Pipkin Politics

During election cycles we are bombarded by sleazy, dirty political advertisements on state and national campaigns. It has been to our credit that local, Cecil County candidates have traditionally stayed away from these shenanigans. Our local candidates outline their reasons for running and why they would appreciate your vote.

This year E. J. Pipkin, a State Senator who is not involved in this local race, has spent “Friends of E.J. Pipkin” funds to fight against two fine candidates. What would motivate a State Senator to defame candidates of his own party in a Cecil County Primary election?

Since these advertisements and claims given against Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Hodge are blatantly false, one wonders how Senator Pipkin can get by with this outrageous behavior. Perhaps because, in the past he has pushed limits and has not been challenged. The ongoing arrogance and false sense of the power of his office is likely driving this most recent round of offensive politics.

Donations given by citizens in support of Pipkins Senatorial campaign were used in false and slanderous claims against two local politicians. This is a misuse of public trust. But the egotistical and heavy-handed Pipkin continues to act in ways that stretch legal and ethical bounds.

Those of us watching have observed his devious tactics in the past. In the 2010 election, Pipkin election funds were used to smear his former friend and ally Delegate Richard Sossi (when he was of no further use to Senator Pipkin). In a last-minute mailing, E.J. Pipkin treasury funds were used in a back-stabbing mailer against Delegate Sossi. He had no time before the election to counter the claim and this fine politician was defeated. Pipkin treasury funds were also used to try to sway voters against the Charter question on the 2010 ballot. Again…this was a last minute hard-hitting attempt.

So, why is Mr. Pipkin becoming so embroiled in the local affairs of Cecil County? Has he done the same in other areas of District 36 that he represents (Caroline, Kent & Queen Anne’s counties)? I suspect not. Could it be that he has his foot so firmly in the door here in Cecil County with three commissioners already in office who have shown that they can be swayed by his influence? Just think of the POWER if he should be successful in influencing success for a County Executive AND a council member, each inexperienced and malleable to his dictates. I shudder to think of it.

This situation goes beyond “politics. “ It is a truly scary scenario of arrogance of power by a strong leader assuming that by some “executive privilege” he can do whatever he pleases. I can only hope that the public sits up and takes notice of what has been happening.

Rebecca J. Demmler
Childs