What is really on Del. Schuler's mind?

The ninety-day session of the Maryland General Assembly has always generated amusing stories. Many people have lamented that the “characters” are disappearing from politics to be replaced by bland products of polling. I am not sure whether we should be offended or amused by Del. Todd Schuler.

The Northeast Booster, a publication of Patuxent Publishing serving Northeast Baltimore County ran a story by political editor Bryan P. Sears about the future aspirations of Mr. Schuler, a young man with a reputation for squandering his time and treasure in the alehouses of central Maryland and little more. He ran for election against George Bush and for the progressive era of Teddy Roosevelt and worse.

Perhaps there is more to Del. Schuler’s proposal to remove the term marriage from Maryland than previously met the eye. Following is a letter sent to Editor Sears. It remains to be seen if Patuxent sees fit to publish it.

Dear Editor:

Sadly, we all know what happens to work performance once someone
decides to quit, retire or change jobs: they stop working. Let’s hope the
residents of the 8th Legislative District don’t suffer unduly as Del. Todd
Schuler casts about, trying to decide what he wants to do with his life as he
looks around for something more attractive. (Del. Schuler eyeing Bartenfelder’s
seat, Northeast Booster, February 13.)

With little community experience before running for the House of Delegates against President Bush (who wasn’t running) Todd’s work in the House of Delegates has been similarly out of touch with the values of the people of the 8th District.

The legislative leadership gave him a pass on the Special Session tax bills. When he had a chance to do his job and vote for or against slots, he deferred his responsibility to the voters, forcing them to learn far more than they needed to about the issue so they can make an informed choice. His current bill to erase the term “marriage” from Maryland law is another example of how out of touch he is with the constituency
of this district.

His vacuous thinking, as illustrated by his comment, “The thought process is that I am the only incumbent Democrat living in (Bartenfelder’s) district so I have to consider it,” says a lot. If Del. Schuler believes that only incumbents can run for open seats, as he indicates, why, oh why, did he run for the House of Delegates to begin with? Moreover, what, oh what, will we who live here do for representation in the House of Delegates with no incumbents like him to replace him?

In recent years, hard working people who were in tune with the community and refused to shirk their responsibilities represented the 8th District. Residents of the 8th legislative and sixth councilmanic district deserve representatives who will address our issues, schools and roads being front and center, and share our values.

Our delegates belong in their Annapolis offices and legislative chambers working for us, not hanging out in the social establishments of our capital city dreaming about
another meal at the public trough.

Fortunately, there are excellent potential candidates to represent us. As mentioned in the article, one is former delegate John Cluster. Other candidates include civic leaders who have worked hard for the community, but never felt the need to hold office, such as longtime Perry Hall community leader David Marks.

The 8th District needs, and deserves strong, dedicated, proven leadership in Annapolis.

Please join me in encouraging Del. Schuler to focus on his job instead of Councilman Bartenfelder’s posterior or its placement.