Power Rankings
Baltimore City Power Rankings
Illustrations by Alex Fine
Published: November 21, 2012
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1 Martin O’MalleyA clean sweep on Election Day—including victories for every candidate he backed, plus gay marriage, expanded gambling, and support for his redistricting—means a mandate for Gov’s policies. Let’s hope his ego stays in check and his jet stays in-state for at least a little while before he starts making frequent trips to Iowa and New Hampshire in advance of the 2016 race to succeed Obama. |
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2 ElmoA man accused Kevin Clash, the Baltimore native behind the red fuzzball, of having a sexual relationship with him while he was underage; then recanted his story; then, at press time, says he was paid $125,000 to squash the story, which was true. No matter how things turn out, it’s hard to get the stain of scandal out of bright red polyester. BCPR hopes Elmo’s World survives. |
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3 Grand PrixAn economic-impact report showed that this year’s race generated $42 million vs. $47 million last year and brought out 131,000 people vs. 160,000. But given that the city only made a deal with the organizers 100 days before race day and that it rained much of race weekend—and that the city was so pessimistic it didn’t want to conduct a public impact study—that doesn’t seem so terrible. Some day it might even not lose money! |
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4 TerpsOn the heels of another awful run for Randy Edsall’s College Park football squad, U of M announced plans to join the Big Ten, a football and basketball powerhouse. The move should increase the school’s national visibility and increase revenue for the school, but traditionalists will miss b-ball rivalries with Duke, North Carolina. If the move helps the teams come out of their shell on game day, it’ll be worth it. |
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5 Speed CamerasA Sun investigation confirms what City Paper reported back in June (“Speed Bump,” Mobtown Beat, June 27), detailing the many problems with the city’s speed-camera program, including faulty machines, human error, the use of private contractors, and the dangerous drop in traditional enforcement. BCPR says fix the program or pull it—and not just because we’re racking up $40 fines like a Rockefeller. |
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