In less than 24 hours, the polls will open in Aberdeen and a revolution will be underway to sweep clean City Hall…or voters will show their support for the direction the city has been moving the last two years and return the incumbents to office.
Either way, The Dagger couldn’t pass up a final chance to poke and prod the curious collection of characters that made up this year’s candidate class. Without further ado, we present the 2007 Aberdeen Election Candidate Class Superlatives:
Most Likely to Enroll in Anger Management Classes: Dave Yensan. Yensan’s brutish, impatient approach seemed like a breath of fresh air back in 2005 when he was first elected. But the initial object of his scorn, the screwy Pete Dacey-informed city budget, later gave way to Yensan’s broader role as Fred’s constant Yesman. His intensely emotional mood swings are still a sight to behold and certainly inject adrenaline into otherwise dull legislative matters, we just wish he’d give up his role as Councilman Yesman and would hurl some of that venom Simmons’ way once in awhile.
Most Musical: Mike Hiob. Harford County’s own Martin O’Malley, sans biceps, has been playing with his band at bars, parties, and political fundraisers (on both sides of the aisle) for years. After initially butting heads with S. Fred, this two-term leading vote getter changed his tune and has been singing along with the mayor ever since. Popular, personable, a good public speaker, and an OK-looking dude, Hiob has upper party mobility written all over him as far as state Democrats are concerned. Question is, do Aberdeen voters still like what they hear?
Most Likely to Finish College: Nicole Burlew. Burlew didn’t exactly cause the stir we’d have hoped for from an idealistic 19-year-old mayoral candidate, and her presence in the race will most likely split the anti-Fred vote, giving Bennett two years to consider running again. Would have been more fun if Burlew’s statement had extended beyond actually filing to run for office. Here’s our bet, though, that she’ll finish up her studies and return in a few years, maybe with a bit more swagger.
Closest to God: Alfred Bell. A deacon at Helping Hands Ministry, Bell was also a shoo-in for our ‘Most Pious’ award. Unfortunately for Bell, his connectedness to a Higher Power didn’t exactly translate into a connectedness with the Aberdeen electorate. Barring an act of God, it is still the citizens of Aberdeen and not the Lord Almighty who decide whether Bell makes it into City Hall.
Most Likely to Save You From a Highjacker: S. Fred Simmons. Poised for another round of irrefutable growth, Aberdeen made the transition from military base backwater to complex community years ago; the city’s two-year term limits should have long since followed suit. The daring, dashing S. Fred was man enough to take risks and tackle serious issues from the moment he set up his “War Room” at city hall. And though his manner might be a bit roguish and his philosophies a bit dark, he’s been a full-time mayor and has brought real change to Aberdeen. He also comes replete with an entourage of city police escorts, the police chief as a personal chauffeur, a strap-on firearm, license to pilot an airplane, license to ride a motorcycle, fresh ink on his arm and has been known to introduce himself by performing magic tricks and sleights of hand with a deck of cards.
Most Likely to Speak Whenever Given the Opportunity: Ruth Elliott. This former mayor is running for re-election to the city council and if you’re wondering why, just ask her yourself, although you’ll probably still be getting an earful long after the results of the Nov. 6 election are history. Never one to shy away from public speaking or demur in front of a microphone, Elliott has made a career out of speaking her mind – even at the risk of sounding out of her mind. She unfalteringly exceeded her allotted time period to respond to questions during the Candidate Forum and refused to sit down until she felt she had satisfactorily answered the query. What’s more, Elliott reliably chews up more of the game clock during council meetings, public hearings, exchanges of pleasantries and any other occasion involving her and speech. To her credit, she has built up something of a loyal fan base among those who have longed for such a never-ending voice in City Hall.
Most Admired: Ruth Ann Young. Young has for years been a local watchdog, tracking the city’s every move, and doing her level best to keep a fire lit under the council members. Over time, her research skills have been come sharper, her public speaking abilities more astute. There’s nothing we like more than watching someone we admire as a thinker face the daunting transition into public life, as we did with S. Fred two years ago.
Compassionate Conservatism Award, Runner-up: Ron Kupferman. Every two years Kup winds up the old motor, greases his gears and gets the engine humming at full speed – just in time to launch his re-election campaign. Like clockwork, you can count on Kup to mellow out, begin to separate himself from some unpopular issues and crank out his greatest hits (tax refunds, annexation reform, water into wine). You’ve got to hand it to him though; some candidates don’t care about their constituents’ voices at all. At least Kup is compassionate, and politically savvy, enough to tune in every couple of years.
Biggest Flirt: Steve Johnson. Far and away the biggest tease of the group, Johnson flirted with city council candidacy for the last month and led all of us along with his on-again, off-again relationship. Typical of previous ‘Biggest Flirt’ winners, you could never tell whose bedroom Johnson was going to wake up in next. Whether it was an Aberdeen apartment, a Perryman pad or maybe just a spare closet in one of Art Helton’s downtown offices, Johnson certainly did get around.
The Young George Washington Award: Mike Bennett. “I cannot tell a lie.” Those words were supposedly famously uttered by our nation’s first president in his youth when he purportedly cut down his father’s prized cherry tree with a shiny new hatchet. This year’s version of a similar quote came from mayoral challenger Bennett when he told us, “I and a couple of co-workers got our hands wrapped around 19 or 20 questions of a 120-question test.” Just like that Bennett, much like the young Washington a century or so earlier, proudly admitted his guilt (in this instance copying the answers to a Maryland State Police sergeant’s exam) in an attempt to bravely confront his accusers and move on with his candidacy. It remains to be seen whether his campaign, which adopted the motto, “It’s all about TRUST,” will ultimately benefit or be hurt by his admission.
Most Likely to Have a Cameo Role in the Next Scorsese Movie: Rick Denu. A former Aberdeen police officer who saw the worst the city had to offer and now is back to roll up his sleeves and tackle political corruption from the inside out, Denu is the clear choice for a supporting role in the next major mob movie. Not only does he have the New York affiliation, slick looks, sharp suit, eye-catching wife, sleek-black sport utility vehicle with tinted windows and a family large enough to make the mob proud, but Denu has the dirt on everyone on the inside – and that makes him dangerous.
The Candidate Who Deserves Better Than to be Lumped in with this Crew: Janice Grant. A civil rights activist, founder of the locally-based civil rights advocacy group Grass Roots Steering Foundation and NAACP leader, Grant certainly seems to be the odd duck among the candidates running for elected office in Aberdeen. And we mean that in the best possible way. While the other candidates are thoroughly soiled from the slung mud and dealing with their own host of improbable issues (one mayoral candidate can’t legally buy beer, another can legally carry around a gun and the third is an admitted cheat), Grant always maintains her grace and composure and stays above the petty bickering. She also always loses. It seems like only in Aberdeen can a candidate with a legitimate history for fighting for what’s right and creating positive change, be written off as a perennial loser. Surely Grant deserves better.
Most Likeable Candidate, Who Most Likely Will Lose: Bernard DeWitt. Ask 100 people about the candidates in the 2007 class and you’re likely to get 100 different responses, but there seems to be one universally-liked prospect among them – DeWitt. This Gulf War veteran dresses well, speaks well and has a personality to match his appearance – classy and professional. He is in his early 40s, but DeWitt has that ageless look about him. He could fit in playing ball with the kids at the high school or moving pieces around on the chess board at the Senior Center. His Army training shines through when you talk to the guy and hear how respectful and humble he is. Even though he has been linked to Art Helton and the Democratic machine, you never hear anybody utter an ill word about this guy. The problem is he might just be too nice. When it comes to picking a leader for City Hall, people usually want a fighter over a lover. Hopefully for DeWitt, tradition won’t hold true and this nice guy won’t finish last.
We Hardly Knew Ye: Bruce Garner. What can we say? Really, we don’t have much to say. Garner came across as a likeable everyman during his comments at the FOP 128 Candidates Forum. He’s been a resident and local business owner for awhile and hasn’t aligned him with any parties or entities during this election. Unfortunately, that usually spells doom for a relatively unknown candidate who, on this election eve, still remains largely unknown.
Class Clown: The Dagger. Who else?
Dave Yensan is a yo yo. He is a man who 'proudly' states he is a decon in church then turns around and does the opposite of the churches charter.
Yensan, you are a disgrace!
I still say that Yensan is a loose cannon—ready to expolode. Sure am glad that he didn't do it on the city's dime.
Or did he?
Let's talk about Hiob. Is he a democrat or republican. Can't tell these days. Is he confused. Does he know what he believes in these days. Does he know what he stand for.
Gosh mike…………what happened to you. didn't you know that if you don't stand for something, you will fall anything. you can't play both sides. people know what you are doing and it isn't pretty. don't you want to be a role model for something………or someone.
Now lets talk about our emperor. S fred simmons. Gee where do we begin or should I. I don’t know, should i?
Jason:
what?
FIRST OF ALL, I do not appreciate someone using my name and posting the above related message. Dagger, please track the URL'S and expose the person who posted the above comment. I may seek a subpoena if this is not done.
SECONDLY, great article Dagger. You hit the nail right on. Go FRED and GO DENU!
Regarding "In the final moments" from Nov. 5th.
Ok, I have been reading "The Dagger" for weeks. I enjoy reading everyone's opinion (even though I happen to disagree with many of them) I haven't responded until now (partly because I have been extremely busy, and partly because sometimes it's better to stay out of the fray). All along though, I've been taking in information from all perspectives. This is how I make my decisions regarding City business. City elections, as well as issues are totally non-partisan. Therefore, "In the final moments" comments regarding whether I am a Democrat or a Republican are moot. Central Committees and Partisan "Clubs" do their best to convince voters that these elections are about party affiliation, when in reality, they are not. Look at my list of "real" endorsements. It has plenty of currently elected officials at various levels of government from both major political parties. I believe that is the way it should be. I am sick of partisanship just for the sake of partisanship (and I believe that most people feel the same). And regarding the statment " if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything", well…. like I said earlier, I make my decisions based on information gleaned from multiple sources. One thing that I don't do is make decisions based on what will benefit ME during the next City election. Whether or not you agree with the decisions I make, I would hope that at least you'll agree with this self assessment of my decision making process.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mike
Well it's off to the polls. It has been interesting to say the least, but not surprising how the campaign attempts of some have gone.
If anyone has any last minute questions…visit my web page… .www.rickdenu.net…. or come see me at the polls I'll be there all day.
Thanks to all of you that have asked questions, posed concerns, dicussed the issues…Oh and also the detractors who stirred things up.
Thanks for the ride…it's been fun Dagger!
Rick Denu
I hope, win, lose or draw, you'll still be around after the election. Trust that The Dagger is not going anywhere.
S Fred (best of two evils–i think); Elliott–will continue to bring forth a challenge to S. Fred; Denu–intellegent, knowledgeable, and again will bring forth a challenge to S. Fred; DeWitt–good for the people-honest; and Garner–why not the people need a change and he will also in his own way challenge S. Fred?
Guess it’s all about who will challenge S. Fred the most. Lord knows he needs a challenge before he makes decisions.
very well said dagger’ the truth is.weakling’s are culled from the pack. only the strong survive. mr denu is going to be a tough council man. no doubt rideing shotgun on his cohorts.
Vietnam Vet,
Denue will be an outstanding councilman. He has knocked on my door and we talked for 1/2 hour about what he wants to achieve while in office.
the man has a good head and will do us proud.
I agree.I’am sick and tired of if’s & maybe’s.it’s time somebody with a back bone get’s to the problem’s at hand. before the local property owner’s are forced out of there homes because of water rates & property tax etc.
rick denu for you!
sem-per fi.
Simmons, Hiob, Garner, Denu, and Young…………boy oh boy Monday nights would be a blast to say the least and lobbying would be resurrected along with give and take. Just my 2 cents worth but I think it's what Aberdeen needs.
I agree with Rick Denu. Thanks to The Dagger it was a fun ride.
Its getting maudlin in here. Where's the bitter name calling and threats?:)
Time to gear up for the presidential primarys!
I'm hearing the seniors citizens are turning out in masses at the Aberdeen polls. Sounds like they are making a statement.
Well, they are holding it at the Senior Center! The seniors also turned out for the annexation vote. Could spell trouble for certain candidates.
Wow! Lots of voters comming out today . I was just there and had to wait in line for 20 min before I could even get to the door to enter to vote. The word out there is that we could have a mew mayor at days end. We'll see. Historically, large voter turn out means a shift in incumbents. Hope so!
Hey Joshua,
All the name callers are out campaigning at the polls. I saw Fred he has his own pr person there taking pictures and video. I guess he wants video documentation of his last days as Mayor of Aberdeen. And ,hey , even if by a freak of events Fred gets in I'm sure his boys will not and he will be just another council member,One of five as it should be.
The Mayor also organized a free shuttle for Seniors and those needing a ride to come out and vote. Hope it gets everyone to come out to the polls! I haven't made it there yet, but I am looking forward to seeing a good turnout! No need for hating today, it is what it is at this point…
simmons campaign manager actualy rented 2 vans to give free rides to the polls .
Hmmmm… look out for the rented shuttle bus with Fred's son holding a megaphone dropping off seniors and voters who need transportation. He's a handsome red headed guy driving with local Unity in the Community head Stevie Macafee. They are driving any and all voters, regardless of their voting preference. Look for them!
So much negativity. I was just saying I hope everyone comes out and votes today, from age 18 to 108. So right on voters!
Did Voter against Simmons delete his last post?
I’m a bit of a political novice, but I would like to see what Mike Bennett could do with Aberdeen. Fred, while a nice person, just seemed like he wanted to steamroll the whole annexation thing. While I say that, it won’t hurt my feelings or really bother me if Fred wins, which I suspect may very well happen.
p.s. VOTER AGAINST SIMMONS, it was the news camera's not Fred's personal documentation.
maggie mae, did you used to work for fred?
He really is handsome!!!
Who won the election?!?
I don't know about Maggie Mae but I did work for Fred Simmons and I have to say I am sure that anyone including the employees of the City of Aberdeen are probably elated with the outcome of this election!
The reign of terror is hopefully over.
Fred is the consumate Snake Oil Salesman
Actually he sells insurance.
I'm not rushing to judgement on that one. I'll call City Hall in a month or so and see if I get put on hold for 5 minutes just lile during the Wilson/ Dacey era.
New Aberdeen Resident,
Amen to that!
haha…no New Aberdeen Resident, he sells insurance. and i believe that Totally Agree was aiming that way, not a city employee
Yea I was curious to see if she worked for his insurance company….