Elective_office Kurt_Schmoke
schmoke , curt anderson in 1982 both launch political careers in 1982 schmoke ran first elected office. challenged incumbent baltimore city state s attorney william a. swisher in citywide contest. swisher had won job away milton b. allen, baltimore s first african american state s attorney. schmoke ran energetic, grassroots , race-neutral campaign , upset swisher in landslide. on november 3, 1987, elected mayor. mayor, became known opposition war on drugs , stance in favor of drug decriminalization. schmoke initiated programs in housing, education, public health , economic development. during 3 terms in office schmoke faced serious challenges, including poor quality schools, drug addiction, , violent crime. of controversial positions included advocating decriminalization of drug use, , employing nation of islam security guards in housing project. achievements included improving environment of low-income housing projects, needle-exchange program addicts, keeping tax rate stable, , att...