Violence task force hears testimony

ALLENTOWN — State Rep. John Siptroth, vice chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, heard testimony Tuesday from a variety of officials from the private and public sectors regarding crime and violence in medium-size cities. Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, said the committee recently formed a Public Health and Violence Prevention Task Force to examine ways to protect Pennsylvanians by reducing crime and violence in Commonwealth communities of all sizes. “Crime and violence are not exclusively urban problems anymore,” Siptroth said. “These are community issues and this new task force will help give us the means to tackle the challenges and keep Pennsylvanians safe and healthy.” Anxiety is growing regarding gangs and violent crime in northeast Pennsylvania, Siptroth said. “I know Pocono residents have growing concerns regarding crime, and I am hopeful that the legislature and municipalities will learn from these hearings and implement some positive strategies for combating and mitigating crime.” Siptroth said those who testified included Dr. Frank Sparandero, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Hospital; M.L. Wernecke, director, Office of Policy Development, state Department of Public Welfare; Bryan Wyant, director, Division of Health Risk Reduction, state Department of Public Welfare; Ed Pawlowski, mayor of Allentown; and Roger McLean, Allentown chief of police. The Sept. 11 hearing was the first of five hearings to be held across the state.