Johnson’s problems not Curry’s fault

Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006

I, a black resident in Northern Prince George’s County, find it shocking that the National Black Church Initiative sent the letter it did to The Star on Nov. 30. They believed former County Executive Wayne Curry was trying to undermine the effectiveness of current County Executive Jack Johnson’s administration by what they call a malicious attempt to stain his moral character. The letter claimed that Curry called out Johnson’s honesty and integrity without facts.

With all due respect to the ministers, I believe that they should tell Johnson about Matthew 7:1, ‘‘Judge not, that ye be not judged.” I feel that is one of many areas that he has fallen short, especially during this past election. Why did we not see a debate between Johnson and former Del. Rushern Baker? Because Johnson did not feel that Baker was worthy of a debate. One might argue Johnson had a right to refuse a debate, but my belief of the Bible says otherwise.

Johnson has judged that many apartment complexes are crime bastions. I am offended because I live in an apartment and my complex is not a bastion of crime. And lest we forget, the National Harbor concept was a Curry concept. But you know how that goes, the incumbent gets credit for some of his predecessors’ work.

Curry’s actions would not discourage open debate on issues if there were such a thing, especially if you take into account events leading up to the primary. I also dare say that the race card need not apply.

Since I am a county resident, I cannot say I am proud Johnson is my leader. And if anyone was paying attention to the primary numbers from September, the official numbers show that Johnson only had 52 percent of the vote, which is not exactly a vote of confidence

African Americans should stand up for candidates that improve their neighborhoods, not simply because they are black and they go to church. Who cares if they are black or white, as long as my neighborhood is taken care of. We need to get into the mode of picking leaders who do a good job. Government should not be based on social promotion.

Paul Kenneth Burns, Laurel