With Maryland’s primary election just around the corner, four leading mayoral candidates took center stage for what is likely the last debate before Baltimoreans head to the polls. The event, hosted at the University of Baltimore in collaboration with The Baltimore Banner, WYPR, and WJZ, saw Mayor Brandon Scott, former Mayor Sheila Dixon, Thiru Vignarajah, and Bob Wallace engage in a spirited hour-long discussion.

Diving into Public Safety

The debate delved into various pressing issues, including public safety, Harborplace redevelopment, homeless services, and education. Notably, the candidates were grilled on Mayor Scott’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), operational in several police districts and recently expanded into the Eastern Police District.

Mayor Scott defended GVRS, highlighting its impact on reducing violent crime while acknowledging the ongoing challenges. Conversely, Dixon pointed out the overall increase in crime across many Baltimore neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for effective measures to combat crime’s detrimental effects on the city’s quality of life.

Rising Concerns Over Crime

Quality of life crimes continue to plague Baltimore, with recent data revealing alarming spikes in crime rates. Neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Inner Harbor, and Fells Point have witnessed substantial increases in various criminal activities, posing significant challenges to law enforcement and city governance.

Mayor Scott reiterated the city’s commitment to addressing crime, emphasizing ongoing efforts to curb violence and property offenses. Meanwhile, Vignarajah and Wallace emphasized community policing as a crucial component of their respective strategies to tackle crime and enhance public safety.

Addressing Youth Crime

While juvenile crime was not extensively discussed during the debate, Dixon proposed implementing a youth curfew in Baltimore City to curb delinquency among young people. She also advocated for lowering the age for youth employment, aiming to provide viable alternatives to criminal activities for Baltimore’s youth population.

Election Countdown

As the primary election draws closer, early voting is already underway in Maryland, providing voters with the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the May 14 primary. With mail-in ballots already sent out to thousands of Baltimore City voters, the mayoral candidates are intensifying their campaigns to secure support from the electorate.

For more political updates, follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Share your insights and tips via email at [email protected].

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