Issue Position: Safe and Stable Communities

Issue Position

Bill is committed to giving working families the tools they need to flourish. Safe and stable neighborhoods are critical to the success of our young people and the continued growth and renewal of the 46th District and Baltimore City.

AS YOUR MARYLAND STATE SENATOR, BILL WILL:
* Create a "Maryland Mentors Corps" for young professionals to serve as mentors for Baltimore youth. Organize the multiple groups serving this purpose and structure them in an efficient and strategic manner.

* Support enhancements to sustainable public transit options in the City with the goal of creating a more comprehensive, effective, and efficient transportation network in Baltimore.

* Focus on public safety by engaging in a relentless campaign against habitual violent offenders, including increased penalties for crimes involving a handgun. Offer targeted diversion programs to first and second-time misdemeanor offenders.

* Invest in gang prevention and youth development opportunities on a massive scale.

* Allow for a transparent, low-cost, and easily accessible means for neighborhoods to have efficient input into publicly-financed development projects to streamline planning, development, and construction. Leverage these new processes to promote transit-oriented development throughout the City.

* Facilitate development of performance-based outcome scorecards for all State agencies to increase transparency within organizations that serve neighborhoods and communities.

* Promote problem-solving and community courts, whereby community buy-in allows for meaningful community service and reduced recidivism rates. Create the framework for expansion of Neighborhood Justice Centers.

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