Here's some recent front-page news: County Executive John Leopold indicted on corruption charges alleging he used county employees to arrange sexual liaisons, pick up campaign checks, investigate political opponents and run personal errands.
A county councilman imprisoned for federal tax evasion. Another county councilman using racial slurs during public testimony.
A county council unable to select a replacement for a vacant seat leaves thousands of voters without representation.
Such headlines cast a dark cloud over Anne Arundel County's current political leadership and it's ability to effectively manage the government. Worse, these incidents undermine confidence in our elected leaders and leave us with a deep distrust of government as well as a profound sense of disappointment.
The more than 500,000 residents of Anne Arundel County should expect more from our elected leaders. Anne Arundel County is a wonderful place to call home and a great place to live, work and play. We need leaders who are pragmatic problem solvers who work together to craft real solutions for the problems we face. We deserve better.
Chad Clapsaddle, Arnold