Comments (0)Learning Curve
September 4, 2009In response to recent articles, such as the Aug. 21 piece “‘I Obviously Feel Horrible,’” I would like to apologize for my actions surrounding my marriage proposal, any confusion that my absence on a previously scheduled vacation may have contributed, and the embarrassing attention that it has engendered. What should have been a joyous time of my life became one that was instead marked by errors in judgment.
I take full responsibility for initiating this incident. I should have been sensitive enough to realize that these are extraordinarily difficult times in Baltimore, both financially and from a public safety perspective. In that context, I realize how inappropriate my request was.
I love Baltimore, it’s my hometown, and I would never intentionally jeopardize our great city’s reputation or resources. I certainly hope that the blame for this is placed on me, and none of it is given to any of the brave officers of the Baltimore City Police Department.
In response to my lapse in judgment, I have personally apologized to the Mayor, the Police Commissioner, and the Marine Police Unit. I have fully reimbursed the city for its expenses. As a further gesture of my contrition, I have also made a personal contribution to the city’s venerable mounted police unit to help it weather the financial crisis that is now threatening its existence.
Finally, I hope that my fiancée will be able to forgive the fact that I brought this unexpected and undesired public attention to what should have been a special moment in our lives.
I pledge to you that, with your trust in me, I will take this opportunity to learn from my errors. I will not let this mistake deflect from my continued efforts for the 11th District and to improve and develop policies concerning smart energy, health, finance, and the environment at large.
Sincerely,
Del. Jon S. Cardin (D-11th)
Owings Mills