Crime, economy top concerns for central Maryland residents, new survey reports

Crime and drugs are the most important issues facing the region, according to 41% of central Maryland residents, while another 35% think the economy and the job market should be the top concern of state and local governments. Those are among the findings of “The Pulse,” a wide-ranging survey of residents of Baltimore City and six surrounding counties, the first of what its sponsors hope will become an annual report gauging the attitude and perspectives in the region.