Annapolis Mayor Choice a Challenge

It was a packed house last night at the Mayoral debate sponsored by The League of Women’s Voters held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. Despite the scheduled address by President Obama to the joint members of Congress and the nation, most seats were filled. (Perhaps many of the political junkies like myself had made prior arrangements to tape the President’s speech). Unlike President Obama’s comments, which were received by some in his audience with heckles and boos, the group on stage and in the audience were polite and respectful. In many instances the candidates seem to nod and agree with one another, like old friends, and I couldn’t help but think that perhaps whoever becomes the victor might be inviting their opponents to serve in their new administration.
One candidate, Republican David Cordle who is running unopposed, declined to be present. This was too bad, in that he will be one of three choices- and it would have been helpful to compare and contrast him to the one lone independent– Chris Fox and the seven Democrats.
As a registered Democrat, I have a difficult task to initially choose between seven candidates, several of which I have worked with personally, and all of whom have some fine qualities and qualifications that attracted them to this race. They all say they can do a better job than the present administration; but four years is a long time. The basic question remains; who would be the best mayor?
Oh if only I could magically fuse together the “do gooder spirit” of Laurie Sears Deppa with the executive management experience of Trudy P. McFall, and the political saavy of Josh Cohen. Then I’d add a dash of unifying spirit courtesy of Wayne M. Taylor, seasoned mediator ability contributed by Gilbert T. Renaut, long term alderperson experience of Samuel Shropshire, and the dynamic presence and multi-level governmental expertise of Zina C. Pierre. What a great democratic candidate that person would be.
Taylor, Cohen, and Pierre are not in favor of a City Manager although if the voters approved the measure in a referendum they would of course honor the voter’s choice. Otherwise, the differences on specific issues were not clearly defined in this particular debate. There is another debate tonight in Eastport. Another opportunity to judge and observe the candidates. But… there is nothing like seeing someone in action to really gain a sense of their suitability for the job. Too bad we can’t see into the future. Read more about the candidates at http://www.WhatsUpMag.com