The 1st District runs from Harford Road in Baltimore's northeast corner, through Highlandtown, Fells Point and Little Italy down to Fort Avenue in Locust Point. It is a huge district that is 40 percent new after redistricting. Its citizens deserve a new City Council delegation to reflect that change.
Eight challengers are running against the three 1st District incumbents, Dominic "Mimi" DiPietro, John A. Schaefer and Nicholas C. D'Adamo Jr. We believe only Councilman D'Adamo merits re-election. Councilman DiPietro, at 86, would be hard pressed to adequately represent his sprawling, diverse constituency. Councilman Schaefer has figured in a number of dubious activities and ethical lapses over the years that, in our view, have compromised his effectiveness in office.
First District residents would be better served by Perry Sfikas, a longtime aide to Sen. Barbara Mikulski who also enjoys the support of Mayor Schmoke. Sfikas has campaigned hard from his base in Highlandtown and in his district's new wards in South Baltimore, Locust Point and the northeast corridor. He has the organization, ability and desire to be an effective representative for all residents. His election would also bring new clarity of vision to a City Council that in the future must assume a much larger role in formulating policy to address Baltimore's complex problems.
