When Mayor Randy Taylor took office, Salisbury residents hoped for a leader to tackle our city’s growing public safety concerns. Instead, after a year under his leadership, Salisbury is more dangerous than ever. Crime has surged, and Taylor’s administration has failed to provide the decisive action needed to protect our families and neighborhoods.
Let’s start with the facts: violent crime in Salisbury is up 23% over the past year. Our city’s violent crime rate now sits a staggering 196% higher than the national average. These aren’t just statistics—they reflect our residents' real fears and dangers daily.
Even Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes acknowledged the issue in an interview on PAC 14 earlier this year. When asked whether Salisbury’s crime rate was “obsessively high,” she responded bluntly: I won’t say it’s not true.” That chilling admission speaks volumes about the severity of the problem—and the lack of meaningful action to address it.
Comparing Salisbury to our neighboring cities paints an even bleaker picture. While other communities have invested in proactive policing, community programs, and strategic crime reduction initiatives, Salisbury lags. The result? Families in Salisbury are twice as likely to be victims of violent crime as those in other Maryland cities of similar size.
Taylor’s lackluster leadership has also left our police force overstretched and under-resourced. Officers are working tirelessly to combat crime, but they are fighting an uphill battle without the necessary support or strategy from the Mayor. Meanwhile, residents feel abandoned, with rising concerns about everything from gun violence to property theft.
Adding insult to injury, Taylor still needs to prioritize solutions that address the root causes of crime. There have been no significant investments in youth programs, innovative approaches to reducing recidivism, or comprehensive plans to make Salisbury safer. Instead, his administration has been marked by inaction and vague rhetoric while families pay the price.
Mayor Taylor’s failure to address public safety isn’t just disappointing—it’s dangerous. Salisbury deserves a mayor who will put the safety of our community first, not one who allows crime to spiral out of control. It’s time for Taylor to step up—or step aside. Our city can’t afford another year of rising crime and broken promises. It’s up to all of us to demand real leadership before it’s too late.
Connor Romblad
Salisbury resident
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
