Annapolis Capital Punishment

Tuesday, August 5, 6 to 8 p.m. An Eastport-Style Gathering with Alderman Ross Arnett and Friends. $50 gets you appetizers, beer and wine, good company, and the gratitude of the alderman. Boatyard Bar and Grill, corner of 4th Street and Severn Avenue, Eastport, Annapolis. RSVP with check payable to "Friends of Ross Arnett," P.O. Box 3006, or by e-mail to EastportRoss@aol.com and pay at the door.


As with other elected officials aka politicians, Ross needs to continually raise funds, but for what? Is he running for something? Re-election as alderman? Election for mayor? I don't write this to criticize Ross, who I believe to be among our most competent and reasonable alderman. Yet we seem to just blindly accept that anyone holding office should raise money. Even lame-ducker Ellen Moyer held a fund raising party when she is term-limited, or does she seeks higher office?. Do they do this just to keep options open? Do they do this to build what is uncomfortably referred to as a "war chest"? Do they do this to have a supply of cash on hand to donate to others running for office? Do they do this to show to their supporters and others that they hold sway? Do they do this to see who their "friends" are? I dunno....and I don't know happened to the plain old power of incumbency which already supplies the "bully pulpit" and allows one to demonstrate effectiveness and establish a record--which after all, is the basis for re-election....or not. Or is it money?

Ross, as a member of the esteemed fifth estate, it would be improper for me to donate to political candidates or parties. However, I can accept a free beer, or two....Anyhow the "Eastport style gatherings" I am used to don't cost $50...

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