Unfortunately, it came as no surprise to me after reading the latest Sun article outlining a costly crime plan that cost the citizens of Baltimore City close to $300,000 for a document that articulates the very legislative initiatives many of its state legislators have already spearheaded; and City Council President Bernard ‘Jack’ Young had every right to be upset, if not livid. (Unhappy with Baltimore police plan, Nov. 25, 2013)
Even though I’m sure most residents would point to Young’s vote on the Board of Estimates approving the costly expenditure, I am certain that he believed it would move us past what we already knew, giving the BCPD a more detailed blueprint for success.
Groups like the ACLU, the NAACP and their Criminal Justice committee, Safe Streets and others have already outlined many of the proposed ‘changes’ detailed in the latest ‘crime plan.’ In fact, one of the suggestions— to support placing cameras on the uniforms of police officers— is already legislation [that] I have drafted for the upcoming legislative session, making this document the most expensive piece of non-essential wording since the unfunded mandate known as Thornton. And, while my colleagues and I are busy focusing on writing good laws that protect the people of this city, year after year; it would benefit all who are concerned to consult their local resources from within the city.
Del. Frank M. Conaway Jr.
D-District 40, Baltimore City
Baltimore. MD