Losing Political Clout?

The late, great Jackie Gleason said this about clout: “If you have it and you know you have it, then you have it. If you have it and don't know you have it, you don't have it. If you don't have it but you think you have it, then you have it.”

Keep that in mind as we go through this latest blog…

Generally speaking, I write about politics on the east side of Baltimore County. Thankfully, I enjoy what I do, because it is rather time consuming when you need a bulldozer to plow through the politically generated muck around here.

So, being the naturally inquisitive type, when I received a phone call about another political race involving some of that thick muck in another part of the county, I became intrigued. To that end, I cranked up my John Deer tractor and headed for the deep stuff.

I didn’t take long to realize there is plenty of muck brewing involving the one of two councilwomen, both of whom are running for reelection.

Councilwoman Cathy Bevins seems relatively safe, despite the fact that a big developer is backing an opponent.

Council Chairwoman Vicki Almond, however, may not be in her position for very long if some people have their way.

And by “some people,” I mean those surrounding our County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz.

I had been hearing for some time that there was a rift between Mr. Kamenetz and Ms. Almond. Sources say the issue involves (shock!) a well-heeled developer.

For some of the gory details read this article in the Sun by Alison Knezevich.

Here’s a telling quote from the article:

“Almond also has questioned why Kamenetz has not spoken out about the issue…”

Yep, that’s a rift alright. And it’s starting to widen to “Grand Canyon” stature.

Which leads us to where we are today. Mr. Kamenetz and State Senator Bobby Zirkin have put their support behind Ms. Almond’s opponent, Jon Herbst.

I really find this whole situation rather lacking in a number of ways.

First, there is an old saying that goes something like, “Be careful of the company you keep.” Oprah Winfrey was even quoted as stating, “Surround yourself with people that are going to lift you higher.”

In the case of Mr. Herbst, there seems to be a lot of substance lacking in his new “inner circle.” In addition to Mr. Kamenetz, Mr. Herbst is now getting “grip and grin” photos with Council members Ken Oliver and John Olszewski Sr.

Folks, in my opinion, this is not a stellar group to be endorsing anyone.

Mr. Kamenetz’s latest faux pas involves this little ditty captured on Fox 45 News—a story about some signs being stolen by a member of the governor’s cabinet, James DeJulius, whose wife, Connie, is running against Senator James Brochin.

(Author’s note: Stealing signs is petty. Enough said.)

I found it quite interesting that a fundraiser was held at the same Green Turtle that received a $240,000 “grant” from Governor O’Malley, but that is another story.

Another shocking, yet puzzling, response from Mr. Kamenetz about the criminal act was, “This is a lot of silliness.”

Really? Theft is silly? Interesting viewpoint on that one, in my book (or blog).

This comment regarding Chief Johnson is almost as laughable: “‘Chief Johnson is committed to the strict enforcement of election laws, and any campaign sign violations that occur during this time of year will be investigated thoroughly,’ Baltimore County police said.”

Does that include the issues of Chief Johnson and the State Police Superintendent Marcus Brown? Is that a lot of silliness, too? 

This reminds me of the Obama/Holder justice system. Who’s the boss?

And we all know where that is going, but I digress.

What is even more interesting to me is that Mr. Herbst’s platform on the issues consists of a grand total of six paragraphs.

Amazing, isn’t it? Six whole paragraphs to address a quandary of problems facing one of the largest counties in the state.

Mr. Herbst must be one heck of an efficiency expert.

I guess, in the end, it’s the same old story—it’s not what you know, but who you know.

And, judging by this cast of characters, I would put my money on the incumbent for the win.