Crime, crime and more crime. That?s been the primary topic in Baltimore?s mayoral contest, and some say with good reason. A rising homicide rate and a spate of high-profile violent crime mean that public safety should be the No. 1 topic of the campaign.

Butother residents and advocates say quality-of-life issues ? the city?s penchant for writing parking tickets, high auto insurance rates and a vexing pubic transportation system ? are rarely raised but are just as important.