On the second floor of Baltimore’s City Hall, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young was holding his regular news conference, doling out updates from his administration to news cameras and reporters. At the same time, two floors up, City Council President Brandon Scott was setting forth a wide-ranging policy agenda for the coming year.
The dueling events were a vivid display of two power centers that have emerged following Democrat Catherine Pugh’s resignation as mayor in May. And Scott’s choice of timing for his big event last week has been perceived by some observers as a slight to Young.
The relationship between the city’s mayors and its council presidents has often been difficult, and with Young and Scott now a few months into their new roles, some tensions are beginning to show. They represent different generations, come from different political lineages and are each considering running for mayor in 2020.
“It’s politics,” said Democratic Councilman Ed Reisinger. “Jack’s the mayor, he’s holding the football and doesn’t want anyone to take it away from him, and Brandon’s considering it.”
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