Duncan backs Baltimore city students’ strike

Friday, March 3, 2006

ANNAPOLIS — Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, who is fighting a pitched battle for the Democratic nomination for governor, has thrown his support behind Baltimore city students who are going on a three-day strike to protest conditions in city schools.

‘‘Baltimore’s children are Maryland’s children, and leaders need to stand up for them,” Duncan wrote in an e-mail to supporters Thursday afternoon.

Duncan is running against Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley for the gubernatorial nomination. Duncan has made education a centerpiece of his campaign.

‘‘Doug Duncan was against the Baltimore city students before he was for them,” city spokeswoman Raquel Guillory said.

She also said O’Malley was planning on meeting with the students today.

Duncan’s e-mail called on recipients to sign a petition supporting the students.

‘‘I believe that if you want less crime, better jobs, and a better quality of life for families, the best and most long-lasting thing you can do is fix your schools. Unfortunately, when it comes to Baltimore City’s schools, some leaders in Baltimore and Annapolis don’t seem to get it,” Duncan said.