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This year we must redouble our efforts and further reduce crime. I believe that, with the help of the Maryland General Assembly, we can pass tougher penalties for illegal gun possession and continue reducing gun violence to historic lows.
This year, I will introduce two bills to the General Assembly that would create tougher penalties for gun offenders. The first bill would create a minimum sentence of 18 months for all defendants arrested with an illegal, loaded firearm. The second bill would strengthen sentencing options for felons in possession of guns by creating a sentencing range of 5 years minimum to 15 years maximum, giving judges more sentencing options when faced with a repeat gun offender.
The sad truth is that 44% of homicide suspects in 2010 had a prior gun arrest. Yet 82% of all jail time imposed by Baltimore's criminal courts for gun offenders was suspended. The average amount of jail time served by misdemeanor gun offenders is only four months.
With tougher laws on the books, prosecutors will be able to ensure that gun offenders are taken out of our neighborhoods, and criminals will think twice before deciding to casually carry a loaded gun in Baltimore, or anywhere else in Maryland.
The Baltimore Sun posted a video of our press conference talking about the need for tougher legislation, and published an editorial in support of the my legislative proposal.
On Wednesday, Police Commissioner Bealefeld talked with WYPR's Dan Rodrick's about crime reduction and the need for tougher legislation. Download and listen to the podcast.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor's Office and be a part of the conversation on Twitter. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Baltimore Image Focus Groups Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is looking for ways to improve the image of Baltimore City and we need your help. Come participate in one of five focus groups from January 24-28, and discuss why you've decided to live or stay in Baltimore. The purpose of the focus groups will be to collect your thoughts and perceptions of Baltimore and to hear about your experience living here. To express your interest, visit www.planitagency.com/focus. |
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Christmas Tree Pickup
The Department of Public Works will provide Christmas tree mulching Monday through Saturday during the entire month of January 2011. Mulching services will be offered from 9:00 am-2:00 pm at both the Sisson Street Citizen Drop-off Center, 2840 Sisson Street, AND the Reedbird Avenue Citizen Drop-off Center, 701 Reedbird Avenue. Residents may bring their own bags or containers if they wish to collect mulch for their own use. Community groups are also encouraged to bring bags or containers and collect free mulch for neighborhood gardens while supplies last.
The Bureau of Solid Waste will also offer curbside tree collection from January 4 through January 28. Residents should set out trees on their regularly scheduled trash collection day at the same location where their trash is collected. All tinsel and ornaments must be removed from trees before they are set out for curbside collection or mulching.
For additional information, please call 3-1-1. |
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Point-In-Time "Homeless Census" Volunteers Needed The Mayor's Office of Human Services, Homeless Services Program, in partnership with Morgan State University, is conducting its bi-annual Point-in-Time, a federally mandated project that aims to obtain an accurate count of homeless persons. The results of the census directly affect funding for homeless outreach, housing, and service programs and guides federal and local homeless policy. Volunteers are needed to conduct surveys in the early morning hours of January 25, between 1:00 am and 6:00 am. Click here to register for a volunteer training. To find out more about the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Baltimore, go to www.endinten.org. |
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Don't Wait: Get Your Flu Shot Today!
Flu season is here. The most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from influenza is to get vaccinated. Each flu season, the Baltimore City Health Department provides free vaccinations at clinics across the city. Call 311 or visit the Health Department Website to find the clinic nearest you.
Other, simple ways to avoid the flu and stay healthy this fall:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Do not share personal items like drinks, food, or unwashed utensils.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or by using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is not available.
If someone in your household becomes sick and develops a fever, the person should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours. Staying home when sick with flu will reduce the number of others who may get sick. |
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Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Open Studio Day
Saturday, January 8, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, 21 S. Eutaw Street See visual and performing artists, visit their work studios, and purchase original artwork. More than a dozen artists showcase their work, including mixed-media, paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The Shop at Bromo, a newly added retail store that sells artwork by regional artists, will have extended hours. For more information, call 410-752-8632 or visit www.bromoseltzerartstower.com. |
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Great Kids Come Back
Friday, January 14, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Baltimore City Public Schools, 200 East North Avenue Young adults (younger than 21) who have dropped out of school and are interested in returning to earn their high school diploma can take advantage of this opportunity. Come find the right school or program for you. Let City Schools help! It's never too late to enroll back in school. For more information, call 410-396-8600 or visit www.baltimorecityschools.org/comeback. |
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Echo Chamber Opening Reception
Friday, January 14, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street School 33 Art Center presents Echo Chamber, an exhibit featuring work by artists M. Jordan Tierney and Geoff Grace. The exhibit will run through Saturday, February 26. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:00 pm-6:00 pm. For more information, visit www.school33.org or call 443-263-4350. |
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Martin Luther King Day Job Fair
Monday, January 17, 7:30 am-4:00 pm
St. Frances Academy Community Center, 501 East Chase Street Create a resume, apply for jobs online, and meet with employers ready to hire at this 9th annual job fair. The days events include job readiness classes, refreshment, an all-day blood drive, and much more. For more information, or to register, call Ralph Moore at 410-539-5794 ext. 30 or Stephanie Rivas at ext. 28. |
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Monday, January 17, 12:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Baltimore City commemorates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Local bands, civic and community organizations, and schools pay homage to the civil rights leader at this 11th annual parade. The parade is presented by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts. For more information, call 877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
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Interact & Attract
Friday, January 21, 8:30 am-10:00 am
Visit Baltimore, 100 Light Street, 12th floor Social media has transformed the way restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions interact with and attract customers. The hospitality industry is booming with examples of social media marketing success, including Facebook pages, Tweetups, and FourSquare Specials. Join a panel of regional hospitality marketers as they give insights into what's worked and what hasn't. For more information, or to register, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1145252481. |
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Criminal Record Expungement Workshop
Saturday, January 22, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library, 1531 West North Avenue Come learn about the expungement process and options for those with a criminal record. The workshop, facilitated by "Re-Entry Guy" Mark Matthews, is hosted by The Friends of the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library. For more information, call 410-396-0399. |
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Introduction to the World of Fundraising
Monday, January 24, 2:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street Interested in non-profit fundraising? Looking for funding for your organization? Learn the basics of the world of fundraising and find out about the free resources available at the Pratt Library. For more information, call 410-396-5430. |
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Maryland Zoo Volunteer Open House
Sunday, January 30, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park Get involved as a Zoo volunteer! Come learn abou the essential role that volunteers play in conservation, education, and visitor support. For more information, contact the Zoo at 410-396-7102. |
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