Baltimore County, MD / County Archive

Today, the Baltimore County Police Department held a Press Conference to announce the crime statistics for the first half of 2010. County Executive Jim Smith announced a continued decline in crime across Baltimore County.

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http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/releases/1005crimestats.html

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith will demonstrate the County's support for the fight against breast cancer with a Pink Pep Rally in the Old Courthouse.

Robin Prothro, Executive Director of Komen MD will join the County Executive and government agency team captains as they get the pink spirit and promote the excitement of raising funds to find a cure for breast cancer.

Conference room 118 will be decked in pink balloons, pink cheerleaders, and the pink spirit.

The Komen MD Race for the Cure takes place in Hunt Valley on Sunday, October 3. Smith is the honorary chair of the event.

Towson, MD (September 23, 2010) - Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith attended today's premier viewing of The Palisades of Towson, a new 18-story certified LEED® Silver luxury apartment home community which has changed Towson's skyline. The new 357 apartment home community is the latest of three new residential developments which have added more than 1,600 residential units within walking distance of downtown Towson over the past three years.

Watch the end of this video to take a tour of the super high tech auto parking garage featured at the Towson Palisades.

(Hunt Valley, MD) - Baltimore County's vibrant agricultural industry was front and center this morning as Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown joined some 150 farmers, officials and land preservation supporters in celebrating the official opening of the Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture.

The new center is a core initiative of the Smith administration that will help preserve and foster growth in the County's important agricultural sector. It will serve as an educational resource center for farmers and the public and offer recreational opportunities while conserving valuable open space.

A Message From the Chief of Police James W. Johnson wishing a "shana tova"!

In the September 1 edition, the County Executive answers residents' questions on street flooding from heavy rains, unburied cable lines left by the cable company and getting timely local election results online.

In the July 7 edition, County Executive answers resident's questions on getting traffic calming options in neighborhoods, street repairs from the blizzard, Wal-Mart coming to Randallstown and more.

In the June 23 edition, the County Executive will answer citizens' questions about sign size restrictions on private property, road repair and a burned out property.

County Executive Jim Smith announced that the outdoor Baltimore County World Soccer Festival will be held in Patriot Plaza (formerly the Courts Plaza), 401 Bosely Avenue, on June 12, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Ask Jim Smith feature will invite subscribers to Baltimore Countys bi-weekly E-Newsletter, County Connection, to e-mail the County Executive questions regarding constituent issues in their area of the county. Each week County Executive Smith will select several questions and respond directly to constituents via the web in the next edition of the newsletter. County citizens may subscribe for free to the County Connection at : http://list-manage. com/subscribe.phtml? id=389832a84e

On April 28, 2010, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith revealed that residential recycling tonnages during the first ten weeks since the single stream program began on February 1, 2010 reflect an increase in recycling of 33% when assessed against the comparable period last year. This percentage increase brought the level of recycling collection up to an average of 929 tons per week. Smith also announced that the new single stream program has contributed to a 4% decrease in residential trash tonnages, thus conserving the County's landfill space.

Towson, Md. (April 15, 2010) - Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith submitted his eighth State-of-the-County and Annual Budget address to the Baltimore County Council this morning. The County Executive presented the County Council with a budget consistent with Baltimore County's history of responsible budget management, and one that complies with spending affordability limits established by the Baltimore County Council's Spending Affordability Committee. Baltimore County's General Fund Operating Budget, including one-time expenditures, actually decreases by 4.4 percent under Smith's proposal for FY 11.

In the April 14 edition the County Executive will anser residents' questions on bulk trash pickup, community stream clean up initiatives and more.

Baltimore County Jim Smith and Governor Martin O'Malley visit Amethyst at UMBC's Business Incubator and discuss how the Jobs Creation Tax Credit, recently passed by the Maryland General Assembly, will help small businesses grow in Baltimore County and Maryland as a whole.

Today, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith joined Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger and Congressman Elijah Cummings dedicated a new fully equipped, state-of-the-art Mobile Career Center in Baltimore County. Congressman Elijah Cummings is also given a tour through the new Randallstown Community Center by Councilman Kenneth Oliver.

Towson, MD (March 26, 2010) In the latest edition of BCUpfront, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Police Chief Jim Johnson, States Attorney Scott Shellenberger, and Councilman Kevin Kamenetz react to the indictments handed down by a federal grand jury on March 25 related to a multi-million dollar organized retail theft operation in the region. The Baltimore County Police Department was the lead investigative unit on this case.

Towson, Md. (March 16, 2010) — Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith kicked off Census 2010 in Baltimore County as Census questionnaires begin arriving in mailboxes here and across the country. Smith hosted a brief event at the Essex location of Creative Kids, Inc., a non-profit community learning center that relies on federal funds that are allocated based on Census population data. U.S. Census Bureau Regional Deputy Ted Roman joined the County Executive this morning in emphasizing the importance of everyone participating in the Census by returning the questionnaires.

Spring Fling

Towson, Md. (March 11, 2010) — Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith today announced the launch of "Spring Fling," a promotion including more than 100 free and nearly-free events, attractions, and activities for families and students during school and university spring breaks.

Wonderful Attractions

"Many people just don't realize how many wonderful attractions, parks and interesting places there are to visit in Baltimore County," said County Executive Jim Smith. "I really hope that the citizens of Baltimore County will take advantage of these wonderful events and the rich assets that are all within a short drive from their homes."

More Than 100 Events

Jill Feinberg, Baltimore County's Tourism Director, added, "There are more than 100 events to enjoy, from Earth Day at the Irvine Nature Center and pirate story time at the county libraries to a performance of 'Chicago' at the Carver Center for the Arts and a pizza and herb festival at Basignani Winery,"

Spring Fling runs from March 1-April 18 and the event guide can be found at Baltimore County libraries, parks, chambers of commerce, and the Baltimore County Visitor Center. Visitors can also keep up-to-date on Spring Fling events by becoming a fan of "Baltimore County Spring Fling" on Facebook or by visiting the calendar of events .

"Of course I'm partial to the events on the east side of the County," said County Council Chairman John Olszewski Sr. "But I know that residents will enjoy all the County has to offer this spring."

Release of 2009 Final Crime Statistics

Towson, Md. (March 8, 2010) — Today, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith held a press conference to announce the decline in crime across Baltimore County. With Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson and State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger by his side, Smith proclaimed impressive drops in serious crimes including motor vehicle theft and robbery, which both dropped significantly for the entire year compared to 2008.

2009 Crime Decreased Significantly

Crime in 2009 decreased significantly compared to crime of 2008. Most impressively, of the eight serious crime categories, six have seen a decrease. Arson has decreased by 22.8 percent, motor vehicle theft by 16.5 percent, robbery by 14.7 percent, aggravated assault by four percent, burglary by 2.5 percent, and theft by 0.4 percent.

"In addition to our decrease in crime, the Baltimore County Police Department is maintaining a clearance rate of 75 percent for violent crime and 78.1 percent for homicides," said Smith.

"Let me be clear what this statistic means to criminals: when a crime is committed in Baltimore County, you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will go to jail."

Crime Has Been Reduced

Police Chief Jim Johnson said, "Crime has been reduced because of the dedicated and hard working officers in the field, advances in technology, partnerships, community involvement, and because of the passionate leadership of Baltimore County."

Hard Work and Dedication

"The hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Baltimore County Police Department are part of the reason we see the crime numbers continuing to drop," said Scott Shellenberger. "The decrease in crime is also due to the quality of the cases the Police Department brings to my office."

The Ask Jim Smith feature will invite subscribers to Baltimore Countys bi-weekly E-Newsletter, County Connection, to e-mail the County Executive questions regarding constituent issues in their area of the county. Each week County Executive Smith will select several questions and respond directly to constituents via the web in the next edition of the newsletter. County citizens may subscribe for free to the County Connection at : http://list-manage. com/subscribe.phtml? id=389832a84e

The Ask Jim Smith feature will invite subscribers to Baltimore Countys bi-weekly E-Newsletter, County Connection, to e-mail the County Executive questions regarding constituent issues in their area of the county. Each week County Executive Smith will select several questions and respond directly to constituents via the web in the next edition of the newsletter. County citizens may subscribe for free to the County Connection at : http://tinyurl.com/AskJimSmith

Storm Water Regulations should support smart growth. County Executive Jim Smith explains this position.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith joined federal and state elected officials as Thomas G. Stephens, General Motors (GM) Vice Chairman of Global Product Operations, announced that the GM Baltimore Transmission plant will produce next generation electric drive motors for plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles. http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/releases/0126generalmotors.html

The Ask Jim Smith feature will invite subscribers to Baltimore Countys bi-weekly E-Newsletter, County Connection, to e-mail the County Executive questions regarding constituent issues in their area of the county. Each week County Executive Smith will select several questions and respond directly to constituents via the web in the next edition of the newsletter. County citizens may subscribe for free to the County Connection at : http://tinyurl.com/AskJimSmith

County Executive Jim Smith briefs BcUpfront on a busy day in Baltimore County.

Blue ribbon celebration, MLK Commemoration, and Ravens Pep Ralley.

This is a show where individuals have their mailed in questions answered by County Executive Jim Smith.

Baltimore County switches to "Recycling made Easy", Single Stream Recycling.

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New Resources to Help Citizens in Economic Distress

In Baltimore County Upfront, the County Executive will respond to questions about timely issues that are in the news. In the first broadcast, Smith answers questions regarding funding that Baltimore County will receive from President Obama's stimulus package. The County Executive responded to questions while attending a press conference at Oliver Beach Elementary School with United States Senator Barbara Mikulski this past Friday. Baltimore County Upfront is posted on the county's website, www.baltimorecountymd.gov at the bottom right hand side of the home page.

The Ask Jim Smith feature will invite subscribers to Baltimore Countys bi-weekly E-Newsletter, County Connection, to e-mail the County Executive questions regarding constituent issues in their area of the county. Each week County Executive Smith will select several questions and respond directly to constituents via the web in the next edition of the newsletter. County citizens may subscribe for free to the County Connection at : http://list-manage.­com/subscribe.phtml? id=389832a84e

In the March 17 edition the County Executive answers questions about recent water main break, Eastern Ave. and Kingston Road intersection and County animal shelters.

In Baltimore County Upfront, the County Executive will respond to questions about timely issues that are in the news. In the first broadcast, Smith answers questions regarding funding that Baltimore County will receive from President Obama's stimulus package. The County Executive responded to questions while attending a press conference at Oliver Beach Elementary School with United States Senator Barbara Mikulski this past Friday. Baltimore County Upfront is posted on the county's website, www.baltimorecountymd.gov at the bottom right hand side of the home page.

County Executive Jim Smith will join others in celebrating the legacy of Benjamin Banneker and other African American pioneers.

African American Firsts

1 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2009
www.bc350.org

Tens of thousands of Maryland citizens participate in the annual Koman Race for the cure. County Executive Jim Smith and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley congratulate the participants for their achievements.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith discusses the importance and economic relevance of voting yes to question #2 ( The slots referendum). Listen to Executive Jim Smith give official information about the plan.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and Governor Martin O'Malley announced an increase of $4.6 million to the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program, bringing the total state funding to $10.4 million. The Infants and Toddlers Program provides services to children, birth through 36 months of age who have developmental disabilities, delays, or special health needs. Services are based on the entitlement needs of the child, and many receive multiple forms of help. Local school systems, local health departments, and local departments of social services, as well as private and public agencies provide these services.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith honored Joseph Kaminski, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Copy and Print Services employee, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday, June 16. Smith visited Kaminski at the print shop and presented a Baltimore County citation to him during a workplace celebration.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, along with County Councilman Sam Moxley, property officials and residents, participated in the "rededication" of Park View at Catonsville. Park View is a housing community that serves citizens 62 and older who do not income-qualify for direct housing subsidies, but cannot afford market-rate retirement housing.

The pep rally attracted nearly 3,000 people last Friday, August 1, in Towson and featured cheerleaders, media personalities, sportscasters, businessmen, and family members who gave "shout outs" to the Olympians.

County Executive Jim Smith and Councilman Kenneth N. Oliver break ground for the new Red Run Biking and hiking path in Owings Mills. This path will connect the community to nature and to local businesses. It's a long awaited treasure that is putting land to a smart use.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and other officials visited a number of businesses in the downtown Arbutus area.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, joined by Councilman T. Bryan McIntire and Recreation and Parks officials, dedicated the new artificial safety turf field at Seminary Park in Lutherville and announced the County's initiative to install eight additional artificial safety turf fields. With two fields already completed at Seminary Park and Catonsville High School, Baltimore County is one of the leaders in Maryland - with ten publicly owned artificial turf fields -- in providing its citizens with the benefits that artificial safety turf offers.

County Executive Jim Smith, joined by Delegate Jon Cardin and Councilmen Kevin Kamenetz and T. Bryan McIntire, dedicated Baltimore County's first public off-leash dog park, BARC Park at Hannah More.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and Councilman John Olszewski, Sr. cut the ribbon on a $2.5 million project that enhances the safety and appearance of Dundalk Avenue - the main thoroughfare in this up-and-coming historic community. The project also improves visibility of businesses and provides new benches and landscaping for Dundalk Veterans Park. Smith will also provide an update on a large number of public and private efforts underway to revitalize Dundalk. Many of these initiatives resulted from recommendations of the 2001 Dundalk Urban Design Assistance Team (UDAT) community-driven planning process.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith joined Baltimore County school leaders and County officials to tour the new classroom addition at Kenwood High School which opened to students this year. The new addition houses technology education at the school. This addition adds approximately 43,000 sq. ft. to the school and increases the overall tech wing capacity to 553 seats, which increases the total state rated capacity of Kenwood by 404 seats.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith joined local and state land preservation advocates in celebrating the preservation of 16 farms, bringing the county's total preserved acreage to more than 50,000 acres.

County Executive Jim Smith honored the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a ceremony held at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Catonsville. During the commemorative observance, Smith announced the four Content of Character honorees as designated by the county's Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs. "This award honors Baltimore County residents who strive to model exemplary character as described in Dr. Martin Luther King's 'I Have A Dream' speech and who have made significant contributions to their communities," said Delegate Adrienne Jones, Speaker Pro Tem and director of the office. In its third year of presentations, the 2008 Content of Character winners were: Rev. Tracey Victor-Butler, pastor of Towson Mt. Calvary AME Church; Catonsville community advocate Richard Hiteshew; and students Zeb-Renee Myers and Rejie Abraham both from the Catonsville High School Rising Scholars Program.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Fifth District County Councilman Vince Gardina, Sixth District Councilman Joe Bartenfelder, Library Director James Fish, members of the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) Foundation Board, and many community members gathered to break ground for construction of the new Perry Hall Library located at 9685 Honeygo Boulevard.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith officially opened the Reisterstown Sportsplex, a facility that houses the County's first and only indoor public ice arena and separate artificial turf field for field sports. County Councilmen T. Bryan McIntire, Kenneth Oliver, and Kevin Kamenetz, the Baltimore County Revenue Authority Board of Directors, and personnel from the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks are assisted with the ribbon cutting.

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith officially opened Storyville, the first interactive play environment of its kind in the State and perhaps the nation, at a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Rosedale Library, 6105 Kenwood Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21237. Storyville is a specially designed, organized, and free play site that will support and nurture important school readiness skills. It is designed for young children, birth to six years of age, their parents, and caregivers. Storyville is located in the Rosedale Library.

Baltimore County's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Thursday, November 29 , was held at the new park on the corner of Allegheny Avenue and the traffic circle in downtown Towson. The tree was lit at approximately 6:30 p.m.
"We'll be celebrating the beginning of the holiday season in the heart of the downtown Towson shopping district to remind people of the benefits of shopping in Baltimore County's historic neighborhood commercial districts for the holidays," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.

Baltimore County's Kingsley Park Renaissance development continued to move forward with the announcement by County Executive Jim Smith that the county has reached an agreement in principle with Enterprise Homes/Mark Building (EH/MB) who has been selected as the master developer of the county's first major renaissance project.

At a press conference, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, along with Fire Department Chief John Hohman, Health Department Officer Dr. Gregory Branch, and Permits and Develpoment Management Director Tim Kotroco, will announce the fast approaching October 15 deadline for installing CO (carbon monoxide) detectors in rental units that have fuel-burning appliances.

In 2009, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith introduced and the County Council approved legislation amending the Livability Code that applies to rental housing requiring owners to install carbon monoxide detectors in the common areas outside of each sleeping area. Under the new law, CO detectors must be installed in all rental properties, including those built prior to January 1, 2008 and therefore not covered under the state law.

The Fire Department considers CO one of the most serious home safety issues. CO prevention efforts focus on installation of CO alarms, programmed to sound an alert when CO levels are very low. CO is an odorless and invisible gas that replaces oxygen in the blood and attaches to red blood cells 200-250 times more easily than does oxygen.

County Executive Smith signed an agreement with Howard County Executive Ken Ulman to reaffirm the mutual use of Baltimore County's Oella Parking Lot that borders the Howard County line near Ellicott City.