Annapolis Capital Punishment

Some of the most thoughtful writing going on this campaign season is coming from Greg Stiverson, candidate for Ward Six alderman. Recently he posted a piece on his blog about campaign endorsements which readers can click through below. But before you go there, I ask you to consider what had been happening already during this campaign season regrading endorsements. A major union, the one representing most city employees (which translates to big city budget and contracts) endorsed a candidate for mayor--without even considering the others. That same candidate got an endorsement from an uncontested aldermanic candidate, a former alderman and more recently from a union whose headquarters are here in town. Stiverson on the other hand is politely declining getting involved in this case (click on headlines to read full stories...).

How Many Votes Could I Have Gotten If I’d Just Said “Yes”?

The political endorsement season for alderman in this fall’s city elections has gotten off to an early start with a questionnaire from Annapolis Professional Fire Fighters Local 1926. I’ve worried about this “endorsement” thing — you need votes to get elected and endorsements, especially from unions, can help a lot. On the other hand, [...]

And Sam Shropshire, the Ward Seven alderman and mayoral hopeful has penned a piece in opposition to the proposed tax cap.

Municipal Tax Cap Is A Very Bad Idea

by Sam Shropshire

Some may considerate it unwise as a mayoral candidate in an election year to speak out strongly against a municipal tax cap. But when it comes to defending our local economy I must speak out. So let me put it simply.

Tax caps are bad for building healthy communities. They are shortsighted attempts to control government spending regardless of purpose. They set arbitrary limits on community spending without addressing important community needs........

http://www.aldermansam.com/