Baltimore's New Top Cop
To: Mary Pat Clarke, Councilman, 14th District.

RE: Baltimores New Top Cop

FROM: Allan W. Garske, 3101 Guilford Avenue, agarske@hotmail.com,(410) 880-2483

Congratulations on your election as City Council representative for Baltimore's new 14th District.
I was pleased to see that a new website for the City Council was up immediately after your confirmation last week.

I enjoyed attending the recent Candidates' Forum at the Waverly Branch of The Enoch Pratt Free Library and also was able to hear your hour long radio interview with Anthony McCarthy.

I have some thoughts to share about the Forum and also about some of the other issues you discussed. However, since an early item for Council consideration will apparently be the possible approval of Mayor O'Malley's choice of Acting Police Commissioner Leonard D. Hamm, I wanted to share with you some questions regarding Baltimore city policing.

1. One of the successes of recently fired Police Commissioner Kevin Clark's administration was the formation of a squad to clear the city corners of drug dealers. Would Commissioner Hamm if approved continue that approach?

2. Witness intimidation has been a problem in bringing drug dealers to justice. What approach would Commissioner Hamm take to this problem? How should citizen complaints of criminal activity be handled? How should citizen complaints about criminal activity by police be handled?

3. What changes if any would Commissioner Hamm make in how the police relate to the community in terms of public relations?

4. Commissioner Hamm after retiring from the Police Department worked in security for Morgan State University and the Downtown Partnership.

The education industry in Baltimore is a thriving aspect of the city's economy. What suggestions would Commissioner Hamm have to improve security for the city's college students. (On the Homewood campus we have had a recent unsolved student murder. The 1989 murder of JHU coed Brigitte Phillips still goes unsolved.) Also, what role should City police take in policing the Baltimore Public Schools.

Some controversy has been raised about the operation of street surveillance cameras by the private police of the Downtown Partnership and the Charles Village Community Benefits District. Does Commissioner Hamm feel these cameras should be operated by the regular Police?

Please share this Email with whoever you think might be interested. I will post it on my Weblog which is accessible at: https://allan366.tripod.com/AllanG/

PR Resume
Allan W. Garske
3101 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-3420
Mail: Box 27442, Baltimore 21285-7442
agarske@hotmail.com (410) 880-2483 Weblog:
https://allan366.tripod.com/AllanG/

PROFILE

Writer, editor, photographer, public relations specialist able to produce
and place material in a variety of media.

People skills include ability to work with government administrators and
staff, elected officials, community groups, association management and
volunteers.

Establish positive ongoing relations with the press. Press contacts have
included THE BALTIMORE SUN, THE WASHINGTON POST, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT,
NBC NETWORK NEWS

Anticipate and function effectively in "crisis" situations.

INTERNET

Using Internet, created Emailing list of press, politicians and community
groups to receive news releases and opinion pieces. To view weblog archive,
go to https://allan366.tripod.com/AllanG/

PUBLIC RELATIONS

As state-level public relations director counseled county and city mental
health chapters on publicity and fund raising.

Assisted in educational meetings for Maryland General Assembly, Brooklyn
(New York) medical professions.

Conducted public education programs in Baltimore and Brooklyn.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA

As public relations director for the Baltimore City Department of Social
Services produced A CHILD IS WAITING television program designed to recruit
foster care and adoptive homes.

Arranged for and produced weekly radio program.


PRINT MEDIA

Design, write and edit newsletters, brochures, annual reports, magazines.
Supervise writers, photographers, designers, printers.

EMPLOYMENT

Baltimore City Department of Social Services
Maryland Association for Mental Health
Brooklyn Tuberculosis & Health Association

EDUCATION

DEGREES:

JOURNALISM BA, RADIO-TELEVISION SPECIALTY,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

ASSOCIATE BA
Devils Lake Junior College, Devils Lake, North Dakota

SEMINARS:

GLOBAL PR BLOG WEEK 1.0
http:// globalprblogweek.com

CRAFTING THE OP-ED: EXPERT INSIGHTS ON GETTING YOUR PIECE PUBLISHED,
The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore

MOVING A PUBLICATION ON-LINE
Society of National Association Publications (SNAP), Washington, D.C.

LATEST TRENDS IN NEWSLETTERS,
The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

MILITARY

USAF Weather Observer stationed in England near London.

Print Resume
Allan W. Garske
Weblog: https://allan366.tripod.com/AllanG/
3101 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-3420
Mail: Box 27442, Baltimore 21285-7442
agarske@hotmail.com (410) 880-2483


INTERNET & COMPUTER

Familiar with Macintosh computer. Using Internet, created Email list of
press, politicians and community groups to receive news releases and opinion
pieces.
To view weblog archive, go to https://allan366.tripod.com/AllanG/


PRINT MEDIA

Develop design and content for annual reports, brochures, magazines and
newsletters, advertising supported when appropriate

Supervise writers, photographers, designers, printers, advertising staff

As an entrepreneur published THE CHARLES STREET PAPER, advertising supported
monthly tabloid size arts paper with 15,000 free circulation in Baltimore
city

In order to strengthen Baltimore's Charles Village community, as volunteer
changed THE CHARLES VILLAGER newsletter into tabloid size advertising
supported neighborhood newspaper with 5,000 circulation

Editor for trade magazines AIRPORT/SERVICES MANAGEMENT,
GREATER AMUSEMENTS, INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST,
and TV TIMES, a television listing magazine similar in format to TV GUIDE

ELECTRONIC MEDIA

As public relations director for Baltimore City Department of Social
Services produced A Child Is Waiting TV program to recruit foster care and
adoptive homes. Arranged for and produced radio program

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Establish positive ongoing relationships with press. Anticipate and function
effectively in "crisis" situations. Press contacts have included U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT,
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, NBC NETWORK NEWS, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

As state-level public relations director for the Maryland Association for
Mental Health counseled Maryland county and city mental health association
chapters on publicity and fund raising

Assisted in creating educational programs for the Maryland General Assembly,
Brooklyn (New York) medical professions, Baltimore and Brooklyn publics


PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos used in publications, exhibits and television programs

WRITING

Publication copy, TV scripts, entertainment columns, feature stories, film
and theater reviews

EMPLOYMENT

Baltimore City Department of Social Services
Maryland Association for Mental Health
Brooklyn Tuberculosis & Health Association
Minnesota State Department of Business Development

EDUCATION

DEGREES:

Journalism BA, Radio-Television Specialty,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Associate BA,
Devils Lake Junior College, Devils Lake, North Dakota

SEMINARS:

Global PR Blog Week 1.0
http: globalprblogweek.com/archives/the_events

Crafting The Op-Ed: Expert Insights on Getting Your Piece Published,
The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore

Moving A Publication On-Line,
Society of National Association Publications (SNAP), Washington, D.C.

Latest Trends In Newsletters,
The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Crafting The Op-Ed: Expert Insights on Getting Your Piece Published,
Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Public Health, Baltimore

Moving A Publication Online,
Society of National Association Publications, Washington, D.C.

Latest Trends In Newsletters,
The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.


MILITARY

USAF Weather Observer stationed in England near London.




< Prev Next > Back to Inbox Print View Full Header

MTA on Public Transit
(Note: This is in response to my previous Email.)

Dear Mr. Garske:

I was sent a copy of your email to Marc Steiner, as I am with the
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). The MTA operates the buses in
the Greater Baltimore area, commuter buses to and from Baltimore and
Washington, commuter trains connecting 8 Maryland counties with
Baltimore and Washington, the Light Rail and Metro Subway, as well as a
paratransit service for persons with disabilities.

The present Administration, while not raising taxes, is providing the
necessary funding to stabilize and improve the existing transit
structure in the State. For example:
The Metro: all cars are completing a mid-life overhaul, and tracks and
tunnels are receiving the attention necessary to maintain their safety &
efficiency.
The Light Rail is completing the double tracking project and adjacent
station improvements to make the line more efficient.
The MARC Train Service recently added bi-level cars (purchased from
Chicago) to improve capacity issues.
The Commuter Bus division has purchased newer, lift-equipped coaches to
lease to our subcontractors.
The paratransit service is in the process of adding up to 100 new
vehicles that will more efficiently transport those persons who qualify
for this service.
The bus division is adding up to 230 new coaches starting this winter,
which will make the fleet 100% accessible and reduce the age of the
fleet. We will retro-fit the older buses with new destination signs.

These and several other initiatives have been funded through directives
from the current State Administration. Secretary of Transportation
Flanagan has been very hands-on in promoting an improved MTA.

This fall, it will be announced that public forums will be held to take
transit the next step, by planning the Red and Green line portions of
the Baltimore Regional Transit Plan. The first set of meetings will be
held with communities in the Social Security to Patterson Park corridor
to begin the planning process of the next phase of the Transit Plan.

To improve the existing bus system, the MTA is concluding a Bus
Efficiency Study as part of a Scheduling Efficiency Review.
Essentially, this looks at every bus line, every bus stop along the line
and the actual running time of the bus. Next year we will begin to
adjust bus routes, running times and bus stops to become more efficient.
If we can be more efficient with the system we have, ridership will
grow and we will be able to expand. First, we are aware that we need to
schedule the buses correctly and put them on the streets as they are
scheduled.

I thank you for your comments, and hope you will begin to see an
improved MTA with the beginning of 2005.

Baltimore Public Transit - Sent to Marc Steiner WYPR Radio Show
You need to talk about the present state of public transit in Baltimore.
Yesterday I rode a bus with no sign so the operator had to announce the
number and destination verbally at each stop. Also the bus rattled as the
shocks were apparently shot.

The buses also need to run on time. The number 8 buses out of Hunt Valley
seem to run in groups so that when one finally does arrive people crowd on
because who knows when the next one is coming. Sometimes the number 11 out
of Goucher seems to disappear.

Despite this, Baltimore transit riders are notable for their patience and
courtesy. And as I frequently remark to operators, "I don't know how much
you're paid, but it's not enough."

Part of the problem is a matter of lax administration, I think. Part is
undoubtedly due to funding. I know Governor Ehrlich ran on a platform of no
NEW taxes, but think he would be better advised to see about RIGHT taxes. He
should talk to State Comptroller William Donald Schaefer about the tax
reforms Schaefer attempted to get passed when he was Governor. For
suggestions in detail, see THE WASHINGTON POST editorial "Maryland Tax
Truths" of August 21.

If Mussolini could get the Italian trains to run on time cannot Ehrlich do
the same for Baltimore buses?

(In effort to promote public discussion, I am sharing this message with my
Emailing list and am also posting it on my Weblog.)

DSS Radio Program Slanted
July 19, 2004

To: Marc Steiner, The Steiner Show, WYPR Radio
SUBJECT: Your DSS Radio Program Slanted
FROM: Allan W. Garske, agarske@hotmail.com, (410)880-2483,Weblog:
http://allan366tripod.com/AllanG/

This is in response to your interview program on a new head for the
Baltimore City Department of Social Services.

I am a regular listener to your station and have noted increased
sophistication of your content with your hiring of seasoned journalists.
But I found your DSS program a self righteous group lament. If you get a
group of social workers together they are naturally going to claim services
will be improved if you give them more staff and more money.

I know you invited State Secretary of Human Resources Christopher J. McCabe
and interim Baltimore DSS Director Floyd R. Blair to appear on your program
and they were unable to participate. Perhaps understandably considering the
other program participants.

Repeat your invitation. Give McCabe and Blair equal air time to discuss what
they have been able to do in repairing the Baltimore DSS administration.
They should be the only two guests on that program.

From 1970 to about 1977 I served as public relations director for the
Baltimore DSS. Naturally, I had to answer a number of press questions as to
why when someone threw a baby out the window we did not have a social worker
there to catch it. I also produced a television program titled "A Child Is
Waiting" designed to recruit foster care and adoptive homes.

I have a feeling there are fewer people willing or able to provide foster
care. I suggest the State of Maryland consider the establishment of group
homes for foster children.

Better a child spend some time in a group home setting than be returned to
an abusive or murderous parent. I note that interim Director Blair may have
some experience in this area, having served as an associate director of
President Bush's faith based social services initiative.

In order to create a community discussion of this matter, I am sharing this
Email with others in Baltimore and am posting it on my weblog at







As AttachmentAs Inline Text Move to Folder----- Folders ------InboxDraftsSentTrashBulk Mail---- My Folders ----CorrespondenceSaved


< Prev Next > Back to Inbox Print View Full Header

October 14, 2003

The following Email has been sent to Governor Ehrlich in support of his
selection of Floyd Blair to serve as Director of the Baltimore City
Department of Social Services:

I approve your selection of Floyd Blair to run the Baltimore welfare office.
From 1970 to 1977 I was public relations director for the agency. In 1989, I
was fired from State employment for refusing to perform porter duties. In
the meantime welfare administrators have been promoting each other for years
with the result that they may find it difficult to supervise their friends.
A review of employment histories may suggest chance for major State savings.
An outsider is needed. I also like Mr. Blair's experience as a New York
welfare case manager. Believe a new city welfare philosophy needed with new
approaches to child care. Need to review integration of welfare and child
support services.

Topics for Steiner Radio Show (WYPRFM 88.1) - Sent September 3, 2003

FROM: Allan W. Garske, 3101 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore 21218
Mail: Box 27442, Baltimore 21285 (410) 880-2483 agarske@hotmail.com

Following are some suggestions for topics for your Show. I find your program
topics mostly valuable although sometimes a bit esoteric. As a sometime
journalist, I particularly enjoy listening to your host Anthony McCarthy
dish about local press and politics on your Friday news roundtable which is
a regular program with regular topics.

In order to start a discussion of my topics, I am sharing this Email with
others in the Baltimore community and also will be posting it on my weblog
which is located at

BALTIMORE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

I suggest you start each week with a program devoted to the Baltimore
criminal justice system, perhaps to be hosted by C. Fraser Smith as your new
news director.

Such a program might begin with a discussion of THE SUN editorial of March
19, 2000 about the city criminal justice system at that time, titled "A
Silence that kills". How have things improved in the 3 years since? Or have
they? If there have been improvements, let us hear about them.

Such a program might also track progress or lack of it in certain areas. For
instance, the July, 2001 issue of GOVERNING magazine in a profile of then
Maryland Juvenile Justice Secretary Bishop Robinson notes that in early 2002
a downtown Baltimore juvenile facility should be ready to house offenders.
What happened to that facility?

Such a program might deal with possible future problems with the Baltimore
City Police Department, an agency plagued in the past by bizarre personnel
policies and which may soon suffer a personnel drain. What is being done
about a possible loss of Police manpower? In particular, what is being done
to help Baltimore communities work safely with the Baltimore Police?

A CITY MANAGER

Since Baltimore is about to undergo political change, it may well be time to
consider an administrative change, specificallly the hiring of a City
Manager. Such a move was recommended in a July 20, 1997 SUN column by now
WYPR commentator Barry Rascovar.

Such a City Manager, hired under contract for a specific period of time,
might be independent of politics but able to provide a bureaucratic
institutional memory. This is something I as a sometime State bureaucrat
think could be important.

For example, a City Manager might point out to a new Mayor that if he gives
a pay raise to City Police (undoubtedly deserved) he is also going to have
to give a similar raise to City firefighters (undoubtedly also deserved).

Washington, D.C. has a city manager. So do Long Beach and Oakland,
California, Polk County, Iowa, Flint, Michigan, Richmond, Virginia and
Baltimore County. Why not Baltimore City?

Such a position could also be of service to the City Council and the
creation of a Baltimore City Manager might well be a first item of business
for the new City Council.

Open Letter To Gov. Ehrlich on Slots & Environment
March 11, 2003

Dear Governor Ehrlich,

Suggest you postpone your proposal for slot machines at Maryland race tracks. This would be contingent on Maryland General Assembly coming up with temporary tax increase to meet budget deficit.

After all, you as Maryland's first Republican Governor in nearly half a century are not responsible for the State's present budget situation. Also, must prepare for possible uncertain wartime economy. Suggest slots be studied with possibility of locations at other than racetracks. Also suggest successful American Indian gaming industry be studied as example.

As to difficulties with approval of your nominee for Secretary of Department of Environment, suggest this is due to the environmental lobby attempting to show you who is boss. As former PR director for State mental health association, feel role of such groups is to provide advice and support and criticism where appropriate.

What is important in State agency is how it carries out policy, budget and legislation. As a former Maryland State employee, I could even be Secretary of the Department as long as you tell me what to do and how to do it. Not that I am volunteering.

Sincerely, Allan W. Garske