“Don?t ask politicians what they?re going to do. Ask them what they have done to deserve your vote. If they haven?t done anything, go on to the next one.” The late Mayor Clarence H. “Du” Burns offered this advice about candidates in a past September primary.
Are those running in this election able to point as Du could, to solid achievements on our behalf?
Du kept his index finger pressed to the pulse of Baltimore City?s citizens. He understood that rhythmic beat of politics, how situations affected regular folks and ways to maneuver through that pea-soup fog of hot blather and dreary governmentalese to craft a solution.
Do we remember that this principled man with sophisticated street savvy accomplished so much? First as City Councilman then as President of the City Council, Du earned his nickname by “doing.”
When you visit Harborplace, think of Du Burns shepherding through the complicated legislation that cleared the way for development.
He facilitated the first community-based HMO in the country known as The East Baltimore Medical Plan.
Du created the new Dunbar High School complex and the Eastside Medical Center with Johns Hopkins and Blue Cross. He funded new town homes for first-time home buyers, senior housing and summer jobs for teenagers.
Du Burns became Baltimore City?s first black mayor Jan. 26, 1987, when William Donald Schaefer stepped into the governor?s office ? 11 months before his term as mayor ended. Mayor Schaefer should have been a hard act to follow, but not for City Council President Burns.
When the “Budget Crisis of 1987” developed, Mayor Burns saved five Pratt Library branches, adding $3 million to their budgets, increased funds for city schools and recreation and parks while holding the property tax rate steady.
Mayor Burns then campaigned to become Baltimore City?s first elected African-American Mayor, against State?s Attorney Kurt Schmoke, whom Du often referred to as “a fine youngster.”
Cliffhanger describes the primary election of Sept. 15, 1987. The two traded places with a few votes ahead or behind each other all night. Every 15 minutes eager reporters pointed their mikes at me for some less than profound analysis. When Du was 3,000 votes ahead, I proclaimed, “This is a victory party.” Later, when it was dead even, I opined, “Only 80 percent of precincts have reported.” Finally, Du fell 800 votes behind. This called for “it isn?t over till it?s over and absentees are counted.” But the fat lady had sung.
The Sun published a devastating and incorrect pre-election poll stating the gap between Burns and Schmoke was 30 points in Schmoke?s favor. In truth, the difference was so razor-thin that Du could have asked for a recount. But he wouldn?t hear of it and graciously conceded to the “youngster.” He respected Kurt Schmoke, we all did. And the transition proceeded cordially.
How would Du want to be remembered? Friends and family led by his nephew, lawyer Sean D. Burns, recently established The Clarence H. “Du” Burns Memorial Fund Inc. as a living tribute. My son Matt and I are proud to be included among the board members.
It will fund two programs that provide educational and practical experience in government to those seeking careers in public service.
The graduate level program will select fellows to serve as special assistants to officials at all levels of government.
The Clarence H. “Du” Burns Scholars Program, in partnership with city high schools, will select students to serve as interns to local, state and federal officials, earning academic credits towards graduation.
It will be my privilege to ensure that the sculptor captures and chisels into a planned monument of Du, the inclusive kindness and generosity of spirit that gave us comfort when he walked among us.
Stephanie Esworthy was director of Media and Public Relations and the Baltimore City Film Commission for former Mayors William Donald Schaefer and the late Clarence “Du” Burns and served as head of Baltimore City?s Bureau of Music in every city administration since Mayor Theodore R. McKeldin. Her personal experiences in local politics started in the early 1950s as the daughter of state?s attorney and chief judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Anselm Sodaro, now deceased. She may be reached at [email protected].
