Doni Glover and Baltimore County MBE leader Ron Harvey
Who’s Still Standing in Baltimore County? Pt. 2: County Exec Bartenfelder, Councilman Oliver, 10th and 11th District Teams
By Doni Glover, www.BMORENEWS.com
(BALTIMORE – September 6, 2010 ) – Let’s go to Baltimore County – particularly the NW. That would be Woodlawn, Randallstown, Owings Mills and Pikesville. For the County Exec race, BMORENEWS is of the belief that the Joe Bartenfelder camp philosophy is simply more genuine than that of Kevin Kamenetz. The people we’ve interviewed on the ground in NW Baltimore County have told us repeatedly that Kamenetz didn’t do anything memorable for blacks when his district included the black part of the county, i.e. Liberty Road.
While his radio commercials do the name-dropping maneuver featuring prominent voices from the black community pretty well, we’re simply not buying it. We need more than some election-time attention over the airwaves of Radio One and Heaven 600. Those in the know in NW Baltimore County have told us that they would prefer a down-to-earth Bartenfelder over the charismatic Kamenetz. And this is not because Councilman Bartenfelder sells collard greens on Sundays at The Farmers’ Market (I’ve yet to try them).
He just doesn’t appear to be a man who says something he doesn’t mean. In politics, as with most everything else, character defines an individual.
Further, we have yet to figure out why certain politicos in NW Baltimore County endorsed Kamenetz so early in the process. Typically, endorsements come out in the latter part of the game after some negotiations, agreements, and promises have been made – in good faith.
Understand, it is not enough to tell people you are going to look out for them; in 16 years, one ought to have a track record to point to that includes a little bit more than putting in surveillance cameras at area malls.
During a recent interview with Joe Bartenfelder, we feel he effectively showed who he is, that he is mindful of the power of the black vote, and that he sincerely plans to work with the African American community in the future. And he is a sports enthusiast who wants to see all people grow and develop.
Additionally, with the support of Baltimore County Councilman Ken Oliver, we tend to believe that Bartenfelder is even more likely to do what he says. After all, it is all about relationships.
Being forthright, I have to say that Bartenfelder touched my soul last Tuesday when he said on our WOLB 1010 weekly radio show that he wanted to see a Negro Leagues Museum in the NW part of the county.
Segue from Bartenfelder to Oliver, Bartenfelder’s ever-supportive black connect
Oliver, the first African American on the Council, has done a lot more for black Baltimore County than most in history. From the areas with well water to the areas with running water, Oliver literally understands the lay of the land. And the former banker has clearly demonstrated that he can work with those of other ethnicities. Despite a faux pas, he has a respectable track record, understands County politics, and has brought resources and services to an otherwise forsaken part of Baltimore County in an unprecedented manner.
So, while we’re in the county, it should be known that we believe Ken Oliver deserves re-election.
Lastly, be mindful of the undercover game being manipulated for the sake of Bethel AME Church. Although they legally won the right to put a church in Granite, no mega church needs to be in this rural area, one loaded with bunny rabbits, foxes, and deer. Environmentalist and conservationists should be outraged that someone seeks to destroy the rural element in Granite – all for the sake of a mega church which began in Baltimore City.
Besides, Bethel has vacant properties in its block on Druid Hill Avenue – and has had them for years. Doesn’t charity start at home? Furthermore, the blend of politics and church business is questionable at best … in our modest opinion.
Bottomline: Joe Bartenfelder for Baltimore County Exec. Ken Oliver for re-elect. 10th & 11th Teams Re-Elected
As for the 10th district team, they will all be re-elected. State Senator Delores Kelley is a staple, having led over 100 bills into law. Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones is way on top of her game to be toppled; also, she knows the pulse of the community, answers her phone, and makes a lot of things happen behind the scenes. Del. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, a strong black woman with Jamaican roots, has the blessings of the ancestors and the heart of the constituents. Further, her “nursing” nature is just too powerful; she innately cares about all people. And finally, Del. Rev. Emmett Burns is a force all by himself; you gotta love that!
The 11th District Team, featuring State Senator Bobby “wear my t-shirt” Zirkin and the three delegates, Dr. Dan Morhaim, Dana Stein, and Jon Cardin: They, too, glide back into office without a bump in the road.
For the record, I think Dr. Morhaim, a surgeon at Sinai Hospital and a volunteer at Baltimore City’s Healthcare for the Homeless, is one of the greatest people in the world: Hands-down! He understands relationships. He understands politics. He understands business. He doesn’t sugar-coat the truth. He calls ‘em like he sees ‘em. And he is a loyal to his family and friends. What more could one ask for?
Filed in: Baltimore County, Black politics, political economy.
Doni Morton Glover, the founder and publisher of www.bmorenews.com, has been a journalist for the past 15 years. He is a writer, photographer, and a political analyst for WBAL TV 11. Additionally, he is a local radio personality and host of “Empower Hour” on Radio One’s WOLB 1010 AM. The show is now in its 10th year and is the longest-running customized program on the station.