With the primary elections behind them, candidates for Meridian offices are steaming toward the June 3 general election, and for some of them, swearing in just weeks later.

 

One of the first things the city’s new leaders will have to tackle will be the issue of security for events and festivals in the downtown area.

 

Meridian’s calendar of events is only getting more crowded as new events are organized and established celebrations draw larger and larger crowds. More people creates the potential for more chaos, and a recent push from the city to establish security policies for events has sparked a needed conversation about what is needed to keep downtown safe and who will foot the bill.

 

While the city has not had any big problems, Community Development Director Craig Hitt told the City Council a push to improve security came after a terror attack in New Orleans in which a man drove his vehicle down Bourbon Street killing 14 people and injuring more than 57 others.

 

Residents attending Sipp & Savor or the Threefoot Festival in recent weeks will have noticed large orange barriers, new additions to the city’s arsenal of crowd control tools. The city is also expected to take possession of several walk-through metal detectors, which can be set up at entryways to events and used in City Hall and other locations when not otherwise needed.

 

Another change will be the use of private security inside event venues, freeing up Meridian Police Department resources to tackle ongoing crime and other issues throughout the city.

 

Using barriers and fencing to limit entry and exits to events and channeling people though metal detectors will improve safety, but long lines, difficulty getting in or other delays could cut down on the number of people downtown’s festivities will draw as well.  Exorbitant costs for private security could likewise cause Meridian’s downtown momentum to slow by raising the costs to organize the numerous festivals and activities taking place throughout the year.

 

As with any worthwhile local government cause, there’s no way for Meridian’s elected officials to fully satisfy those on both sides of the issue. Established security protocols are needed, and residents and visitors alike need to feel safe in our downtown.

 

Event organizers also need to keep costs low, reserving spending for attractions that draw more and more people. Growing crowds means more hotel rooms booked, tables at restaurants filled and increased foot traffic in local businesses.

 

Candidates should take this time leading up to the election to study the issue and ready themselves to take action if or when they take office. No decision is going to be popular, but they should still put in the effort to make the one that is best for Meridian.