Redd wants to woo the middle class to Camden to save the city from its unsustainable financial situation. But it must first find new solutions to old problems.
"If we continue to do what we've always done, we'll continue to have what we always have gotten," Redd said.
With a crime rate that ranks it among the nation's most dangerous cities, more than one in three of its 77,000 residents living in poverty, and one in five unemployed, Camden is short on selling points for those looking to buy a house or start a business.
"We have to deal with public safety in order to bring in private investors and to attract the middle-class base," Redd said Thursday in an interview to discuss her first years as Camden's leader. "We're going to be very aggressive."
Crime and education will be her primary focus, she says.
Redd is committed to creating a Camden County police force, whose metro division would replace the current city department. Supporters of the controversial plan say the model would reduce salaries and benefits and permit the hiring of more officers.
Skeptics - including residents, police, and activists - say the proposed regionalization is simply a union-busting move. A parade of speakers at recent council meetings have asked to have the topic put to a referendum.
Asked if the issue should be decided by residents, the self-described loner said simply: "They've elected me to do a job on their behalf."
On Thursday, Redd stood by Gov. Christie as he signed the Urban Hope Act, which created a pilot program for private companies to construct and operate up to four taxpayer-funded "renaissance schools" in Camden.
