BALTIMORE—It’s difficult enough to lead a city plagued by rampant violent crime, failing schools, widespread poverty and drug addiction. For Mayor Sheila Dixon, the job figures to get tougher this year — and not just because of the sagging eco
BALTIMORE—It’s difficult enough to lead a city plagued by rampant violent crime, failing schools, widespread poverty and drug addiction. For Mayor Sheila Dixon, the job figures to get tougher this year — and not just because of the sagging economy. A city grand jury indicted Dixon on Friday on 12 counts, including theft and perjury. Among other things, she’s accused of using gift cards meant for the poor and buying clothes and gadgets for herself. Dixon has pledged not to resign, and her term runs through late 2011. But a conviction on any of the 12 charges would trigger her removal from office under the Maryland Constitution, and that possibility could dog her for years as her case winds through the courts. "She’s damaged," said Matthew Crenson, professor emeritus of political science at Johns Hopkins University. "As often as people will say that she’s innocent until proven guilty, nevertheless this is going to hurt her, and it’s going to undermine her effectiveness." The need to devote time to her legal strategy may distract her at critical moments. With the state’s legislative session about to begin, some wonder whether Dixon will be able to advocate for Baltimore’s needs as she has in the past. "It may well be that we see the deputy mayor an awful lot, instead of her," said Republican David Brinkley, the Senate minority leader. Still, Brinkley said he believed lawmakers would look past the indictment and consider the merits of the legislation the Democratic mayor pushes. Some political observers believe Dixon can forge ahead, at least in the short term. While the charges paint her in an unflattering light, the indictment does not suggest she allowed money to influence her job performance. "It would seem that unless the prosecutor’s case becomes much stronger than it currently appears to be, this is not likely to have much impact on her ability to govern," said Donald F. Norris, professor and chairman of the public policy department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The city has seen a drop in homicides under Dixon, and she’s been praised for shrewd hiring and quick problem-solving. As the first Black woman to be elected mayor of Baltimore, she has a strong base of support in a city that’s two-thirds African-American. Dixon should not expect the 15-member City Council to stand in her way. For one thing, they’re all Democrats, like her; for another, they’re not particularly powerful. City spending is approved not by the council but by the Board of Estimates, a five-member panel that includes the mayor and two mayoral appointees. Also, Dixon built up support as a councilwoman for 12 years and as council president for about seven years. While the City Council must approve cabinet appointments, there have been no confirmation battles in Dixon’s two-year tenure. She also enjoys good relationships throughout Maryland’s Democratic political establishment and even with Republican U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. However, the business community may be less sympathetic. "The business community, investors, do not like uncertainty," said law professor John E. Mogk. He specializes in land use planning at Wayne State University in Detroit — a city where development fizzled after former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was indicted on corruption charges. Kilpatrick stepped down last September after pleading guilty to two counts. With major development projects, Mogk said, "there are always some unexpected glitches that arise. For many, it’s important that the mayor be personally involved and be in charge and be able to address those problems." City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke said Dixon should rein in her ambitions for the city’s future and concentrate on making sure things don’t get worse. "We’re in a national recession," Clarke said. "We need to retain, retain, retain the jobs and business that we have. I think she can do it well." At the state Capitol in Annapolis, even the influential Baltimore city delegation likely will have little success steering new funds Dixon’s way. "The state’s broke," said state Sen. Lisa Gladden, D-Baltimore. "Even if this were Mother Teresa coming in and asking for money for the city of Baltimore, they’re not going to get it." ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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