Commissioner Kevin Boynes urges Dolton residents to curb violence through 'positive interaction'

Commissioner Kevin Boynes urged residents at a Dolton community gathering to work across generations to reduce violence and build positive connections. "We gotta stop it right here, right now with just positive interaction," Boynes said, adding that leadership by example encourages others to follow.

Boynes opened by identifying himself as "Commissioner Kevin Boynes" and listing other roles, including minister and sheriff's police investigator. He framed the meeting in spiritual terms, saying gatherings are powerful and that when leaders step forward, others will follow. "This is so powerful... there I am in the midst," he said.

Boynes said he attended despite a recent car accident and that he was "supposed to be at home resting," emphasizing the personal commitment he felt to the effort. "As long as God willing and I can move, I need to be here," he said, describing the "energy" and "fellowship" the meeting provided.

He drew attention to the range of ages present as part of his appeal, noting "I'm 48 and some of y'all he's 70," and used the generational mix to underline the possibility for change. Boynes thanked the event organizers, including the pastor, trustees and a person he identified as Stan, calling them "amazing" for assembling the gathering.

He closed on an optimistic note, saying he expects the group to grow: "I promise you God is going to multiply this and we're going to need a bigger space." The remarks were delivered as part of a community meeting rather than a formal government action; no motions or votes were recorded.