Gov. Larry Hogan Pledging A Better Future For Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Pledging to fix what's broken. In an op-ed for The Baltimore Sun, Governor Larry Hogan vows to make Baltimore more livable and to solve the problems plaguing the city.
Rick Ritter has more on the governor's new plan of action.
Governor Hogan says we need to make Baltimore the economic engine of Maryland, and that over the next few months, his administration will start delivering real change.
Bustling, amazing and beautiful. That's how Governor Larry Hogan describes Charm City in an op-ed for The Baltimore Sun that's grabbing the attention of many.
"I found it to be an incredible love letter to Baltimore City," said Carl Stokes, Baltimore City Council.
A letter keying in on the good and bad of Baltimore.
"In order for all of Maryland to thrive, all the cities need to thrive," said Jayce Flickinger., general manager, Parts and Labor.
Hogan reflected on the Freddie Gray aftermath, saying: "During the riots in April and during my campaign for governor last year, I toured every corner of Baltimore, from Sandtown-Winchester to Fells Point. Everywhere I went, I met people who talked with me about their optimism for a better future for the great city they love."
"We're going to make sure that we get Baltimore back on track and make sure our neighborhoods are safe again," Hogan said in the aftermath of the riots.
The governor immediately referred to vacant areas as part of the crime wave, saying: "Fixing what's broken in Baltimore starts with the sea of abandoned, dilapidated buildings that infect entire neighborhoods. These empty, decaying structures are a breeding ground for crime."
Jayce Flickinger is the general manager for Parts and Labor butchery and restaurant in Remington--hat was recently an old, vacant tire shop is now a success story Hogan hopes to mirror.
"Once you see it happen and you're a part of it, you can't help but not notice what's not being done to certain buildings in certain areas and the potential those buildings hold," said Flickinger.
Hogan also reaffirmed his commitment to increasing the number of jobs.
"He understands the importance of the vitality of Baltimore, and I stand as always as a ready partner to make that happen," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Implying without a strong Baltimore, the state as a whole is weaker.
Hogan says he believes new concepts can change Baltimore's destiny.
To read the governor's full letter, CLICK HERE.