Crime Problem Augusta? (sex offenders, crime rate, living in)

[Labamba]

Originally Posted by mainerwoman

I've never spent much time In Bangor. Except for the mall. There are negative aspects of everything. However, I would never live any where but Maine. It is truly "the way life should be" And hopefully, it will continue to be for my children and grandchildren to come. Many people come to Maine looking for what they think we should be. They become disappointed when we're not Cabot Cove or CastleRock. They become angry when they try to introduce "new and wonderful" ideas, and we reject those plans. My Dad always said "if it ain't broke, don"t fix it."

Ayuh, you're absolutely right.

[mainerwoman]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

I'd be very leery of anyone who wants to live in Castle Rock.

I would be as well. But people from away can be "funny". They have this picture of how we need to be. It's the same problem with just looking at statistics. If anyone looked at Augusta's crime rates, you would think a crazy rapist was lying in wait in every parking lot in town. Or that if you left your car parked on the street for a second it would be stolen. I never lock my car, or my front door. I've never had my car stolen or lost anything inside it. I think if you spend your day watching Jessica Fletcher or reading the crime log from the KJ your not getting the full picture. Maybe Augusta does have crime, but so what. In comparision to Boston, New York City or even Portland, I'll take the crazed rapist waiting at Big Lots.

[MissLizzy]

Lest we not forget the awesome Governor who closed down a huge portion of the State hospital, making much of the city a breeding ground for the mentally ill and/or homeless. I am shocked at how many people leave this out of their reasoning process.

And I do know of a couple of murders that happened there last year. I am probably a bit biased, I can not stand the place anymore....

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by MissLizzy

... And I do know of a couple of murders that happened there last year. I am probably a bit biased,

... I can not stand the place anymore....

These two ideas rather travel together.

[mainerwoman]

Originally Posted by MissLizzy

Lest we not forget the awesome Governor who closed down a huge portion of the State hospital, making much of the city a breeding ground for the mentally ill and/or homeless. I am shocked at how many people leave this out of their reasoning process.

And I do know of a couple of murders that happened there last year. I am probably a bit biased, I can not stand the place anymore....

The city of Augusta is not a breeding ground for the mentally ill. (except for the capital building) Sweeping statements like that paint a picture of lunatics hiding in the bushes, just waiting to attack people. last year murders happened in Portland, Bangor, L/A, and other places in Maine. Do you hate those places as well. I think you sound more then a "bit biased".

[MissLizzy]

Ok, yah, I am more than a bit biased. I even served mentally ill people as a waitress DAILY. The very sad part was, it wasnt their fault. I am not heartless, I would always treat them well, and often buy their meals if they were homeless. But yes, Augusta has an above-average population of mentally ill, it is true. I refuse to believe otherwise. And yes, if you had a murder happen down the street from you (On state street, just up the hill from Cumberland Farms), you might think to yourself "Hmmm, maybe this isnt a place I want to find sucess and settle down".

ALL of Augusta is NOT like this. And, I might add, my father --the civil engineer-- is doing an excellent job at improving the look and feel of the city overall by designing things like the Kennebec Rail Trail, and redoing poorly designed streets, etc.

Overall, it is a hard place to find economic/and or career success. I dont believe many people would disagree with that.

Be blessed.

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by MissLizzy

Ok, yah, I am more than a bit biased. I even served mentally ill people as a waitress DAILY. The very sad part was, it wasnt their fault. I am not heartless, I would always treat them well, and often buy their meals if they were homeless. But yes, Augusta has an above-average population of mentally ill, it is true. I refuse to believe otherwise.

"Above average"? What is "average"? What are you comparing it to?

[mainebrokerman]

of course augusta has an above average insanity level,,,thats the state capitol, with all the politicians

[MissLizzy]

hah, Yes the politicians add to it. I have no comparison, you are right. In my travels I have never come across so many mentally ill people in only general area. With Togus right there, and the governors choice to downsize AMHI (as I mentioned previously), I think that it is reasonable to assume that there is a tendency for more mentally ill people in the area.

Perhaps the respondants to this post are coming from a viewpoint of a different agegroup and lifestyle. I think that my peergroup (18-30'sish) is more likely to notice the issues in augusta because it is that peer group that struggles the most. I had a talk with my cousin last night (she is 22 and lives in Augusta) about the extra-curricular activities that her friends choose and how it is not condusive to success, health, or change.

Overall, no matter where you live, you can do things to protect yourself against any crime and negativity that there is.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by MissLizzy

hah, Yes the politicians add to it. I have no comparison, you are right. In my travels I have never come across so many mentally ill people in only general area. With Togus right there, and the governors choice to downsize AMHI (as I mentioned previously), I think that it is reasonable to assume that there is a tendency for more mentally ill people in the area.

Perhaps the respondants to this post are coming from a viewpoint of a different agegroup and lifestyle. I think that my peergroup (18-30'sish) is more likely to notice the issues in augusta because it is that peer group that struggles the most. I had a talk with my cousin last night (she is 22 and lives in Augusta) about the extra-curricular activities that her friends choose and how it is not condusive to success, health, or change.

Overall, no matter where you live, you can do things to protect yourself against any crime and negativity that there is.

also keep in mind, since they put a tall fence on the memorial bridge,,,this cut down on the bridge jumpers...