Political families coping with the holiday season

I remember the night of Tuesday September 9, 2003, with a mixed emotion of sensational pride and admiration, along with dismal disappoint. This, of course, was the night of re-election, for then City Council President, Sheila Dixon.

 

As her Field Director, during that campaign, I had learned valued lessons, not taught by any professor or political science class, anywhere on this earth! I also fell in love with a woman, and her family, that I once pre-judgingly labeled and believed to be icy, cold and arrogantly distant. Boy was I wrong and far, far off from the warm, loving and undeniably sexy (sorry ma) lady, that currently leads this City, of Baltimore. The disappointment came, as the night drew to an end, (and a storied and once dreamed of life, as a political insider and consultant, to a candidate that I actually cared for and believed in wholeheartedly, to be qualified and able to serve in their respective position), and I realized I would no longer have the distinct opportunity, of daily dealings, with this loving family.

 

From strategizing the most effective areas of lit drops and their timings, to the obligation of accompanying her children (Joshua and Jasmine) to the B2K Scream Tour concert, at the Baltimore Arena, as Madame President sat in a room, speaking with parent voters’ about policy issues and her commitment to their neighborhoods and communities. The campaign that essentially jump started my political campaigning career, thanks to the inside connection of my then political mentor and former boss, Delegate Salima Siler Marriott. This reminiscing of warm thoughts and past times of pleasure, were brought to mind today, as I visited City Hall, for Mayor Dixon’s, 2008 Holiday Open House and Santa ‘Sock Drop’.

 

This unique experience, coordinated by the beautiful (physical as well as mental) sister who happens to be a city employee, Amira Garner, was a riveting and delightful moment of pleasure. Though it took a little too long waiting for a picture with the Mayor (who was joined by darling daughter Jasmine), it was worth it once I got to see that sincere smirk of Sheila’s and the Cover-Girl modeling smile of Jazzy J. After a few interesting words of delight and humor, with them and my man Howard Dixon (no relation), I found my way to the holiday happenings of the musical ministry, being given by Riverside Community Church singers.

 

I watched this soulfully blended multicultural group of angels, while sipping a hot cup of cocoa, made and delivered by Recreation and Parks employees, Tammy Wallace and Tara Ingram. The amazingly cheerful and sensual ladies, who came to volunteer their time, to please the many citizens, who came out, just to have a day filled with holiday spirit, while leaving behind the usual political bashing of scrooge.

 

After a day filled with mixed emotions, it felt as though I was back at Election night ’03. The feelings of extreme pride and honor, for being a citizen, in a City so effectively represented, by its first black female Mayor, who has served this City flawlessly during her first term. (Except possibly the recent pay raise ordeal; whoever advised her to make that initial comment of acceptance based on a child in college and then make a retraction…should be FIRED!) However, we can no longer base our opinions, of leadership and their effectiveness, off of a few sound bites or erroneous errors that have no real detrimental effect, on the people they are elected to represent. Stupidity (sole episode of) is not a reason for impeachment, or ouster from office! However continuous stupidity may be! (Lol)

 

In this time of year, no longer recognized as ‘Merry Christmas’, but more politically correct as ‘Happy Holidays', it is a time of remembrance and reminiscing of good times, both past and present! Today I just happened to be blessed with both, by a political family of importance and respect, based on my views, opinions and beliefs. Though you may not know the Dixons’ as I do , or even care for them as much as I, however remember that they are a family dealing with the same pleasures, pains, stress and satisfactions as you and yours, during this time of thanks and giving!