Mack Seeks to Help Gang Members

LONGVIEW — Longview Mayor Andy Mack says he’s always looking to make a positive change in his community through opening up discussions — and that he believes in a program aimed at helping gang members find a way out of their violent lifestyles. KETK reports that ever since he was elected mayor, he routinely hands out surveys at city council meetings to get ideas flowing for positive change opportunities in the Longview community. He also posts the same questions online to connect with residents and receive feedback. Mack says when he asked residents if they would support a program allowing gang members to find a way out, the responses were enormous. “Kids are already in the gangs, and they want out. So this was just an idea, we throw it out there, and see what happens. It’s a dialogue. And we got incredible feedback,” said Mack.

Since it was a popular topic, he wants to open up further discussions on what the community could do to help gang members not feel so trapped. “They’re in the gangs for multiple reasons. They have no money, so they look to the gang. They have no jobs, so they look to the gang. They don’t have family support, and they look to the gang, so they are trapped. And the gang lifestyle is going to end in one of three ways. It’s going to end in jail, violence or tragedy.”

Mack says he has seen friends of his kids turn to violence. He says that’s why he is passionate about changing this trend — and reaching his goal of possibly saving someone’s life. “If we can save one kid, get them out of a gang, give them a chance to relocate or live a productive life, then we win. And that kid wins. And that’s what our goal should be,” said Mack. Mack’s vision of saving gang members from violence concluded with his statement, “If you do nothing, you will accomplish nothing.” The Longview City Council is in the process of examining a funded program that could support this cause.