By Adam Pagnucco.
With 2024 in the books, it’s time for our annual political awards column. Let’s get to the winners (and losers)!
Best Media Outlet: Maryland Matters
Hands down, Maryland Matters is the best site for covering Annapolis. Josh Kurtz’s crazy dream has turned into an irreplaceable juggernaut for political news junkies all over the state.
Biggest Gaffe: County Executive Marc Elrich
In March, Elrich went to Annapolis to ask the General Assembly for a tax package. And then he wound up blasting state legislators over political contributions. Here’s the quote from Maryland Matters:
“Those checks do not come without strings,” said Elrich. “Nobody should be confused. You’ll hear people say these are our friends. Yeah. OK. They’re friends and the friends will come with asks.”
That prompted an angry response from Senate President Bill Ferguson. Elrich wants Ferguson and his colleagues to give him new taxing authority on commercial properties. How’s that looking, Marc?
Runner-Up: Also Elrich
In September, Elrich attacked the state for not giving him a building in Shady Grove that he wants to use as a treatment center. He did this at a town hall meeting full of state legislators with hundreds of constituents watching. Some of the state legislators had never heard of this building. One official commented, “That’s just Marc being Marc.”
When Elrich raises that finger, nothing good will be said.
Worst Personnel Move: Nomination of Charles Bailey as Fire Chief
Elrich’s problematic nomination of Charles Bailey as fire chief alienated one of his most loyal allies, the fire fighters union, and ultimately failed for lack of support at the county council.
Best Personnel Move: Hiring Superintendent Thomas Taylor
Taylor is still relatively new, but his openness about MCPS’s problems is a breath of fresh air when compared to his defensive predecessor. Consider his apologies over the school district’s handling of its virtual academy and its capital budget mistake as well as his comments on MCPS’s “weak spots” in academic achievement. After a huge budget ask, we shall see how he fares with the county council – not to mention taxpayers.
Runner-Up: Hiring Police Chief Marc Yamada
Elrich made up for Bailey by picking Marc Yamada as police chief. Yamada gets high marks for running the new drone program and standing up for his officers at the county council.
Yamada tells it like it is.
Best Policy Move: Police Drones
The Elrich administration deserves credit for its drone as first responder program, which has made a positive difference on hundreds of service calls. (Last spring, Council Members Will Jawando and Kristin Mink voted against funding to expand the program.)
Worst Policy Move: Threatened Layoffs at MCPS
After getting a $157 million (5%) increase from the county council, the prior regime at MCPS issued a preposterous threat to lay off some of its employees. What were they thinking? After causing hysteria among its workforce, MCPS eventually backed off.
Biggest Impact (Individual): Reardon Sullivan
Former GOP county executive candidate Reardon “Sully” Sullivan accomplished what many others (including me) failed to do: remove Elrich from the executive suite. Sure, he had help, but it all started with Sully gathering signatures for term limits one by one more than a year ago.
Sully (at left) hard at work at the 2023 agricultural fair.
Biggest Impact (Organization): MCEA
The very first post I wrote all the way back in 2006 was called The 800 lb Gorilla of MoCo Politics and – you guessed it – it was about the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA). Well, the gorilla is back, this time a few hundred pounds heavier after booting out three incumbent school board members from office. Politicians all over MoCo have taken notice.
Biggest Blowup: Washington Post presidential non-endorsement
In a move that no one can logically rationalize, the Post will apparently continue to endorse in elections except for U.S. president. Hundreds of thousands of readers dropped their subscriptions. This was the last thing the newspaper needed after poor finances led to staff cuts and a walkout.
Runner-Up: WAMU
The Post is the only reason why WAMU, which gutted its workforce last February, is not the “winner” here.
Fiercest Spat (Tie): Acevero vs Sobratti, Miner vs Saul
Delegate Gabe Acevero and his former election opponent, Clint Sobratti, wound up in court after brawling in a parking lot. Blogger Ryan Miner filed a peace order against Takoma Torch founder Eric Saul, causing sheriff’s deputies to bang on Saul’s door in the middle of the night. Acevero and Sobratti have dropped their legal actions against each other, but – incredibly – Miner and Saul are still in court fighting over attorney’s fees ten months later.
Jamie Raskin Politicians of the Year (Tie): Senator-Elect Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman-Elect April McClain Delaney
Note: This award has been permanently named after Congressman Jamie Raskin.
Angela Alsobrooks gained a U.S. Senate seat despite huge spending by Congressman David Trone, former Governor Larry Hogan and GOP donors all over the country. April McClain Delaney held onto Maryland’s most competitive congressional district for the Democrats. Here’s a message for Republicans in the White House and the Capitol: don’t mess with these women.
Runner-Up: Delegate Joe Vogel
At the start of the Congress District 6 campaign, few people gave freshman Delegate Joe Vogel much of a chance. But Vogel’s work ethic, political skills and fundraising vaulted him past more experienced politicians into the role of Delaney’s toughest primary challenger. No one should underestimate Vogel again.
That’s it for 2024. Bring on 2025!