Cohen, Spies Brunch Spotlights Crime

Councilwoman Terry Cohen and Tim Spies, candidates for the Salisbury City Council District 2 election, coordinated resources to hold a joint fundraiser at which Wicomico County State's Attorney, Matt Maciarello, and Dr. Mark Bowen, director of Gang Intelligence for the State of Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services, were guest speakers addressing crime, gangs, successes and challenges.  The primary will be held Tuesday, March 1.  From left to right are: Spies, Bowen, Cohen and Maciarello.

 Cohen, Spies Use Fundraiser to Educate on Crime

SALISBURY – Salisbury City Councilwoman Terry Cohen and Tim Spies, both candidates in the Salisbury City Council elections this year, coordinated resources to hold a fundraiser this past Saturday at the American Legion Post #64 with an unusual focus.

Instead of the traditional candidate speeches about qualifications and supporter testimonials, Cohen and Spies brought Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello and Dr. Mark Bowen, director of Gang Intelligence for the State of Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services, to inform the event’s attendees about the crime problem in Salisbury and what is being done about it through the efforts of the Safe Streets Coalition.

Given that both Spies and Cohen have an extensive track record in the fight against crime, focusing the event on the public’s concern about crime came naturally.  Spies is a former law enforcement officer and a four-time co-chair of the Department of Justice’s Salisbury Weed and Seed Program during its six-year run in the city.  Cohen is credited with having initiated the process of bringing the Maryland Safe Streets Program to Salisbury through her contact with Governor Martin O’Malley and the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP).

Maciarello passionately described the activities of his office and numerous allied agencies in the Safe Streets Coalition in identifying and apprehending the Top 25 Violent Offenders.  He stated that approximately half of them have been removed from the streets.

Bowen’s presentation on gang recruitment, illegal activities and mainstream presence was an eye-opener for many in the audience.  He outlined steps being taken to deal with the problem through technology, intelligence-gathering, legislative initiatives and social interventions.

Spies told the audience, “Thanks to our guest speakers, you now know more about crime and gang violence than 99% of the people in Salisbury.”

Cohen said, “We are grateful to Mr. Maciarello and Dr. Bowen for their time and valuable insights.  They came not for any political or endorsement purposes, but to educate.  We absolutely must build on our recent successes and momentum to ensure a safer community.”

For more information, contact Tim Spies at 410-219-5209 or Tim@TimSpies.com, and visit http://www.timspies.com/.  Councilwoman Terry Cohen can be reached at 410-845-0296 or Terry@TerryCohen.com, and by visiting http://www.terrycohen.com/.

Authority: Citizens for Terry Cohen – Rebecca A. Goss, Treasurer    By Authority:  Tim Spies for Salisbury – Emily E. Spies, Treasurer