Baltimore County (WBFF) — As concerns about crime and other issues pop up in Baltimore County, County Councilman Izzy Patoka says he has a plan to address it.

Patoka, a Democrat who is running for County Executive, said if elected, he wants to create the Office of Community Conservation to better support inner-beltway neighborhoods.

“Our inner beltway neighborhoods have been neglected, and so to me, it’s really important, because that’s where the majority of people live in our County, and we’ve been investing lots and lots of public dollars into areas outside the Beltway, but less so inside the Beltway,” Patoka said.

Patoka said there were infrastructure, speeding and public safety concerns in those communities, as well as a lack of rec centers for kids and teens – something Patoka said he wanted to change.

“We’re going to create a brand new agency called the Office of Community Conservation. It’ll be a highly influential agency, meaning a coordinating agency that will direct other agencies, and rather than be a messenger and say, there’s a need here, they’re going to be able, they’re going to be empowered. That office will be empowered to address them,” Patoka added.

Patoka said the office would bring together the school system, police department, public works and many other critical agencies across the County – something Patoka argues can be a comprehensive solution to improve communication and create change more effectively.

Read full article and view video: Amid campaign, Baltimore Co. Councilman proposes plan to address infrastructure, safety