Sheila Dixon: Baltimore Mayor To Resign

A criminal case over misused holiday gift cards and the ensuing scandal have toppled the three-year-long administration of Baltimore's first female mayor. Today Mayor Sheila Dixon entered an Alford plea to one count of perjury and pledged to tender her resignation on Feb. 4. An Alford plea is one in which the defendant admits there is enough evidence for a conviction but does not acknowledge guilt.

During a news conference on Wednesday evening, however, Dixon said, "I take responsibility for some of the choices that I made," adding, "I think I've disappointed myself to some degree, and I think I've disappointed citizens." She stopped short of giving an apology to the citizens of Baltimore, as some have called on her to do. A video of the news conference is below.

Dixon was found guilty last month of one count of embezzlement, misappropriating $630 worth of gift cards for her personal use that were intended for the needy. Had she not agreed to step down, she could have been thrown out of office.

It is not immediately clear how the Alford plea will affect her embezzlement conviction. Under the deal, Dixon will receive probation before judgment, requiring her to make a $45,000 charitable contribution and perform 500 hours of community service, among other things. As long as she complies fully, the criminal conviction will be wiped off of her record. The deal also allows Dixon to keep her $83,000 yearly pension, and prosecutors agreed not to seek further criminal charges against her.

Following Dixon's resignation, Baltimore City Council president Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will become mayor. During the news conference this afternoon, Dixon said she would work with Rawlings-Blake to ensure a smooth transition.

When her remarks turned to her staff, the mayor's composure faltered, "I'm sad not because of the decision that I've made, but because I have a great staff who work hard, and I love them," she explained as she appeared to hold back tears. "I love the people of this city, and I'm committed to this city in whatever capacity or talent that God has called me to."

She also said that the prayers of Baltimore's citizens have given her the strength to continue get through this troubled period.

What do you think of the plea deal? Do you think that Dixon should apologize to the people of Baltimore, or was she taken down by a tempest in a teapot? Weigh in below.

______________

Sheryl Huggins Salomon is contributing editor of Black Voices, where she writes about politics and society. She is co-editor of the 'Nia Guide for Black Women' series of self-improvement books and the former publisher of Shade magazine. Follow her on Twitter or contact her at BVCEditor@aol.com.