Sheila Dixon, a candidate for mayor of Baltimore, received several high-profile endorsements on Saturday, including from former Mayor Jack Young, several former city council members, state senators, and city delegates.

Dixon’s campaign spokesperson, Costello, stated, “They are individuals who understand what Baltimore City needs in a mayor and how to move the city forward. They have served alongside former Mayor Sheila Dixon and understand her capabilities.”

Former Mayor Jack Young expressed his belief that Dixon is the clear choice for city residents seeking someone to finally address quality of life crimes. “We’re losing citizens in Baltimore every day, and I believe this mayor will stop the flight of people leaving Baltimore because she will deal with quality of life issues that the current mayor isn’t addressing. The question is, who are you really protecting, the citizens or the criminals?” he said.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates also endorsed Dixon this month, stating, “Mayor Dixon is the one person that I know will be a true partner for myself and the office of the State’s Attorney.”

Bates criticized the current mayor’s approach to quality of life crimes, saying, “The more I began to have conversations with the mayor about that, it was clear that he wanted to enforce the policies of my predecessor.”

Dixon acknowledged that despite the historic reduction in homicides under the current mayor, Scott, people still don’t feel safe. “Crime is out of control. Quality of life crime needs to be addressed because we’re going to lose more residents if we don’t deal with that,” she said.

Earlier this week, Mayor Scott received endorsements from seven city council members. “We’re so grateful to have seven council members,” he said. “It shows they understand the work that we’ve been able to collectively do together.” Scott also received an endorsement on Thursday from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.