Annapolis Capital Punishment

Like a battleship appearing off the coast, the official entry of  the well-funded and well-organized Trudy McFall into our mayoral race has caused a bustle of activity for those on shore and at sea. (Damn-did I really say that? I hate those "battle" and "war" analogues! Last time--I swear!) Another player just sailed into view as Alderman Sam Shropshire will announce his candidacy for Mayor at the Alex Haley Memorial at Annapolis City Dock this Friday, January 16, 4:00 p.m. . Shropshire has a web-site, friendsofsam, by authority of Carrie Clemmer, Treasurer.

Shropshire writes, "I have a vision for Annapolis that I believe will make it one of the most progressive cities in the nation. But with today's economic and financial challenges, my first priority will be to strengthen the city's economy, bring work to the citizen's of Annapolis and address some of the serious infrastructure problems," he said. "You have to take care of the basics, before you can take a city forward. Ask me about the vision. I think you'll be pleased and surprised. Work with me to solve our problems, and together we will solve create a better future for this and future generations."

Rumors abound concerning Josh Cohen's possible entry into the race and that of Dick Israel as well. Today I received numerous communications from reliable sources informing me that Israel has decided NOT to pursue the big chair, but to stay in his current seat on city council. I'll try to confirm. Cohen remains officially on the fence, but another reliable source has told CP that he has an official campaign manager already. Cohen would not confirm or deny--he is weighing his options. However, in an email today, Cohen writes, "I wish Sam the best and he certainly brings strong environmental credentials to the campaign (Not an endorsement, just a statement). I am unable to attend his announcement tomorrow due to a work obligation. Otherwise I would be there. Just don't want you to read anything into my presence at Trudy's announcement but absence from Sam's."

The only thing CP reads into it is that it's another reason why a Friday afternoon is always a bad time to announce anything--especially an election campaign--and Shropshire only got the word out about this in the last day or two. But outside on a Friday afternoon in January? Contrast that with McFall's recent Thursday evening party in a restaurant with invitations mailed out weeks in advance.....oh boy, is it going to be cold at City Dock tomorrow... CP will try to attend to diligently report how Shropshire will warm things up.


The election is still many, many months away, but right now, I want to see us adopt a city manager-council style of government. Shropshire is for it--and confirmed that as such today. Cohen is against it. They are close friends, going back to their days as the founders of the Maritime Republic of Eastport. Cohen in the race will make for interesting grist for the mill--and for a wider airing of the city manager issue. That could be good. But beware--if the popular Cohen enters the race, he must contend with the ghost of Moyer past and present...and future....if that's not reason enough to think twice, he may never be able to live down the rather remarkable feat of leaving office not once, but twice in mid-term....within just three years...Cohen is more like a submarine prowling the coast, but will he dive or surface? Or maybe he's more like an amphibious plane circling above. Will he fly away or touch down on the land or on the water??Oh damn, not another war and battle metaphor!!! Last time! I swear...Up periscope.....battleship sighted, bearing 009 TRUDYrection....














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