The hill outside of Smith Hall was unusually full Wednesday. Representative John Sarbanes was on hand to publicly support senator Barack Obama's candidacy for the president. Student leaders, student groups, administrators and even the generally perceived apathetic students were stopping to hear what he had to say.
The gang was all gathered around. Except one glaring name had failed to attend.
His name is Governor Martin O'Malley, many have heard of him. Outside of spying him on television or a photo of his appearing in a newspaper, most may have no seen him. That's because he has not been on campus for a formal event since his election to the state's highest seat. I'm unaware of any visits he may have made during his tenure as mayor of Baltimore City or any of his political career prior.
He stiffed Towson when students were eagerly anticipating a chance see the governor on campus Wednesday. The event would have taken on a completely different feel, provided a more vibrant atmosphere, and surely had a greater impact on potential undecided voters if O'Malley had made an appearance.
O'Malley's former, and possibly future, rival, former governor Robert Ehrlich was Towson's favorite elected official. Ehrlich was on campus regularly, either visiting with University President Robert Caret, or making an appearance at a special event. He pushed Towson in line with Caret's vision of a larger, more prominent and successful University. Since O'Malley has taken office, the question has always been present as to whether or not he will continue to support the growth of Towson and provide financial backing for it to remain the state's growth institution. Caret said last spring that he has not been concerned and the University has continued to work well with the state.
No-showing for events like this, however, make me wonder how dedicated he is to Towson. According to Sarbanes' communications director, O'Malley was required to attend a press conference in Ellicott City. It was part of his "day job," they said, that kept him from attending a political event. I'm not going to speculate as to whether or not the once staunch Hilary Clinton supporter is truly dedicated to support Obama, because that is not a major concern of mine and his political standings don't affect Towson. But it has kicked around in the back of my mind.
I understand that O'Malley has responsibilities as the governor of the state, but when events like this are planned and promoted with him as the focal point, I'd appreciate more than a half hour notice that he won't be in attendance.
In the interest of full disclosure, a Democrat myself, I've supported O'Malley in many of his ventures short of the slots referendum. Despite my lifelong residence in Ehrlich's hometown of Arbutus, Md., I stood two years ago at the Fourth of July parade holding an O'Malley sign as he walked down the main drag of my small, middle class Baltimore County town.
To a chorus of boos, he waved to the crowd of Ehrlich faithful, which quickly turned to cheers as the then-governor walked by a couple minute later. I'm not saying that in retrospect I necessarily believe Ehrlich would be better for Maryland. But after today, I have to think he would have been better for Towson.
Kicking off a new tradition
Ever been sitting in the stands of Johnny Unitas Stadium and seen a big play by the defense and wonder, "Wow, who was that?" Or spot a missed block by a tight end, offensive lineman or running back miss a block and wonder, "How did he miss that?" and not know who to curse under your breath (or scream if you prefer)?
Well, we may have your solution while also providing insight into the game, the minds of players and coaches on the sidelines. Debuting this Saturday at Unitas is Towerlight Kickoff, your one-stop for all of the information you need to know heading into the contest. This is the first of four special publications we have planned this fall including Homecoming and Family Weekend. If the response is positive, expect more of such content for other sports including basketball and lacrosse.
Featured will be an interview with long-time head coach Gordy Combs who enters this weekend's match-up with a 14-2 record in season-opener's along with a look into the career of Sean Schaefer as he approaches the school's passing yardage record.
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