WHO: Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon
WHAT: Our mayor recently left for a five-day, taxpayer-funded trip to Alexandria, Egypt, as part of Baltimore’s “Sister City” program.
Recommended Stories
WHY IT’S A BAD IDEA: Baltimore is facing a $37 million budget gap and instead of cutting unnecessary spending, Dixon taps $17,000 in taxpayer funds to ensure our status as Alexandria’s sister city doesn’t suffer. Wouldn’t she set a better example by canceling the trip based on the city’s economic difficulties? A real sister would understand our situation.
WHERE TO VENT: Call the mayor’s office at 410-396-3835.
Bright Bulb: Passing the peace
Edgewood pastor Rudolph Johnson is taking gang matters into his own hands. Johnson was a gang member in the ‘70s — until his best friend was shot to death. On the way to his friend’s funeral, Johnson had a change of heart, eventually becoming a minister. Now he helps Edgewood gang members realize that a better life exists off the streets. Police can’t do it all. Johnson is showing community members how to transform lives and work together to create safe neighborhoods.
Quote of the day
“I had to file for bankruptcy. … I had to liquidate my assets. I lost my mom during the situation. I haven’t been able to find a real job. Just doing little odd jobs. It’s like nobody will touch me. It’s like I’m the plague.” – Jemini Jones, former member of Baltimore City Police’s Southwest Flex Squad, who was recently acquitted of rape charges that led to his suspension and then dismissal on other charges.
