We are clear-eyed about the public safety challenges we’re facing: while many of our neighborhoods have not seen a single murder this year, gun violence is plaguing neighborhoods on our South and West Sides. We’re just as clear about our commitment to end this violence and allow everyone who calls Chicago home to enjoy the benefits and opportunities our great city has to offer.

We have repeatedly made specific requests of the administration for greater law enforcement integration and resources; a higher priority placed on federal gun prosecutions; and funds restored toward mentoring and after-school and summer jobs programs that have proven to be positive alternatives for our young people.

Because this is so important, I’ll always be ready with this list whenever the President asks. The better question, I’d suggest, is whether the President cares enough about violence in our city to do more than talk or tweet about it.

###