Unfortunately for the Memphis City Council’s proposed “trigger” ordinances on gun control, they require an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution to be enforceable. As such, it doesn’t practically affect any of the violent crime issues facing Memphis. Passing a law that can’t be enacted is just noise when we need action. And the city leadership needs to be clear-eyed about it.

As a Memphian, I am angry about the violence and the lack of accountability of both the criminals and our local justice system. As your representative, I have a dedicated track record of speaking out for my district even when it has meant bucking the supermajority in Nashville. That is what I do. I’m a Memphian and in Nashville, I speak and vote for all of us. You have a dedicated advocate at our state Capitol; please look at the voting records.

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Last year, Memphis had a record-breaking 398 homicides, a 40% spike from 2022. We have to get ahead of this, but more unenforced laws won’t get it done. A mere 7% of inmates acquired their firearm legally, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. A quarter got theirs from a family member, and well over half either stole, found or bought it illegally. The vast majority of these guns are beyond the reach of law, but the criminals are not.

Controlling violent crime is about holding people accountable. Passing stronger gun laws in a revolving-door justice system. where neither lax judges nor repeat criminals are held accountable, simply won’t do any good. Memphis doesn’t need more laws that won’t be enforced; Memphis needs solutions that impact the problems we are facing. The laws are already on the books: If you do the crime, you do the time. Unless the laws are enforced, they are just noise. We deserve better than that.

I have worked hard to pass laws on stricter jail sentencing, keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and ensuring bail on capital crimes is set through accountable consideration by a judge. I’ve spoken out to get timely mental health care to those in need and coordinate public records accordingly.

Beyond crucial elements of public safety, I’ve cosponsored bills that have brought more than half a billion dollars in state funding to our city for various projects. Let’s not pick a fight with Nashville, risking some 10% of the city’s funding, that won’t fix the problem and will likely make it worse.

I’ve developed solid experience and productive relationships with my colleagues on Capitol Hill, even if we don’t always agree. I’m proud on my efforts as your representative, but I also know it is our local elections that will make the most immediate and crucial impact on the safety and well-being of our city.

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We deserve solutions. We deserve action. This will require public deliberation — the upcoming referendum on permits for open carry, while nonbinding, is a great start.

For too long, violent offenders have drifted in and out of the system, often released without bail. A lack of accountability has bolstered lawlessness and encouraged violent crime. We must use every resource possible to enforce the law and prosecute crime. Memphians deserves a strong voice in Nashville. I have worked to keep guns out of criminals’ hands, helped ensure violent offenders don’t walk free and backed legislation that has decreased incidents of illegal street racing. We deserve a safe city. The most effective way to get there is to hold criminals accountable and close the revolving door of offenders.

I call on local leaders to follow through by enforcing our laws and to join me in the fight to end this epidemic of lawlessness. Casting our vote, and making it count, is how we get our voices are heard and reclaim our streets.