Mayoral Candidates Discuss Their Plans On WOLB Radio
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Baltimore mayoral campaign went live on WOLB Radio Tuesday morning.
Political reporter Pat Warren reports challengers pointed fingers at the mayor.
In her second forum this campaign, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake criticized her challengers' budget and tax-cutting proposals.
"Their reckless revenue chopping plans threaten all of the programs," she said.
With a war chest of $1.4 million, a TV ad and the endorsements of top Democrats, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is considered the favorite in this race and her challengers are on the attack.
"The current administration doesn't have an economic strategy. This mayor's economic development strategy is slots and car races. That's not enough," said Otis Rolley.
"And then the mayor seems to be conjoined and so we need some major surgery by Dr. Ben Carson, I guess, to separate the two twins, the mayor and the governor of the state, who seem to call the shots. I just got to call it like it is," said Frank Conaway.
"While some of us think it's a liability to have the support of the governor and the lieutenant governor and so many members of the state legislature, I consider it a plus," Rawlings-Blake said.
Nurse Wilton Wilson, a little-known Democrat with no political experience, is making a case for no connections.
"I'm running against five Democrats who have been there, done that but haven't delivered," Wilson said.
The discussion Tuesday included jobs and the economy, houses and taxes, public safety and crime, education and youth programs. All agree these are areas in need of improvement.
"The city is ailing. We're in trouble. We need major surgery," said Conaway.
"Our city needs a leader who has not just enthusiasm but a love for the people who live in the city," said Catherine Pugh.
"I'm looking to put the public back into public service and service back into public service," said Jody Landers.
"Yes, there is more work that needs to be done, but by working together, we can move Baltimore forward," said Rawlings-Blake.
There will be other forums between now and the primary but the most immediate date for Baltimore residents to pay attention to is Aug. 23. That's the last day you can register to vote in the primary. Voter registration drives are already underway.
The primary is Sept. 13.
