As City Council President Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake prepared this week to take over when Mayor Sheila Dixon steps down Feb. 4, residents continued to debate Ms. Dixon's resignation and the prospects for the Rawlings-Blake administration. Here's a sampling of reader responses.

While the citizens of Baltimore may understandably be apprehensive about the future of our city, I can assure them that, based on experience with City Council President Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake and her office, we will in good hands. Her office has been a strong advocate for the interests of my neighborhood and has supported us as we pursue our community goals.

Council President Rawlings-Blake has built a strong bridge between her office and our community through the tremendously supportive efforts of her community outreach liaison. We appreciate their concern and assistance. We wish Council President Rawlings-Blake the best. Sean Tully

The writer is president of the Violetville Community Association.

Ms. Rawlings-Blake, I have absolutely no confidence in your ability to lead this city! You have no clue as to what it takes to run this city. When asked about certain issues, you are not thoughtful.

I will be looking forward to the next election for the mayor of Baltimore. We will not be voting for you and will actively work for your opponent.

You have not been sworn in as mayor and already you are taking shots at Ms. Dixon. As a lawyer, you know that some of those jurors should be charged with perjury and misconduct. Those jurors ignored Judge Dennis Sweeney and acted outside of his instructions. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Gov. Martin O'Malley talked a good game, but he didn't do anything when he was mayor except use the city as stepping stone to his current job.

President Obama only used the city as a pit stop on his way to Washington.

These men promised a lot but produce nothing.

Ms. Dixon is an outstanding mayor, and everywhere in this city you can see something that was done by her and her staff. My mother is elderly, and she talks about recycling and using products that make the world greener. This is because of Ms. Dixon.

I am all over this city, and I see flowers, trash cans on corners, medians that are beautiful and new buildings being erected. This is because of Ms. Dixon.

No, Ms. Dixon is not perfect, and yes, she made a mistake. As I look at my life, I haven't done everything right either.

Ms. Dixon, you will be back!Bell

Ms. Rawlings-Blake needs to show us her soul is squeaky clean. Then and only then will she have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to save the city of Baltimore from ruin. Carole