in the rather involved application form for the ballot. Had to verify my identity of course. Am lucky to live near a post office, where I just dropped it through their indoor slot as I do all my mail.
In due time I received the complete ballot with all the candidates starting with President and Vice President from four parties: Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian.
There are also candidates from five parties for Senate. The fifth party is Constitution.
The ballot also includes candidates for U.S. House, Attorney General, Auditor General and State Treasurer. Oh, it gets complicated.
The deadline for applying for a mail-in ballot is 8 p.m. on Oct. 29. It must be returned by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can order a mail-in ballot through pavotersservices.pa.gov. It helps to have a computer.
This is my first time voting by mail and I look forward to the results in November. I am glad we have this convenience for those who are older or handicapped or otherwise prevented from voting in person. Good luck to all voters.
Gloria C. Endres
