Tim Brinker, a Lifelong Franklin County resident, has watched as the region has gone under dramatic changes. Brinker noted that St. Louis City has lost 64% of its population since its peak and has the title of murder capital of the USA---while Franklin County continues to grow. “Eventually the problems in the urban core of this region will affect Franklin County. We have already seen crime increase throughout the region. We have one choice--- we must lead by example by working together and challenge others in the region to do better,” stated Brinker.