http://www.bthesite.com/archives/2008/04/mayorless-baltimore/Mayorless Baltimoreby Lori Barrett | April 11, 2008 at 11:17 amSheila Dixon is not our mayor. Technically.
It looks like the Circuit Court Clerk can really hold a grudge. Frank Conaway, who ran against Dixon in last year’s primary, is bitter. Maybe because of the election, but also because Dixon was sworn-in by Gov. O’Malley rather than Conaway, against tradition. Because he was snubbed, Conaway decided he wasn’t going to provide the proper documents for the ceremony, even though that’s his job. In typical fashion, the City said “screw it” and went ahead without them. Unsurprisingly, we now have a problem.
Because no one bothered to obtain a Certificate of Incumbency for Dixon, the City can’t issue any bonds (and who knows what else) because Dixon can’t prove she is actually the mayor. Conaway is still holding his ground and refuses to sign and seal the proper documents, unless he is able to swear in Dixon himself.
In an unrelated story (or not), Conaway’s home has been burglarized three times since October. With each break-in, he has replaced his big-screen plasma TV, only to have it stolen again and again. Maybe he should just sign the papers and enjoy his new television.
If Baltimore City can’t follow procedure for something as simple and essential as this, it really makes me wonder what other corners they’re cutting. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
