Prosecutorial Cloud Hangs Over Dixon, City BALTIMORE, MD (wypr) - It may still come to nothing but an embarrassing moment for a public official of promise. Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon has impressed many - even many of her doubters - by assembling an estimable team and by her energetic willingness to take on the city's most difficult problems.

But. It may turn out to be far worse. A state prosecutor is investigating her actions as president of the city council. She has acknowledged a personal relationship with a businessman, who won millions in financial assistance from the city - with the help of her vote.

The then council president and the businessman, Ronald Lipscomb, exchanged gifts and traveled together according to court documents obtained by The Sun. Nothing wrong with this, of course, unless you are a public official with the ability to help your friend win million-dollar tax advantages on the strength of your position as a member of the city board that grants these favors. Ethics rules require disclosure of such relationships - which apparently did not occur.

The mayor says her votes were not influenced by her friendship with Mr. Lipscomb. This may be so. Some of the building projects he was involved with were part of the city's continuing water-front development enterprise, efforts undertaken in pursuit of well-established city policy.

Nevertheless, the perception of favoritism remains. And the issue won't easily be resolved. The controversy boils along now with momentum provided by well-publicized raids on the mayor's house, a parade of witnesses to the grand jury and daily news accounts of every development.

It's not what the city or its mayor needed. Not by a long shot.

You've been listening to an essay by WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith. Your comments are welcome at fsmith@wypr.org.

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