BMORENEWS.com

Doni Glover speaks at a HARAMBEE Dinner Club at BWI, 2003

BMORENEWS’ Doni Glover Joins Frank DeFilippo on WBAL TV 11’s ‘TV Hill’ this Sunday at 11:30 am in Baltimore

By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com

As much as I critique them on a regular, truth be told - they have to do what none of us have to do. They have to campaign every four years, they have to write bills and co-sign others to be actively engaged in the process, they have to provide constituent services - acts they are not charged to do, and they have to be in the media so as to tell their story - but more importantly, the stories of their districts and the issues of their people. Mind you, it's not the same general story. Everybody's issues are different and yet similar.

(BALTIMORE –April 15, 2009) – On this Tax Day, 2009, I had the distinct pleasure of taping Sunday’s edition of ‘TV Hill’ on Baltimore’s NBC affiliate, WBAL TV-11, “the best television on television.”

As always, it is an incredible wonder for me, a cat from North Avenue, to be able to share political thoughts and theories with the likes of Frank DeFilippo. DeFilippo, as noted by my late father, is a Maryland political icon – and, as I learned today, a former White House reporter.

This latter part is particularly fascinating to me as readers of my last column will remember last week’s BMORENEWS highlight – my first White House Press Conference.

Before proceeding, I find it necessary to say a big ‘Thank you’ to all of the members of the Maryland General Assembly, including the Governor, the Comptroller, and the Treasurer.

Each year, this entity toils to address some 2,600 bills through various committees and sub-committees. As one takes a step back, one can see, in fact, a very beautiful thing. It is called democracy-at-work.

I am reminded that this is the first session since our new president, Barack Obama, was installed. And, given his attention already to issues near and dear to this little news portal that could – such as employment, housing, business, public education and health care – for me it is time for Maryland to find synergy with his agenda and build upon it such that all things are working together as well as possible.

Thus far, careful attention to the mortgage-lending crisis – well-noted in Prince George’s and Baltimore counties – along with Baltimore City, HIV/AIDS, and jobs for blacks in the ‘green’ industry have surfaced from the Obama administration. This suggests to me that the man does have a sensitivity to an otherwise forsaken demographic that is an integral part of the American fabric.

Hence, Maryland’s state senators and delegates have finally emerged from the 426^th session of the assembly, and, for better or worse, have given an effort to making Maryland a better, healthier and wealthier state in which to live.

These 188 elected officials – representing state legislative districts across Maryland – have tackled everything from the Chesapeake Bay to re-regulation to Minority Business Enterprises.

While some work harder and smarter than others, at the end of the day it is what it is. The end product is a long list of bills that are signed into law by the governor. Headed home, many of whom are tired and exhausted – void of the basics of life the rest of us may take for granted – weary from lobbyists’ influence peddling, these men and women return to their homes, their families, and their other lifestyle.

This is a special thank you for the people in Annapolis who have not forgotten the meaning of public service, who put the people first, who – Democrat or Republican – stay vigilant about the concept of making a positive difference. Theirs is a difficult task. As much as I critique them on a regular, truth be told - they have to do what none of us have to do. They have to campaign every four years, they have to write bills and co-sign others to be actively engaged in the process, they have to provide constituent services - acts they are not charged to do, and they have to be in the media so as to tell their story - but more importantly, the stories of their districts and the issues of their people. Mind you, it's not the same general story. Everybody's issues are different and yet similar. If politics determines who gets what, when and where - and if economics is the allocation of scarce resources - then it's logical to suggest that it all boils down to cash and influence. The team with the best plan ... and lobbyists wins. Preparation is everything. The early bird gets the worm. Reading is, in fact, fundamental. Snooze, you lose!   

I can only encourage the elected officials in Maryland to stay the course and follow the lead of the President. He seems to be on a much better course than his predecessor. God bless America … and Maryland!   

Tags: Baltimore, black politics