The death of Freddie Gray while in police custody and the resulting weeks of peaceful protest, interrupted by misguided acts of destruction, are like a smoldering fire ready to burst into flames. Following the immediate and intensive concern for our city, the greatest tragedy would be for all of us to return to our "normal" lives while a large portion of our city continues to live in hopelessness.
It is not enough for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to proclaim "We are One Baltimore" or Gov. Larry Hogan to declare that "Baltimore should be the engine driving the regional economy" ("Mayor, Hogan defend handling of city riots," May 13). We need action from those who have the power to rebuild broken communities like Sandtown-Winchester so their residents are no longer ignored and isolated by the rest of the city. Years of neglect must be reversed, making that area a prosperous, livable part of the city where residents can thrive.
In addition to the good works of faith groups, neighborhood associations and non-profits, we need a comprehensive plan to address the in-depth issues such as poor quality of education, few living wage jobs and job training, transportation deficiencies, substandard housing, lack of food markets, drug use, crime and bad relations with police.
The public is looking for strong leadership from Mayor Rawlings-Blake, the City Council, Governor Hogan and the General Assembly to form a comprehensive, well-funded plan to address the dire needs of that portion of our city that is unable to function in a productive, fulfilling way. The plan must include community leaders, especially those in the affected neighborhoods, and representatives of relevant city, county, state agencies, business leaders, foundations and non-profits.
Only concerted action over a long period of time will erase years of neglect and isolation. And it will cost a great amount of taxpayer money. The alternative is to see increasing unrest, expressions of frustration and anger and more violence, which not only gives Baltimore bad publicity but affects the whole city economically.
Where is the strong leadership from those who have the power to make a real difference?
David Pollitt, Catonsville