BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The community gets its first chance to hear from the mayor's Chief of Staff. People packed inside a local restaurant for the event, and said they were optimistic. Baton Rouge native Pennie May Landry said she's all in for making Baton Rouge a safer and more prosperous community.“I moved back six years ago, after spending time in the northeast – I came back and said, ‘What happened to my hometown?’ Where are taxpayer dollars being spent?  Is it being done effectively, and efficiently, and where is the data to show that money is producing results?" said Landry. Landry added that she thinks one of the main problems our community faces is mental health."Mental illness is interesting because people don't want help," said Landry. "I've talked to people on the street. I’ve said ‘Hey, you can go to the shelter,' and they say 'No way, it’s worse in the shelters.’"Mayor-President Sid Edwards' newly appointed Chief of Staff agrees."Crime, homelessness, we’ve all seen it around the city," said Vicknair. "It’s not an easy fix for homelessness, we’ve got to revive our efforts.” He also said the connection between high crime rates in Baton Rouge, homelessness and mental health is evident- and he wants to bolster the police department to help handle these issues.Also speaking at the event was former Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member and Baton Rouge Senate candidate, Carolyn Hill. "My platform focuses on three critical issues – and as I was standing here, I said 'Mr. Vicknair, crime is one of the major issues,'" said Hill. "One of the problems that Senate District 14 has, is in the inner city area, especially those who live on the other side of Government Street is blighted homes, vacant buildings, and we all know what that brings: crime.” Latest News St. Helena Parish School District looking to replace resource officer amid concerns, sheriff's office refuses City of Central plans to improve town with 'Mainstreet 2030' initiative How does cold weather impact the Louisiana crawfish industry? Baton Rouge community members meet Mayor-President's Chief of Staff St. George city council approve mayor, police chief salaries in Tuesday meeting