As we prepare to draw the curtain on 2017, I want to talk to you a moment about what we have all been through together and what we must work to achieve in the coming year. 

Let me be clear - we have endured too much violence, too much pain and sorrow - too much loss. Our hearts ache for the families and loved ones left behind by young lives snatched by gunshot on our streets. Our hearts ache for the young and old alike who are trapped in places where violence is a way of life. Our hearts ache for our City - a truly great City - whose identity has been defined by these tragedies for too long.