After Stabbing Death, Coral Springs Mayor Pushes For Anti-Teen Violence Forum, Commissioners Want To Wait

Posted by OurTownNews October 28, 2009, 4:01 PM
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By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

The recent stabbing death of a local teen by his brother over a loud computer has prompted Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook to push for a community forum on teen violence- but that will not happen any time soon.

City Commissioners rejected the Mayor's request for an immediate forum tonight saying the city is "ill equipped" to deal with this type of situation and some said Commissioners should not play the role of psychologists.

"Therapists have talents that we do not. We do not have the special talents to respond to the parents as they do," said City Commissioner Claudette Bruck at a City Workshop tonight, in response to the Mayor's request for a forum. "It's a private family matter."

Mayor Brook initially requested that the City Commission host a town forum and invite guidance counselors, students and local residents to voice their concerns and speak up against teen violence. He suggested having the event next month at J.P. Taravella High School, where the two brothers attended school.

"I am not a counselor, but I can share. I have overcome grief. I understand that it is a private matter. Years ago, I lost my mother to suicide; it was a private matter but now I am able to share it. I am not just a Mayor, not just a father, but a son who lost his mother. I will give my city my best- with you or without you. You do not have to choose violence," said Brook. "There is no way I'm going to sit here and do nothing. If you don't want to do it as five; I'll do it as one."

Commissioners, however, responded that they do not have the tools to emotionally assist with a forum but want to host a forum in a few months after more preparations and with professionals, including counselors, on hand.

"It has been a tragic day, but lets not do a knee jerk reaction," said Vice Mayor Vince Boccard. "Lets take time to prepare for a forum and give the community time to think about it when it's not so emotional."

Commissioners Roy Gold and Tom Powers suggested having a town forum in December or January and the entire Commission agreed on that later date. Commissioners will also discuss the topic further at a City Commission meeting next Tuesday.

However, Mayor Brook says he's still hearing from the community. He has invited the community to come to his Coffee with the Mayor event Monday, Nov. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Cafe Creme Brulee, 1263 University Drive.

Do you think the City of Coral Springs should have a town forum? Post comments at www.enewsboy.com or www.facebook.com/ourtownnews.