Governor Hogan: "The Violence Isn't Helping Anybody"
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Maryland's governor took to the streets of Baltimore Thursday afternoon, asking one-on-one for residents' help to keep the city calm.
Alex DeMetrick has more on what Governor Hogan and Baltimoreans had to say to each other.
The conversation was two-way: the governor's immediate worries and the long-term concerns of the people Hogan met.
The burns are still fresh on Pennsylvania Avenue and Governor Larry Hogan worked the street, pledging he'll do whatever he can to keep more fires from burning.
"I can promise you this: we're going to do everything we possibly can to keep the neighborhood safe, to protect your store," Hogan said.
Going inside and out, he spread that same message as the weekend and planned demonstrations approach---but a lot of what he heard one-on-one were concerns that stretch back a long way in the neighborhood.
"Our laws need to be changed. The police department, you cannot touch the police with these laws," said one resident.
"I can't find nowhere to live because I can't afford the rent," said Dorothy Small.
While the governor is hearing about long-term problems, it's the immediate future that's his worry.
"My focus is on protecting the citizens of Baltimore and making sure we get through this weekend," Hogan said.
Hogan: "The violence isn't helping anybody. We need your help getting the word out."
Baltimore resident: "We do that."
Hogan: "Thank you. God bless you. Appreciate it."
This isn't the governor's first neighborhood walk. He began meeting with people Tuesday, the day after rioting rocked the city.
While keeping the city calm is his top priority right now, Governor Hogan did tell people the state will bring what help it can to property owners and businesses that suffered damage.