After Michael Sarbanes, candidate for Baltimore City Council President called us for a meeting, we reached out to his main opponent, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The two are locked in a very tight race, and with good reason. Both are qualified for the position. As I wrote in my last blog, Michael would bring a wealth of ideas and a strong resume to the position.

Stephanie, too, is very impressive. The youngest person ever elected to the City Council, since age 25 she’s worked her way towards leadership positions on that legislative body, calling herself “a work horse not a show horse.” Over her 12 years in the City Council, Stephanie has learned when to compromise with her colleagues and when to stand up for what she believes is right.

She’s passionate, tough, and focused. She knows the system.

This primary on September 11 is, unlike most races, NOT about the lesser of two evils, but rather the better of two very good candidates. It’s too bad one isn’t running for a different office.

For the Jewish community, which has a lot at stake, we can’t lose. We have two great people vying for our vote with strong ties to our community and its issues.

We are a diverse community with a spectrum of different needs. Yet, we all have a concern for our local community on issues like:

• The future of Pimlico Race Track;
• Protecting the safety of Upper Parks Heights near the JCC as the neighbor deteriorates;
• Lowering property tax rates so houses are more affordable;
• Ensuring that there are quality, safe public schools;
• and crime, crime, crime.

Either way, it’s more important than ever to perform your civic duty on 9/11. So please, for all of us, if you are a city resident, get out there and vote. And if not, please pay attention. Obviously whatever happens in the City of Baltimore has a direct impact on how the rest of us live.

For me, I think Michael has the ability to be like another Michael – Michael Bloomberg.  Sarbanes, the outsider, has the vision and management skills to move our city forward.