Mayor Emanuel’s primary task (the first one of all effective group leaders and mothers) is to provide for the safety of his charges. Yes, more important than money matters or anything else! Only failed, misguided, or diabolical leaders ignore the universality of this precept.

Summer is here (finally) and our splendid (so far) lakefront and its beaches beckon. That attraction, unfortunately, also excites unsavory characters who flock there in large groups (gangs).

There is no time to adjust to violence; it must be prevented and stopped in its tracks. No form of it can be acceptable. One significant mishap and the mayor’s record could be indelibly ruined.

We have a new police superintendent; his goals must coincide with, and make a reality of, the mayor’s wishes.

I, for one, have used our magnificent lakefront almost daily for half a century. I’m planning to do so for much of the next half century. We can all let the mayor and police superintendent know that we are there to support them in helping to keep us safe.

There is no time to waste.