TO CUT CRIME, NEW MAYOR MUST TAKE A NEW APPROACH

Now that Baltimore has a new mayor, a renewed effort will be made to curb
the crime, violence, killing and drug traffic in our city. Any effort to
accomplish this will be worthless unless radical change is made in our
judicial and penal systems.

First, our courts must stop slapping wrists and telling felons to be good
citizens or we'll just have to put you in jail.

Second, a place must be made to isolate the criminal element from decent
citizens. Money can always be generated for ballparks and convention
centers. Why can't we generate an equal sum for prison construction?

Third, an adequate staff of judges and prosecutors must be generated.
Violent and hardened criminals must not be allowed to walk because of
delayed trials.

Fourth, the penal code must be changed in respect to punishment of crimes
involving drugs. Importing and large-scale distribution of drugs should be
treated as a capital offense.

Fifth, give our police officers a break: Let them do the job they are paid
to do and help them if at all possible.

I wish the new mayor well and hope he can accomplish his goals. But without
a radical change of tactics, the gentleman will merely be spinning his
wheels.

William L. Scott
Baltimore