Annapolis Capital Punishment

Annapolis Democratic Central Committee Chair recently wrote off renegade AA Democratic Central Committee member Chuck Weikel and Josh Cohen's campaign has now done a similar disavowal. Anne Arundel County DCC Chair Kory Blake will also be investigating Weikel. Although Weikel has been repeatedly seen at events for Josh Cohen sporting various Cohen signs and or shirts or buttons, including riding in the recent July Fourth parade as part of Cohen's contingent (He also showed up with a poster supporting Zina Pierre at her announcement), Cohen's campaign says he was merely showing up at public events. Fair enough.

I wrote to Nieberding and Cohen:

"Chuck was highly visible at Josh's announcement and at his party at Kyma as he was highly visible in the parade. While I can certainly understand that certain things are open to the public and he may choose to support whomever he wishes, it gives the appearance of involvement. Will you consider publicly stating that he is not a part of your campaign?

None of this would be of any concern or interest if it were not for the outrageous and divisive behavior he exhibits so publicly and as part of his role as an AADCC member."

Cohen's manager, Kathy Nieberding responded, "Chuck is not part of our campaign, and our campaign has no connection with Chuck’s activities whatsoever. With respect to the Fourth of July Parade, we sent out a blanket invitation to everyone on our email list to walk with us that day."


The story gets more interesting. Voter records show that Weikel shares the same address as Kory Blake. Blake, you may recall, is on staff at the AFSCME office that recently endorsed candidate Josh Cohen for mayor--without any consideration of or interviews with any of the other mayoral candidates. That is the same union that represents many city employees, and whose collective salaries and benefits probably make up the largest chunk of the city's budget. I asked Blake (who is out of town) about whether or not he lives at the same place as Weikel and he responded:

"I am aware of Chuck's emails, and as stated, will investigate and address the situation upon my return. Since the issue involving Chuck is Annapolis related, I will consult with Nick Berry upon my return to discuss what actions should be taken. On another matter, I do not live at 160 Conduit St. I did briefly between the time I moved out of a rental and into my current home. I'm not sure where you got that info., but it has not been current for some time."

Even though Blake has moved his residence, it points to a cordial relationship between the two. I do not know what he means by saying what Weikel does is only "Annapolis related", however could their friendship be the reason why it has taken the AADCC so long to consider Weikel's outrageous and divisive behavior?


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