Dear Leaders,
No one goes through life without making decisions that are not popular but necessary. In public service these decisions are often amplified as the result of political pressure. However, true leaders do not make decisions because they are popular. A true leader makes the decision that is best for the greater good and not the popular or easy decision.
As I entered office a few years ago and visited the schools in the district I was confronted with students learning in closets due to overcrowding at Highlandtown Elementary Middle School. At the same time I was approached by the Health Department who wanted to vacate the senior center adjacent to the school. Although it was unpopular I decided to support the move in order to gain more space for our students. A few years later that decision showed to be the correct one, as we celebrated the opening the Highlandtown Early Learning Center this week.
Earlier this year I was vocal in my opposition about Commissioner Batts bringing then Deputy Commissioner Davis to Baltimore. I felt that we had people capable of doing the job within the Baltimore Police Department. A lot has changed since then as Commissioner Batts has been fired and Davis has taken his place. There has been much discussion about whether Commissioner Davis should be given the title of permanent commissioner. I understand the concerns that many have about appointing a new commissioner when we know a new Mayor will take office next year. However, with the violence that is occurring in our city right now I believe that we cannot afford to have the department operate with a permanent leader. Commissioner Davis took over in July of this year. Baltimore’s new Mayor will be sworn into office in December of next year. At the earliest the new Mayor if he or she chooses to replace Davis would appoint a new Commissioner in January of 2016. Does anyone really think Baltimore can afford to go without a permanent Police Commissioner from July of 2015 until January of 2017? I do not.
It may not be the most popular decision ,but right now confirming Davis is the best decision for Baltimore. However, we must start to have conversations about changing how our Commissioners are hired. By way of City Council Resolution 15-0270R I have asked the General Assembly and Governor of Maryland to no longer require Baltimore Police Commissioner terms be six years in length.
Sincerely,
 A few years ago, Councilman Scott made the decision to support the relocation of a senior center in order to expand Highlandtown Elementary School. Even though this school was denied by the previous two School CEO's, our community remained steadfast and vigilant in our vision to see this Learning Center open in order to better serve our community. After touring the school with Councilman Scott Dr. Thornton agreed to renovate the space. On October 14th, we celebrated the opening of the Highlandtown Elementary Middle School Early Learning Center!
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Recently, The Indiana University Men's Basketball team came to visit our young people at Goodnow Community Center. The youth were able to talk with the players and coaches in addition to going through some workshops with them. The Goodnow Community Center aims to equip each youth with the tools to help make them successful in life, to provide opportunities for their character to be strengthened and to be a resource for the community. We are extremely grateful to the Indiana Hoosiers for visiting our city and neighborhood.
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 Recently, Councilman Scott received the Spirit of Service Award from the Healthy Teen Network.
The Healthy Teen Network promotes better outcomes for adolescents and young adults by advancing social change, cultivating innovation, and strengthening youth-supporting professionals and organizations. Councilman Scott was extremely honored to be given this award as he aims to create great opportunities for our young people.
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Recently, Councilman Scott and some of his 300MenMarch Brothers read to students at Moravia Park Elementary School for a special edition of 2nd Reads! Their reading was also a part of the Michael Carter Men Reading on School's Day. Students got to listen to stories from a group of men who are serving as positive roll models to Baltimore residents of all ages and walks of life. We look forward to more readings throughout our schools! |
Region Minority Supplier Development Council Leaders and Legends Awards
October 28, 2015 (5:30– 9:30pm)
Hilton Baltimore
401 W. Pratt Street
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake hosts the 34th Annual Leaders & Legends Awards Ceremony and Gala during the 2015 Supplier Diversity and Inclusion/Minority Enterprise Development Week. Awards will be presented to recognize outstanding minority businesses across the region, as well as the Inaugural Mayor’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Awards. To purchase tickets: https://www.cvent.com/events/leaders-legends-awards-ceremony-and-gala/registration-6e2a96d9160a483f9dbd53a69cd6de09.aspxhttps://www.cvent.com/events/leaders-legends-awards-ceremony-and-gala/registration-6e2a96d9160a483f9dbd53a69cd6de09.aspx
City of Baltimore Procurement Fair
October 29, 2015 (8:00 am-12:30pm)
Hilton Baltimore
401 W. Pratt Street
The Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development and Minority Business Development Agency Business Center will host the City of Baltimore Procurement Fair. Attendees will learn about contracting opportunities as well as engage our partners at the state, county, federal and private sector. The fair will also feature over 50 exhibitors, workshops and special matchmaking sessions. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-baltimore-procurement-fair-tickets-18870557345https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-baltimore-procurement-fair-tickets-18870557345
Tench Tilgman School and Community Playground Rebuild
Saturday, October 24 (6:30 AM)
Tench Tilgman School and Community Playground
Join students, teachers, neighbors and stakeholders in East Baltimore on Saturday, October 24th to rebuild the Tench Tilgman School and Community Playground. Working in partnership with Kaboom and Annie E. Casey, we are recruiting 200+ volunteers to help us build out phase one of a transformed play space that will serve as a vibrant multigenerational space to gather, play, work out and build relationships. We kick off our Build Day at 6:30am with breakfast, and for those who can stay with us, are happy to offer lunch as well as a thank you. Want to roll up your sleeves and help? Call or email Beth Myers-Edwards at bethmyersedwards@yahoo.com or (443) 618-2509 to learn more or sign up directly at http://vols.pt/QnjRiB. Can't make it but still want to help? Please use your networks to spread the word for volunteers or ask about assisting with our fund-raising goals. We offer T-shirts, commemorate bricks, plaques and concrete squares. You can also donate directly at https://www.crowdrise.com/TTPlayground/.
Save The Date: Fall Cleanup
Saturday, October 24 (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Location to be announced
Save the date for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's Fall Cleanup on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Call 311 to sign up. Let's sweep our community clean of trash and liter! Supplies of bags will be available and bagged debris will be collected on Monday, October 26.
Senior Citizen Assistance Event
Wednesday, October 28 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
Hatton Senior Center, 2825 Fait Avenue
Free SOAR Events hosted by the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (MCRC) – The SOAR (Securing Older Adult Resources) Events will provide older adults with valuable information & services and other consumer issues facing older adults. MCRC is partnering with financial institutions, legal service providers, housing counselors, health practitioners, financial institutions, benefits screeners and others to provide direct assistance to older adults in Baltimore City. The free SOAR Events feature nonprofit, government & business experts to help with consumer issues facing older adults including: best banks for seniors, financial fraud protection, legal services, preparing a will, housing counseling, health care, benefits check-up, financial coaching, property tax and tax lien advice, and more. A panel of experts will address issues and then be available for Q&A. One-on-one assistance by experts who personally will work with attending seniors. For more information visit 443-676-5042 or emailrobyn@marylandconsumers.org.
Fall concert choir
Sunday, November 1 (4:00 PM)
Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 North Charles Street
More than 1,000 music lovers from the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area are expected to crowd the Grace United Methodist Church for the 6th annual fall concert of the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, Inc. The show is comprised of more than 120 singers and will feature a full concert of sacred musical selections. The event is free and open to the public.
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