The perceived, invisible walls that have existed between Baltimore County and Baltimore City are crumbling. This unfortunate reality is evident in the increased quantity and seriousness of crimes in Baltimore County.

With a current population of about 832,000, Baltimore County has more residents than Baltimore City by some 200,000. With a continuing growth in population stemming from Baltimore City’s exodus and the influx of immigrants, government services in the county are in great demand.Is the county ready for this increased demand for services, including public safety? When Baltimore County voters cast their ballots in the November general election for a new county executive, the question of public safety will be an issue. The issues of gun use and crime were a component of the debates in the primary election and are sure to be revisited in the general election.

The death of Officer Caprio, burglaries in the Falls Road corridor, and continuing drug problems will fuel the discussion of public safety.

Although the Baltimore county executive has little control of the county’s education, this issue will be also be part of the discussion. The question of a permanent superintendent of schools is still uncertain for the long run. As the 25th largest school system in the nation, Baltimore County needs a permanent superintendent. The tenure of many superintendents is short today; however, most former superintendents do not end up in jail.

Should Al Redmer (R )or Johnny Olszewski (D) win the general election, change will come to the government of Baltimore County.This change is slated for many of the major subdivisions in Maryland as they elect new officials. This group includes Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore County and the changes will have broad implications for Maryland politics.

It appears that Montgomery and Prince George’s counties will elect Democrats for county executives. The race in Baltimore County becomes an important race. Even though the voter registration favors a Democrat candidate being elected, the three-way race in the Democratic primary and the closeness of the outcome may have ramifications in the general election.

Other significant issues to be watched in Baltimore County are the adequacy of local taxes to meet the myriad of government needs in the county and the status of the settlement decree concerning affordable housing in Baltimore County. This is a racially-tinged issue and may represent another political battle as Olszewski favors implementation of the agreement and Redmer opposes implementation and has promised to take the issue to court if he is elected.

A key question in this race is that of seeing which way the swing voters will go in the November general election. That swing group includes those who voted for Democrats Jim Brochin and Vicky Almond and Republican Pat McDonough. Which party will do the best job of coalescing? How much does the strong support of Governor Hogan carry for Al Redmer? Hogan needs to carry Baltimore County in his re-election bid.

As Baltimore County changes, the election of the county executive is an important part of the 2018 general election.This race will be one to watch as it has candidates withdiffering political and philosophical approaches and even an age spread that Baltimore County voters need to consider.