Annapolis Capital Punishment

The Cohen Machine gathered a large crowd next to the Market House with plenty of volunteers on Saturday. At least five of them approached me to give me a sign or a sticker. He even had volunteers across the street holding signs. There were plenty of cameras rolling, including one from a "cherry picker" truck from across the way, parked next to Fawcetts. As odd as it appeared in our little town, I assume it was for his campaign, unless it was the CIA or ???

With all his experience campaigning, it's no surprise that this went smoothly and made an impression. This will be followed by a kickoff party.

A few thoughts. Cohen's entry heats things up--a lot. Nobody should place too much emphasis on the announcement or kickoff, but they are telling. Campaigns are like any other form of communication. They have context and content. There is steak and there is sizzle. They do point to overall organizational abilities. Cohen clearly has both.

Democratic stalwarts were out in force, but a few notables should be mentioned. Acting city administrator and perpetual FOE contractor Bob Agee stood in the back (Is he just curious or hoping for something). Incumbent Alderwoman and candidate Classie Hoyle was spotted along with Democratic attack-dog and FOE Chuck Weikel. I am amazed he would show his face in public after leaving his Annapolis Alive! and other trails of disappointment scattered about town. Weikel was holding his own handmade sign--did the campaign not want to give him a printed sign? Across from Weikel was his sidekick and downtown preservation zealot Craig Purcell, an Annapolis native who now calls Baltimore home. Cohen will have to decide whether to distance himself from these two hot potatoes, but as said above, he does not seem to be lacking in volunteers. Attorney and FOE Ron Jarashow, who just chaired the Comprehensive Plan Committee was eagerly holding a sign for Cohen.

Cohen is always a polished speaker. He looks mayoral and sincere when he stands at the lectern addressing a crowd. He hit many of the hot notes such as crime, management of government, and of course, The Market House, saying he is the right person to clean that mess, but he was quite careful to emphasize that he was not pointing fingers at anyone currently in office. Aw c'mon Josh--why not? He proudly spoke of his success with Quiet Waters Park's ice rink and with the bank redevelopment on Sixth Street. He made some pronouncements about the city manager referendum and the ICMA, the professional certifying body, but I did not quite grasp his meaning. Unless I missed it, I don't think he said a thing about public housing, which he also omitted from his recent fund-raising letter.

Cohen's web-site is now active at www.cohenformayor.com.

Of course, he did not mention a thing about how this is the second time he has left office in mid- term to seek another office. Why would he? But I will. Be sure to read it in next Wednesday's "The Ninth Ward" column appearing in The Capital.


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