Jason George
No matter what your field is, it has and always will be important to build a reputation. Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, plumber or carpenter, you want to be known as the best in your field. You want to be known not only for your skill but also for your work ethic.
Maryland’s comptroller from 1959 to 1998, Louis Goldstein, was known for both. The people of Maryland elected him to the office 10 consecutive times, and he served as comptroller with six different governors, starting with J. Millard Tawes and ending with Parris Glendening. In fact, he served in state-wide office longer than any other Marylander. Some in-state residents on the campus may even recall their parents talking about him.
Goldstein is certainly a tough act to follow, which is partly why Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens could defeat former governor and incumbent Comptroller William Donald Schaeffer in next week’s Democratic primary. First of all, many Democrats are discouraged by how many times Schaeffer has sided with Gov. Robert Ehrlich over the last four years, during which the state’s finances have been less than stable. The most notable of these battles was over whether to allow slots at Maryland racetracks. Schaeffer staunchly embraced the governor’s pro-slot stance, alienating many more-liberal democrats and discouraging more moderate democrats who had major qualms with the idea. In addition, the negative press Schaeffer received this summer after making inappropriate comments to a female aide has only served to make him more vulnerable to defeat. Finally, Schaeffer’s personal endorsements of Republicans for elective office have solidified the notion that he is a DINO, or Democrat In Name Only – a title that may become a liability next Tuesday. To many, all of this seems contrary to the 40 years of memories they had with Goldstein as comptroller.
On the other hand, many of these primary voters Schaeffer has alienated see hope for change in Owens, who actually has taken the lead from Schaeffer in several recent polls. These voters also seem to be embracing Owens because she has been actively campaigning in many areas of the state. The connections she has made, especially over the last few months, with voters and elected officials throughout Maryland, may also help propel her to victory on Tuesday. These stops not only increase name recognition but also may be an indication of the time, effort and energy Owens will be willing to put into being Maryland’s comptroller. Schaeffer, on the other hand, seems ambivalent and complacent about the challenges he faces to win reelection. In addition, Owens’ success as Anne Arundel county executive has built a basis of experience on which she can run for statewide office. She has been able to emphasize these successes when talking to Marylanders in person and through her television ads. Finally, the fact that Owens is the only woman in the race may play in her favor, especially after Schaeffer’s recent office-aide incident.
Over the course of this campaign, voters have seen Owens establish a proactive reputation. This reputation may be enough to propel her to victory on Tuesday and do something very rare in politics, even during a period of high anti-incumbent sentiment: Deny a sitting incumbent for state-wide office his party’s nomination.
Therefore, remember, how you communicate your message and how proactive you are about expressing and implementing your ideas can often be more powerful than the message itself. Especially for those who are under public scrutiny, it is important to be engaging, communicative, diligent and persistent. This year’s race for comptroller has certainly shown that the ability to establish a solid reputation can create goodwill no matter what one’s field – so that people will vote for you, consider your business proposal or use your lab procedure.
Jason George is a sophomore economics major. He can be reached at jgeorge3@umd.edu.
