Editorial: Smith-Gildea fundraisers are also raising eyebrows
Editorial
Posted 12/21/09
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Two attorneys known for representing land developers have selected three potential County Council candidates to favor with their fundraising efforts.
The lawyers are Michael Paul Smith, whose father is County Executive Jim Smith, and David Gildea, a former law clerk for Smith when he was a circuit court judge.
This duo wants to fill the campaign war chests for Democrats Tom Quirk in the 1st District (Catonsville and Arbutus), Gordon Harden in the 5th District (Perry Hall and Towson) and Cathy Bevins in the 6th District (Parkville and Fullerton). Those seats are likely to be open for the 2010 election.
News of this arrangement raised alarm bells with community activists, who often clash with developers over land-use issues.
Their concern is understandable. The No. 1 control over land use in the county is zoning law. And the County Council makes zoning law.
Smith and Gildea have hosted fundraisers in which the suggested donation was $1,000. Fundraisers on this level are practically unheard of for fresh faces in politics.
Might a fundraising juggernaut like this, if it helps them win their election, instill in the candidates a sense of gratitude toward their benefactors that might go beyond dropping a thank-you note in the mail?
Pooh, pooh, say the candidates.
"I'm my own candidate," Quirk said. The other two voiced similar sentiments.
That may be true. Furthermore, donations from the development community to political hopefuls are nothing new.
But the relationship between developers and council members has long been viewed with misgivings by neighborhood activists.
News of the big bucks Smith-Gildea fundraising project for their handpicked team will do nothing to put those misgivings to rest.
***
News and politics aside for the moment, we at the Towson Times would like to extend to all our readers the best for the holiday season.
Even in a tough economy, the acts of community kindness and help to neighbors that we've seen during the holidays -- and throughout the year, really -- should bolster us all in this season of hope.
From all of our staff -- we hope our readers have enjoyed a peaceful Hanukkah season, and wish all the best for a happy, safe and joyous Christmas and the rest of the holidays as well.
user comments (4)
user says...
Perception, my friend, is Reality: This relationship as innocent as it may seem, will be your cross to bear. It is likely that many of your true followers and people close to you will support you. It is the people whom don't know you, but do know the 'ring of associates' and the relationships that 'they' hold 'valuable', and therefore influence. hypothetically of course.
Posted 9:06 PM, 12.23.09
user augieboy says...
Perception, my friend, is Reality: This relationship as innocent as it may seem, will be your cross to bear. It is likely that many of your true followers and people close to you will support you. It is the people whom don't know you, but do know the 'ring of associates' and the relationships that 'they' hold 'valuable', and therefore influence. hypothetically of course.
Posted 9:07 PM, 12.23.09
user annmiller says...
Either these newcomers are in outright denial to the reality of bribes and favors in politics, or they are so naive, they are blank slates upon which Jim Smith and his developer buddies will write. Most likely both.
Posted 10:05 PM, 12.23.09
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