On a blustery January day, just after Baltimore's homicide rate soared to a new record, a young city councilman called for the police commissioner to resign if the escalating violence did not end.
Yesterday, almost two years after he became widely known for his crusade against crime, Councilman Lawrence A. Bell III announced his candidacy for council president.
He delivered a tough speech on the need to "rescue our young and old from the pervasive fear of being victimized by crime." The 4th District councilman cited his legislative efforts to combat crime and promised to "continue this challenge to make Baltimore a safe community."
"If we can't make this city safe, if we can't make this a city we're all going to be proud of, then we will not be able to market Baltimore to people outside this city and also to the people inside this city," said Mr. Bell, an outspoken, politically astute member of the council since 1987.
His cousin, U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, joined Mr. Bell at City Hall.
"When others were still because of the threat of ridicule, Lawrence Bell spoke out," said Mr. Mfume, a Baltimore Democrat. "When there was a need to deal with the public safety issue in this city, when it reached its all-time worst, Lawrence Bell spoke out. When education and our children in the schools . . . cried out for leadership and for compassion, Lawrence Bell spoke out."
Mr. Bell was among several council members maneuvering last spring to succeed former Comptroller Jacqueline F. McLean after her downfall in a corruption scandal. He was vying with 5th District Councilwoman Iris G. Reeves to fill McLean's term, but the council split between the two, leaving the office to an acting comptroller.
The 33-year-old councilman said he reconsidered his plans because he believes he can contribute more as council president.
Council President Mary Pat Clarke plans to challenge Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke's bid for a third term.
Three other members of the all-Democrat council, Vice President Vera P. Hall, 2nd District Councilman Carl Stokes and 6th District Councilman Joseph J. DiBlasi, also are interested in the the council presidency.