Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake commemorated the first anniversary of her administration by joining Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld in Annapolis to meet with members of Baltimore City’s House delegation and talk about two bills that would create tougher penalties for gun offenders.

The first bill would create a minimum sentence of 18 months for all defendants arrested with an illegal, loaded firearm. The second bill would strengthen sentencing options for felons in possession of guns by creating a tougher sentencing range of 5 years minimum to 15 years maximum, giving judges more sentencing options when faced with a repeat gun offender.

“The current laws are too weak and support a culture that tolerates illegal, loaded gun possession on the streets of our city and state,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake said.

Reflecting on her first year in office, the Mayor thanked members of her cabinet, her staff, and all city employees for their accomplishments in the past year. She highlighted great strides made in public safety, education, government transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

“I am honored to serve the people of my hometown, Baltimore,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “Diligent city employees and our partners in the faith, business, and non-profit communities have helped to make our neighborhoods better, safer, and stronger in the past year.”

The Mayor acknowledged the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department for building on recent reductions in crime. In 2010, homicides were down 6%, reaching the lowest level since 1985. Juvenile homicides and shootings are down 35%, and overall gun crime was down 16% over 2009. “These numbers clearly demonstrate that Baltimore can be a safer city,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake added.