Posted on 05/27/22
| News Source: FOX45
Gov. Larry Hogan is applying a new round of pressure in the city's fight to control crime.
In a stinging letter to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the Governor demanded an accounting of how the city is spending state crime dollars and requested a progress report since the two met to discuss crime strategy in February.
"In February, you assured us that there was a comprehensive plan in place, but at this point, I don't believe anyone, including you, believes it is working," wrote Governor Hogan.
The governor said Maryland State Police has repeatedly offered to assist city police with investigating crime but their offer has repeatedly been rejected.
"It's very concerning that all this state's money, a 50% increase, is flowing into the city's coffers but the city is only producing coffins," said Sean Kennedy with the Maryland Public Policy Institute.
On Thursday, Scott dodged questions about the letter after an appearance in Fells Point.
However, late Thursday he released a statement: "I am confused by the Governor’s letter and its request. First and foremost, if the Governor wanted to ask me about the crime fight, he could have asked me in person on Saturday, but he chose not to and instead played publicity games with public safety. Moreover, since he’s taken office, two things are true: he has refused to offer Baltimore any meaningful help, and crime has gone up every year. On multiple occasions, I have invited Governor Hogan to come to Baltimore to get a first-hand look at the work our officers and public safety agencies are doing daily. Each and every day, I work to prevent the loss of life in Baltimore city. The Governor knows how to help, but he refuses to do so. If the Governor wants a briefing, I’ll brief him, and if he wants to take me up on my offer to come to my city and see what we are doing every day, that offer stands.”