Talk'o Tuesdays: #71 Become more attentive of local politics

Good news, my dear friends (and associates). It's taken me five months, but I've finally crossed off an abstract objective from my list of 102 Tasks in 1002 Days. And it's politics related! Look at me actually attempting to be an adult and involved in the world I live in. Don't get crazy, it's not like I volunteered to help anyone campaign. We're all about baby steps here at Wacko, Incorporated. 

Last Tuesday, Maryland held all of its primary elections, including the city level. There was a week of early voting, but I hadn't done sufficient enough a job of researching the candidates for positions such as judge and city council to feel comfortable filling in those little bubbles. So many candidates, so little time. 

When it came to vote, I ended up leaving the judge and senate sections blank. Saying I was tempted to fill in a woman candidate anytime I didn't know anyone would be an understatement, but I realized that would have been like blindly voting for Hillary just because you want to see more diversity in politics. 

Primary Day, there was no shortage of Parks and Rec level antics.  The day before I heard Catherine Pugh offered people (mostly black, this is Baltimore) fried chicken while she campaigned. (I still haven't forgiven myself for missing the opportunity to title a post "Chicken for Votes.") The day of, volunteers littered the block in front of the firehouse trying to convince me to vote for their candidate. Let me say, if you can be swayed to vote for someone seconds before you walk into the polling place, what are you even doing their, fam? The best kicker came an hour after I voted. Apparently Pugh's promise of jobs for her supporters fell through on Primary Day, and the upset citizens caused property damage outside of her headquarters. I love when truth becomes stranger than fiction. 

Being a frequent Twitter user and avid follower of the Black Liver Matter movement, I wanted to give DeRay a chance. However, he entered the race too late, he didn't have enough traction among the older generations of Baltimore, and he's still a little green behind the ears as far as politics go. I look forward to what he has to offer in the future, though.

I knew the two frontrunners were Catherine Pugh and Sheila Dixon, but I hoped that despite the overwhelming amount of democratic candidates Baltimore would be able to see one as the most viable option. I considered Elizabeth Embry as that option. During the debates, she seemed smart, dedicated, and knowledgable about what Baltimore needs - having been part of the system herself. And sure, she's a white lady trying to lead a majority black city, but I don't think race is important if you're dedicated to the job. Apparently, most of my friends thought the same. Who knew? Embry: the hope of young Baltimore. 

On the City Council level, I voted for Ryan Dorsey in my district. A friend of mine had been informing me of all his policies, and after looking at his main competition Jermaine Jones, I decided Dorsey the better option. 

Unfortunately, Tuesday night was not as joyous and optimistic as the day had been. After finding out Hillary and Trump had both taken Maryland and its delegates, I learned Catherine Pugh won the democratic nomination with 37% of the vote. It helped ease the pain when I learned Emory came in third with 12% and Dorsey won his primary bid. 

You may be wondering why I haven't discussed any Republican candidates yet. That's because they're nearly nonexistent in Maryland, a largely Democratic state. Baltimore is even more democratic, some City Council district races not even having a republican nominee - like my district. This means that any Democratic that won last Tuesday will most likely win the main election come November. 

According to WBAL's website and my own additional resources, only about a fifth of Baltimore residents showed up to vote for the mayoral primary election. It begs the question what the result would have been if we could have gotten even three-fifths of Baltimore to vote. Probably a more overwhelming turning out for Pugh. She's been in the game a long time. 

Speaking of Pugh, in my further research since Primary Day, I discovered she had her tires slashed the same day she won. I think I can learn to look forward to her mayorship. If her reign will be anything like her campaign, in the words of Joanne Prada, "[She'll be] a messy bitch who lives for drama!" I just hope Baltimore can survive the shitshow. 

With the primaries over - and most of the positions spoken for - many people will stop keeping up with local politics. I myself could use a break. However, I plan to keep an eye on as many of these politicians as possible. I want to be able to applaud their triumphs and shame their missteps. Besides, some of these people will run again in four years. I need to know how they handle failure and reshape their community as regular citizens. 

Until the next race, candidates. 

Word. 

WBAL Primary Coverage - http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/bookmark-this-2016-baltimore-primary-election-results/39172104

Joanne Prada's Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/joanneprada/

Catherine Pugh's Website - http://www.pughformayor.com/

Elizabeth Embry's Website - http://www.embryforbaltimore.org/

DeRay Mckesson's Website - https://www.derayformayor.com/

Ryan Dorsey's Website - http://www.electryandorsey.com/