We get a lot of politician making their way through our office, particularly during election season. That’s smart on their part because the Jewish community plays a central role in elections, and candidates want to state their case through the JEWISH TIMES. Over the years, we’ve met with everyone from presidential candidates to Baltimore City Council hopefuls.

When political scandals with politicians (see Larry Craig, David Vitter and Mark Foley) are more common than with professional athletes, things have gotten pretty bad. That’s reflected in how the combined approval rating for the President and Congress is only 60 percent.

So it was refreshing yesterday when Michael Sarbanes stopped in to share his agenda should he be elected to Baltimore City Council President. Michael was a year ahead of me at Gilman, and back then was known for his academic and athletic prowess.

Michael is the son of former Senator Paul Sarbanes. His brother, John, was elected to the U.S. House last year.

Michael has many well thought out ideas for reducing crime, lowering taxes, increasing business investment, and improving education. It may all sound a bit ambitious, but it was great to hear someone articulate such original thinking without any ego.

At a time when we like to pigeonhole people as black, white, red or whatever, Michael, who is white, has with his wife adopted three black African children. They all live in the predominately black of Irvington and attend both Greek and Methodist churches. Michael is Baltimore City.

We talk about the great promise our city has. It was impressive to meet with someone who really wants to make that happen. These quality type people are not usually found in local government.

Next week we meet with his opponent, Stephanie Rawlings Blake. We hope she can be as strong a candidate as Michael.

Thank you for your article on Mr. Sarbanes, I didn’t know to much about him, but i knew and trusted the family name. Its refreshing to see and hear the voice of integrity speak again. I think its a voice well worth listening to and though he has his family’s name, its good see that he has an “independent brain” to stand on his own accomplishments. He is the clean breath of fresh air this City needs with the strength of heart to make real and lasting changes for a better Baltimore. He has my vote.