Bradshaw and character

To the Editor:

I am writing about the mayoral run-off, now scheduled for Dec. 3. Andrew Bradshaw, our once but I hope not future mayor, is running on a platform of Back to Business.

Does he think that under Steve Rideout's leadership, Cambridge governance has just been twiddling its thumbs? Is he aware that his opponent, LaJan Cephas, received a commendation from the (Republican) governor for her work bringing the Boys & Girls Club to Cambridge?

Let's hope the business Mr. Bradshaw wants to return to is not his vile revenge porn posts meant to embarrass a former girlfriend (search Bradshaw-Redacted-CI but be prepared to be horrified). These posts were so over the top and revealing of Mr. Bradshaw's lack of character that he was forced to resign as mayor, much to the amusement of local and national media.

In fact, Cambridge became a laughingstock – why would we wish to return there? It's clear Mr. Bradshaw lacks the character to be our mayor; on Dec. 3 we will learn whether character matters to us.

Richard Bearman

Cambridge

Can voters trust Andrew Bradshaw after his revenge porn scandal?
To the Editor:
Cambridge deserves leaders who embody integrity and respect for others. It wasn’t long ago - in November 2021 - that former Mayor Andrew Bradshaw was arrested for posting explicit images of a former partner on Reddit without her consent, paired with racist and degrading captions.

He pleaded guilty in April 2022 and was sentenced to three years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and $750 in restitution to his victim. Shockingly, Bradshaw has never apologized to the citizens of Cambridge for the national embarrassment he caused - or to the victim for his egregious actions.
Bradshaw is still serving his probation today, yet he’s asking voters to trust him again. His campaign slogan, “Getting Back to Business,” raises a troubling question: Is this the kind of “business” he wants to return to?

We remind voters of this very recent past because it’s crucial to consider the values and ethics of those seeking to lead our community. Cambridge deserves a mayor who prioritizes dignity and accountability, not someone who has repeatedly betrayed their trust.  

In closing, consider Andrew Bradshaw’s own words when casting your vote for mayor: "Because of the legal matter in which I have been embroiled over the past several months, I no longer have the confidence of my colleagues on the City Council, nor have I been able to maintain the relationships with other local, state, and federal leaders necessary to move Cambridge forward at this time. Now, as we approach so many important crossroads for our city, I am unable to perform some of the tasks so important to ensure success for Cambridge."

According to the Office of the State Prosecutor, “Anyone who abuses the trust and confidence of another to degrade and humiliate them, particularly through the use of a forum as powerful and pervasive as the Internet, must be held accountable. Such actions are especially egregious when committed by an individual holding a public leadership role of power and authority,” said State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard, III. “Our office is committed to seeking justice for victims of abuse and breach of both public and personal trust.”

The charging documents say that the photographs were captioned with racial slurs and sexually explicit language, leading to Bradshaw facing a maximum penalty of 100 years in prison or a $250,000 fine or both. Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III announced that “Andrew Bradshaw, former Mayor of Cambridge, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in the Circuit Court for Dorchester County to five (5) counts of distributing revenge porn in violation of Maryland’s Revenge Porn statute.”

Mr. Bradshaw was also ordered to comply with several special probation conditions, including paying restitution to the victim of $750 and performing 100 hours of community service. He is still on probation for this heinous crime while he’s asking for your vote. 

Send a clear message at the polls on Dec. 3 and let the world know that the City of Cambridge is not in support of a convicted, sexist, racist candidate who is still on probation to occupy the highest office in our city. We deserve better. 

Gregory L. Meekins

Cambridge