KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Waterloo battles violent image

Waterloo battles violent image

WATERLOO (KWWL) - In just 24 hours, there was a stabbing and an officer-involved shooting in Waterloo.  Incidents like this create a perception that Waterloo is overly violent.  It's a perception that many say is not reality.  Those in downtown Waterloo say negative publicity for the city overshadows the positive vibes the city has right now.

As more businesses come to downtown Waterloo, more people are expected to stream in.  But news of recent violence can further stereotypes many in Waterloo are working change.

"The one thing I always say to people is come down and experience it and then tell me after you've had an experience. So often we hear through someone else's experience or what they've heard in the old game of telephone where what you hear is not what it started out to be," said Main Street Waterloo Executive Director Sindee Kleckner.

As to whether Waterloo is dangerous, it depends on who you talk to and where they live.

"Talking with people from work, they prefer to live here. People here talk about better neighborhoods, it's safer to be in Cedar Falls than in Waterloo so there's definitely a stigma attached to Waterloo," said Cedar Falls resident Andrew Meessmann.

"Mostly people from Cedar Falls seem to have a perception that it's more dangerous over here than in Cedar Falls. 'How do you change that?' I laugh at them and say it's no more dangerous than Cedar Falls. You just don't always hear about things that happen in Cedar Falls, maybe," said Waterloo resident Beth Kirkevold.

Some say the change in attitude must come from those who live in Waterloo.

"It doesn't help for people to have false fears in their mind. I think if people start acting like they're not safe, that can make the situation worse," said Waterloo resident Cliff Coney.

"Pride is the biggest thing I would like people to remember. Take pride in where you live. You live here. This is where you're from. This is what you talk about if people ask, you're on vacation and they ask where you're from. Be proud of that. Tell them you want them to come visit and enjoy the same place you live, work, and love every day," said Kleckner.

The Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau say this isn't a topic of conversation among people who come here from out of town.  They say a majority of people coming to Waterloo aren't worried about crime or violence in the city.

Online Reporter:  Bob Waters