Jan 11, 2009 8:33 am US/Eastern
Mayor Dixon Continues Routine Despite Indictment
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BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Hours after being indicted, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon stays on the job.
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It was business as usual Saturday at City Hall.
Jessica Kartalija reports hours after being indicted, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon stays on the job.
One day after being charged with 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office, Mayor Sheila Dixon is still on the job.
In West Baltimore, the mayor kicked off the Fit Baltimore Health and Wellness Campaign.
"Yes, there are going to be challenges, obviously, that we face every day in our lives, but I believe Baltimore City is going to soar in the new year of 2009," Dixon said.
This as the mayor fights criminal charges stemming from a three-year probe of City Hall.
"I'm very happy to see that her life is not stopping but that she is continuing on," said Natalie Onwuanaibe.
"I think it's very unfortunate, you know, she had to be put out in the spotlight like that," said Mia Griffin.
As bad luck would have it, the floor of the boxing ring collapsed beneath her, but supporters say the mayor isn't going down without a fight. When asked about the indictment, the mayor responded all she has on her mind is exercise.
"The city needs to know, life goes on and goes on well," said Mary Pat Clarke, Baltimore City councilwoman.
Her attorney Arnold Weiner said Friday despite facing criminal charges, the mayor will continue to lead the city.
"When it's all over and done with, we fully expect that she will be at the helm and that she'll continue to be at the helm for many years to come," he said.
"I will not let these charges deter me from keeping Baltimore on the path that we have set or from carrying forward the significant progress we have made," Dixon said.
Motivating city kids at the Boys and Girls Club was also on her agenda Saturday.
While she won't comment on the indictment, Mayor Dixon talked about staying strong and confronting challenges head on.
Dixon released a statement about the charges Friday.
"There is something I want to tell the citizens of this great city about the charges that the State Prosecutor has brought against me today.
For the past two years, I have done my best to serve the City of Baltimore as Mayor, and I will continue to do so. I will not let these charges deter me from keeping Baltimore on the path that we have set, or from carrying forward the significant progress we have made thus far.
I am being unfairly accused. Time will prove that I have done nothing wrong, and I am confident that I will be found innocent of these charges. But, for the moment, I cannot comment further on the allegations that have been made against me. Instead, my attorneys will address these matters on my behalf.
I want to make it clear, though, that I will continue to put all of my energies into running the City of Baltimore during these perilous economic times. And with God's grace, I am confident that the city, my family and I will weather this storm."
The Baltimore Police Department released a statement about the indictment.
"The indictment against Mayor Sheila Dixon is a matter between the mayor and the state of Maryland. Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld is focused on targeting bad guys with guns and addressing the policing needs of the city of Baltimore. Mayor Dixon has been and will continue to be a great leader and partner in Baltimore's fight to get illegal guns off the streets, advocating for tougher gun control laws and improve overall public safety for the residents, business owners and visitors of the city."
Maryland's Republican Party Chairman Jim Pelura released this statement Friday.
"Earlier this year I said that the question was not whether the next scandal would occur but when. Once again the culture of corruption is rearing its head amongst Maryland Democrat politicians. Of course these two are innocent until proven guilty, but the loose ethics of that we have seen exposed this past year."
"Maryland needs leaders that will hold themselves to a higher standard and not abuse the public trust. Change is definitely in order for Baltimore, Annapolis, and Maryland as a whole. I hope that our nation and state's current economic and budget problems will motivate the Democrats who hold power in this state to reject any appearance of impropriety and focus on doing what is right for the hard-working taxpayers of our state."
City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued a statement about the mayor's indictment.
"Mayor Dixon is an effective public servant who has worked tirelessly for the citizens of Baltimore. I wish Mayor Dixon the best as this difficult case continues and allegations are answered as part of the legal process. My prayers are with the mayor and her family during this challenging time."
Former Councilman Keiffer Mitchell also issued a statement.
"Mayor Dixon and I served as colleagues in city government from 1995 until 2007. During those 12 years, I was proud to call her a friend. My prayers are with her, her young family, and the citizens of our city."
If convicted on all charges, Dixon could face up to 85 years in prison.
You can view the indictment by clicking here.
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