“Mayor Sheila Dixon and I share the same vision for Baltimore. I support Mayor Dixon ? together we will set high expectations for the city and hold people accountable to find solutions.” ? Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on being endorsed by the Mayor on Aug. 11.
This is what passes for political rhetoric today. No wonder only one-third of eligible voters show up to vote in Baltimore City elections. We?re surprised even that many make the effort. Since Rawlings-Blake did not explain what their shared vision is nor define high expectations or holding people accountable in the quote above, it makes her statement meaningless and shrouds the issues she supports. Maybe that?s her point. But it?s bad for democracy when we are forced to choose people who neither speak clearly nor make known what they believe in ? if they believe in anything.
Where is the sharp tongue of William Donald Schaefer when we need it? Baltimore City residents could have used a few Mother Hubbard comments this race to get people interested in the candidates. You may recall Schaefer describing Janet Owens, one of his opponents in last year?s comptroller?s race, as that character.
Cranky for cranky?s sake is pointless, but even in the midst of the Mitchell family feud, the participants keep emphasizing how much they love one another. Can someone please say what they mean and mean what they say? Schaefer at least said what he thought, even if it was rude. We?re not sure whether the presence of platitudes in campaigns corresponds with the rise of paid public relations staff for candidates, or mass media, or both, or something else entirely.
But we would bet big money that more people would vote if candidates wrote their own speeches and attended events without media handlers who ensure they say nothing offensive. Candidates who care about accurately representing the people and not just perpetuating their time in office will make that pledge.
