A Baltimore County friend asked me last night if I was afraid to take out the garbage without my dog by my side for protection. I live in Guilford, and such is the perception of our current state of affairs.

My friend called me "tough." Yes, I feel that I am, but if my life were threatened at gunpoint or knifepoint, as was the case in the recent attack on some of my neighbors ("When even 'good' neighborhoods aren't safe," Jan. 15), I am not sure how I would feel. Living in the city is indeed "tough," considering the crime we face constantly, the high taxes and the terrible schools. Our leaders are focusing on pink famingoes and chipped wood driveways instead of making sure that the citizens feel safe. Our judges need to impose tough sentences and get the miscreants off the streets for good. If the priorities don't change soon, this city will be abandoned by all the taxpaying citizens and businesses because the financial and emotional burden of staying will be too great. There will be no one left but drug addicted criminals.

Legalizing drugs would reduce the crime, but no one is listening to this option. I hope our new mayor will consider it.

Anne Heaton, Baltimore

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