Oh man.  This news from the Baltimore Sun is a real bummer.  And as Baltimore City government never seems to lose an opportunity to draw people to the city, I’m sure this is gonna be happening.  Sigh.

Otakon isn’t just a fun place for the Otaku to gather and be fannish.  It’s not just a great way to spend a weekend people-watching outside of the Baltimore Convention Center, while maybe even making a new friend or finding a new thing to be into.  Nup.

Otakon is a way to show that Baltimore is all about being fun, funky and all-encompassing.  It’s a weekend where everyone gathers together and there’s no judgement, no bashing, just a friendly and peaceful vibe that can bring a smile to even the most sourpuss dock worker whose back has gone out for the umpteenth time.  It’s a way to show that Baltimore is in fact a cool place to be, and where you can go ahead and let your particular flag fly, whatever it may be.  It’s feeling of acceptance and warmth is one of the reasons I decided that moving here would be a groovy idea.

But instead of fixing up the Convention Center — something that has needed to be done for years — Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Bernard “Jack” Young, and other officials throw money at big-budget items that only serve the wealthy few, like the Harbor Point project, which takes tax money and gives it to developers.  For what?  Exclusive living, shopping and amenities for those that can afford ’em.  Oh, and let’s not forget the Horseshoe Casino, another luxury item that on it’s face seems great — hey, money for schools! — but let’s face it, a casino in Baltimore would serve folks that couldn’t afford to gamble elsewhere.  People who should be saving, or putting that money to better use, rather than being tempted by shiny shiny.  You tell ’em, Gawker.

This is just another thing that the current crop o’ politicos have fubar’d.  The Baltimore Grand Prix was pushed through, and taxpayers had to bail out the flop, and citizens had to stand up and protest when Goverment officials decided that they’d get the Prix done By Any Means Necessary, including whacking down trees and not replacing ’em.  (Luckily, the Grand Prix of Baltimore seems solid, and as a volunteer last year I’ve gotta say it was fun and extremely well run…but thanks to Andretti Racing, not the City.)

And the lack of love for the Convention Center is gonna hurt more than Otakon.  Baltimore Comic-Con, Antiques Shows, Union/trade/association gatherings and let’s not forget city programs like Health & Wellness Expos that serve lower-income folks who don’t have access to the basics, let alone bright and shiny new luxury buildings?  All of these groups and more need a convention center that serves the public, not million dollar buildings on the fringes of the city.  In a perfect world I’d love to see both.  Hell, I’d be all over the “parks and amenities” something like Harbor Point would provide.  Why wouldn’t I?  I have access to easy transportation (otherwise known as my car), and though I’m not rolling in dough I’m certainly okay enough to indulge in some groovy now and again.  But.

Baltimore City cares about what THEY want, not about what the city needs.  The city needs positive publicity, tourism and a way to give city dwellers a bit of pride of place.  But city officials don’t care if the city makes money.  They care if THEY make money.  How do you think the casinos got in here?  Harbor Point?  Same thing.  But at the expense of a downtown that will crumble from neglect.

Sorry.  I’ll squee over nerdy stuff next, I promise.  But right now it’s tough to be fannish when the City is making MY PEOPLE move elsewhere, while the Baltimore City Government channels the honey badger.  I blow my nose at you, Ms. Mayor.