It pains and saddens me to announce that I have withdrawn my candidacy for a House of Delegates seat in the 44th District. I am excited about my other, current and future, political ambitions–but more on that in a minute. With regard to the 44th District, encompassing parts of West Baltimore, Downtown, and East Baltimore, I was looking forward to continuing to raise issues not being adequately addressed and discussed among citizens, elected officials and local institutions: how to reverse the persistent cycle of poverty and incarceration in Baltimore, how to attract and keep more city families and residents, and how to engage faith-based institutions and our world-class centers of medicine and academia in a more dramatic way to help us heal and reclaim our neighborhoods. I hope that my candidacy added something to the race and that those who continue on until Election Day will debate issues which actually matter to the average district resident.
I want my supporters to know that I am not walking away from a fight, but instead making a prudent decision based on circumstances which have fundamentally altered the race. First, all three incumbents decided to run for reelection, leaving no open seats. Second, former City Councilman Keiffer Mitchell, Jr. threw his hat into the ring, adding a quasi-incumbent into the mix. The 44th has historically been the “Mitchell District,” with two of Keiffer’s uncles and a cousin counted as former delegates and/or senators in the district. Plus, his great-uncle, Parren Mitchell, represented the area in Congress for 16 years. I wish Keiffer well and hope that he can shake up the 44th delegation and bring some new blood to the team.
So let’s recap: three seats, “four” incumbents, and a name that places me smack dab at the bottom of the ballot. I thought it best to regroup and live to fight another day. But keep in mind that I will still be on the ballot on Election Day–as a candidate for the Democratic Central Committee in the 44th. I still need to campaign because this race is no “gimmee.” There are 11 candidates vying for seven seats. And again, my name is at the very bottom.
As far as future plans, next year’s municipal elections could present an intriguing challenge if my rep, 11th District Councilman Bill Cole, decides to run for higher office–which many anticipate. That would leave an open seat, theoretically presenting better odds for me than those which exist this year. Also, I must admit that many of the issues I have discussed on the campaign trail speak directly to the future direction of Baltimore City. I am confident I can bring the same passion, professionalism, and vision to next year’s City Council race that I did in this year’s state election. I trust that my supporters will agree with my decision and continue to help me bring Active, Accessible and Accountable Leadership to the citizens of Baltimore.
Stay tuned, also, for the launch of Bmore Involved, a movement to engage more city residents in the nuts and bolts of our community. Among the goals of Bmore Involved are: to register more young people to vote and make sure they get to the polls; register more ex-offenders to vote; support the needs of Baltimore’s families and encourage more families to take advantage of Maryland’s cultural hub; promote healthier lifestyles and preventative medicine; conduct public forums to explore bold new policy initiatives with the potential of actually solving some our persistent urban problems; and foster greater familiarity among neighbors and neighborhoods so that the needs of the entire city are always in the back of our minds. We’re all in this boat called Baltimore and we want everyone to swim instead of sink.
This is a truly sad development for my home town. More of the status quo is to the detriment of the vision for what Baltimore could be. My high school football coach always said that if you are not moving forward, you are actually moving backward. Wes, you would have propelled our fair town forward! Let’s hope that the mantle of bestowed on the encumbents is carried with the vigor and commitment that our city needs.
Keiffer Mitchell is a big phony and, apparently, a thief based on reports from his campaign for mayor. I was hoping to be finished with this idiot buffoon. I am very saddened that we may now be saddled with him in Annapolis where he will continue to be the political suck-up he’s always been. I wish the Mitchell name were not still so powerful in the district. Keiffer is the last and worst of the clan. Let’s hope for the miracle of his defeat. As useless as I find Delegate Ruth Kirk, I’d rather see her stay in Annapolis than have Keiffer as one of our delegates! Guess I’ll be voting for the three incumbents again. I wonder, has Delegate Keith Haynes moved into the district yet?
Congratulations!! I’ll continue to support you. Would love to see you on the City Council.