Baltimore County residents are you happy with...

[nickshepDEM]

Your county executive James T. Smith, Jr.?

Sometimes I get too caught up in National politics and I forogot about local politics. Does anyone know why people maybe upset with Smith and the job he is doing? Im from Dundalk and there is some of talk about a man by the last name "Weber" running against Smith. I even saw a bumper sticker that said "Democrat: Weber for Baltimore County Executive 2006." Any info would be appreciated.

[elshiva]

1. Dunno. I thought Smith was ok.

I used to be Baltimore County, but moved 20 minutes away to red Harford co. Smith sounded legit on WYPR....

[aintitfunny]

2. I live in Balto County

and belong to several organizations, one of which is the local dem club and I have never heard a bad word about him.

[Debbi801]

3. I've never heard anything bad about him...

From what I can tell as a county resident, he seems to be doing a very decent job.

Debbi

[nickshepDEM]

4. Thanks for the responses.

Im in Baltimore County too and I dont know why some people around here (dundalk) are upset with the job he is doing. My girlfriends mom works for an attorney around here and he invited me to a fundraiser for this guy "Weber" (i dont remember his first name) who is supposidly going to make a run against Smith. Ill keep you guys updated if I find out anything new.

[DaveinMD]

5. Dundalk

has been trending Republican for a while. Ehrlich represented that area in Congress and was very popular there.

[nickshepDEM]

6. Yeah, but the guy they are running against Smith is a Democrat.

I get the feeling Dundalk is trending Republican too, but I have no clue why. It is by no means a ritch town. Its actually pretty poor if you ask me. Plus, we have quite a few Union Halls that are pretty strong. Espeically the Iron Workers Hall. Im guessing it has more to do with social reasons then economic reasons.

[DaveinMD]

7. racism

has a lot to do with it. Ehrlich made his name out there opposing section 8 housing.

[nickshepDEM]

8. I was going to say that, but I didnt want to make my area look...

Racist. Ive noticed alot of people around here are bitching about section 8 housing. An old guy across the street from me (a die-hard democrat) blames it on Ruppersberger and that is why he refuses to vote for him.

[AuntiBush]

10. Are you in Dundalk?

[nickshepDEM]

15. Yes... n/t

[Zuni]

13. one doesn't have to be racist to be wary about the projects

face it---projects are usually among the most dangerous areas around. Filled with pushers and pimps, hookers, gangstas and felons they can be very unwelcome.

[Zuni]

12. there is a difference between

not wanting a potentially crime ridden housing project popping up in your backyard and having real, racist beliefs.

I wouldn't want to live next door to a baltimore housing project. They are known for gunfights, car robbery, B and E, drug spots

You don't have to be racist to be concerned about having housing projects built in your neighborhood

[DaveinMD]

14. I'll tell this story to illustrate my point

I was campaigning for Connie DeJulius in Dundalk and this guy says to me- "I'm voting for Bobby Ehrlich because he'll keep the ni--ers out."

I think that played a large part in his popularity there.

[nickshepDEM]

16. Ive been hearing comments like that more and more...

Some people arent as blunt as others, but they still get their point across. Dundalk is definitley very populist if you ask me. By populist I mean economically liberal and socially conservative/center-right.

[DaveinMD]

20. you have the right read on things

Very blue collar union, but backwards socially.

[Zuni]

21. They should be on our side

they might be angry about affirmative action, and they might dislike gay marriage but on most issues they are with us.

If we can only convince these guys to vote in their best interests---concentrate on economic issues rather than get involved in culture wars with a bunch of fundies---these blue collar guys aren't exactly pro-fundy either..

They just get turned to the wrong side because of cheap, useless wedge issues and constant Republican propaganda on the airwaves.

[DaveinMD]

23. I agree

that's why you always here me talking about economic populism on these boards.

[Zuni]

24. That is how we win

not by being a party that seems to cry over every little social injustice.
We must correct the major economic injustices first, as that is our priority
We have to be a party for everyone, not just a party for multiculturalism, blacks, hispanics, gays

we win on economics. we win exposing their GOP greed. we don't win trying to pander to 1,000 different minorities that all have special causes

[nickshepDEM]

25. Economic Populism... IS what makes me a Democrat.

Im not a racist or homophobe, but socially Id say Im center, maybe a HAIR right of center. But I vote only on Economic issues, its what matters most to me.

[Zuni]

26. I'm fairly moderate on social issues

not racist or sexist at all, but certainly you won't see me at some multicultural art festival or marching in a gay rights parade.

I care about working people and how they are getting screwed. That is my bottom line in all of this.

[Zuni]

18. well, that is quite obvious

That is not trying to keep the neighborhood safe, that is pro-segregationist, period.

[nickshepDEM]

19. .... n/t

[AuntiBush]

9. Things are changing though.

More clubs in Dundalk, and neighbors, clerks, etc. are PISSED w/this adm and do not like the Gov. Lost count how many swore they were for Bush, and now they say NO WAY!

But I gotta agree. A lot of prejudical thoughts down here. Red-neckish. Can't wait to move on.

[Zuni]

22. They mighht not be the most enlightened thinkers

on progressive social issues, but what we need to win is on economic issues.

I am willing to put social issues on a backseat until we can make the tax system more progressive, more aid to the poor, better schools, stop outsourcing and crack down on corporations like Walmart

[Zuni]

11. socially conservative, economically liberal

shows how good the GOP is with them wedge issues.

[nickshepDEM]

17. Yep... n/t