One of the most fundamental priorities for any local government is public safety.  I am pleased that two important measures have advanced over the past week.

The first is the announcement by Brookfield Properties that White Marsh Mall will have a youth escort policy, similar to that in place at Towson Town Center.  This is a long-overdue change, but one that is sorely needed as weather improves and crowds return to the White Marsh Town Center.  It won’t solve every problem, but I firmly believe will enhance the security of both customers and employees in the area.

The second is the creation of a Seven Courts Area Citizens on Patrol program.  I will sponsor a meeting on Sunday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association to create such an initiative, which has been helpful in communities such as Towson.  Many residents are concerned about crime in the densely-populated Seven Courts Drive corridor; this is an opportunity to lend support to our police.