September 12, 2007 - Baltimore Sun. Cole Heads for Victory over 8 Rivals in Race for Mitchell's Seat

"In the 11th District, William Cole appeared to be headed for victory over his eight competitors for one of the council's two open seats. The district includes Bolton Hill, Reservoir Hill, Otterbein, Federal Hill, Mount Vernon and a number of West Baltimore neighborhoods.

Cole appears likely to replace Keiffer J. Mitchell Jr., who had held the seat for 12 years but decided not to seek re-election to run in the Democratic mayoral primary.

Gov. Martin O'Malley and U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings endorsed Cole, 34, who represented the 47th District as a delegate in the General Assembly from 1998 to 2002.
 

September 10, 2007 Clean Water Action Endorses Cole Candidacy

"Clean Water Action supports Bill Cole for City Council - (1) Perfect environmental voting record as a member of the House of Delegates, (2) Pledges to provide neighborhood associations with the resources to convert empty lots into green space, (3) Worked with the University of Baltimore to conserve 47 acres of parks, (4) Supports expanded and improve Baltimore recycling."

September 9, 2007 Baltimore Sun  Endorses William Cole

"The candidate who stands out for the seat vacated by Keiffer J. Mitchell Jr. is William Cole, a former state delegate and aide to Rep. Elijah E. Cummings who is now an associate vice president at the University of Baltimore. He strongly supports better pay for police and teachers, and has some noteworthy ideas about reducing city spending."

September 7, 2007 Sierra Club Endorses Cole
In determining endorsements, the Sierra Club has selected candidates who "will be the best to address Baltimore’s environmental challenges."              

September 7, 2007 Senator Catherine Pugh Visits Senior Buildings with Bill Cole
Senator Pugh introduced Cole to seniors as "my candidate for City Council," and explained that he is the kind of person we need in City Council in the 11th District. Today Pugh and Cole visited those senior buildings that are in both the 11th Councilmanic and the 40th Legislative Districts including Chase House, Waxter Center, and Bolton North.

September 6, 2007 - Baltimore City Paper endorses William Cole for City Council in the 11th District. More...

September 4, 2007 - Cole radio ad begins airing on several Baltimore stations. 

Listen to the full ad, featuring Congressman Elijah Cummings, here.

September 1, 2007 - Baltimore Sun names Cole as the leading candidate in the 11th district. Read more

August 12, 2007  Seniors Rally for Cole

As he visits senior buildings during the campaign for City Council, scores of seniors are volunteering to work on Bill’s campaign. Although seniors experience many of the same issues as other Baltimore citizens, they face certain obstacles that are unique to seniors. Problems range from the lack of a bench in a bus stop shelter to lack of security in a senior high rise. Bill has already assisted his senior supporters in solving a number of their problems and is working with them on others. Several presidents of senior tenants’ councils have endorsed Bill.    More

August 10, 2007 Leading Environmental Organizations Endorse Bill Cole for City Council:
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters and the Baltimore City League of Environmental Voters both endorsed Bill for the 11^th District City Council seat. These endorsements represent the best slate of candidates for environmental protection and preservation in the City of Baltimore,” according to Terry Harris, Chairman, Baltimore City League of Environmental Voters.

August 8, 2007  O’Malley Endorses Cole for Baltimore City Council:

Governor Martin O’Malley today officially endorsed former state Delegate William Cole in his bid to replace Keiffer Mitchell in Baltimore’s 11^th Councilmanic District.

“Bill is the clear choice for the 11^th District in the Baltimore City Council,” says O’Malley.  “He has devoted his life to public service, is a tireless community advocate, and has a great record of accomplishments in our city.  His experience in the Maryland House of Delegates and his years working for Congressman Elijah Cummings make him the best prepared and most qualified candidate.”

In addition to Cole’s service in the legislature, O’Malley cited his active volunteer work in the City – including his service as president of the historic Otterbein Community Association, parliamentarian and governance committee chair of the Midtown Community Benefits District, and staff to the Baltimore City Board of Ethics along with a number of other civic boards. “Bill understands the issues facing Baltimore and means to effect positive change for city residents. His commitment to improving Baltimore is plain to see, and I am pleased to endorse his candidacy.”

In addition to receiving O’Malley’s support, Cole has been endorsed by U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings as well as a number of other state and local elected officials.  He has also been endorsed by ACORN and twenty unions.  He lives in Otterbein with his wife and three children.

August 2, 2007 - Baltimore Sun  Unions endorse former Del. Cole for 11th District council seat

Metro Digest

William Cole, a former state delegate who is running for City Council in the 11th District, picked up several union endorsements yesterday, according to his campaign and interviews with union officials. more

July 24, 2007  Cole Answers Tough Glover Questions

Doni Glover covered a broad array of issues during his radio interview with Bill Cole. Listen to the live interview - in the light blue box 1/4 down the page, scroll to Episode 19.

July 17, 2007  Question of City Council Salary Put to Rest
During the Mt. Vernon Candidates Forum on July 17, Bill Cole finally put to rest the recurring question, "For which 11th District candidate(s) will the City Council salary be the sole source of income?" The answer: none. No candidate for the City Council seat responded in the affirmative to this question.

July 16, 2007  Senator Zirkin endorses Cole for City Council

Former colleague from Cole's tenure in the House of Delegates, Senator Bobby Zirkin came forward to endorse Bill for City Council in the 11th District saying, "In spite of the fact that Bill was the youngest among us, he had the courage to stand up for what he thought was right in the face of enormous pressure from House leadership."

July 11, 2007  Congressman Elijah Cummings Meets with Cole to Discuss Campaign Issues
Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD-07) and Bill discussed those issues that are important to the citizens of Baltimore as Cummings continues his support of Bill's campaign for City Council. Bill spent 6+ years working on constituent services in the Congressman's local office. In April, Cummings formally endorsed Bill's candidacy for the 11th District City Council seat vacated by Keiffer Mitchell.

July 9, 2007  Cole Addresses BGE Dispute in Seton Hill
Contacted by Seton Hill residents for help regarding the disturbing BGE proposal, William Cole, former State Delegate and now candidate for City Council in the 11^th District, interceded on behalf of Seton Hill.

As president of the Otterbein Community Association, Cole recently had to confront the Federal Reserve Bank when it proposed massive alterations to its building exterior that would have changed the historic fabric of the Otterbein neighborhood.  The Bank intended to remove every tree on its property for "security" purposes as well as implement a number of structural changes that would have made the building look more like a Fort than like a place of business in a residential community. Under Cole’s leadership, Otterbein won the battle. Cole believes that, “It is possible for the community to prevail.”

Cole is no stranger to BGE battles. As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates in 1999, Cole was one of the few legislators to vote against, and actively fight against, electricity deregulation in Maryland.

July 5, 2007 – The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Council candidates focus on crime: More than 60 candidates vying for council seats in Sept. 11 primary - …Cole, 34, who lives in Otterbein, represented the former 47th District in the state legislature from 1998 to 2002. He is an administrator at the University of Baltimore and previously worked as a special assistant to Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, who endorsed his candidacy… more

July 4, 2007  Senior Support for Cole Grows

"Bill Cole is the best candidate for City Council in the 11^th District. He understands the needs of seniors and he cares about all of us, no matter who we are or where we live. He proved this when he worked for Congressman Cummings. Now we need to give him a chance to work for us in City Council." -- Doris Robinson, President, Marlborough Apartments Tenants Council

July 3, 2007  Seniors Support Cole.

“I hope people will look into Bill Cole’s background and experience, especially people in my senior building. Working for Elijah Cummings is the best training a person could possibly have. We know what Bill will do because we know what he has done. We should not let this go by.” -- Delvia Meyers, President, Tenants Association, Bolton North.

June 28, 2007  Mt. Vernon Voters Pledge Support for Cole at the Meet & Greet hosted by Chris and Nicol Regan in their lovely home in the heart of Mt. Vernon.

June 25, 2007  Another Success in Bolton Hill

Lee Bowers hosted 30 people at a Meet & Greet. According to Bowers, "The event was much better than I had anticipated. I expected everyone to agree to vote for Bill, but I didn't expect so many people to make financial contributions and offer to volunteer."

June 13, 2007  Endorsements from Madison Park Residents Begin

"I remember Bill Cole when he served in the Maryland Legislature and as a valuable staff person in Congressman Elijah Cummings’ 7th Congressional District Office. Over the past three years I have had the privilege of serving with Bill on the Midtown Community Benefits District Authority Board and as Co- Chair of the Governance Committee. Bill Cole is a committed public servant who truly cares about people and their issues. His long history of service to his community, Baltimore City and the residents of both the 47th Legislative and the 7th Congressional districts make Bill Cole a natural to represent the diverse 11thcouncilmatic district of
Baltimore City.  Bill is committed to ensuring that all of his constituents have a voice. Matter-of-factly,
Bill Cole’s knowledge of the process, his appreciation of and commitment to diversity, and his willingness to
tackle tough issues that affect Baltimore make him the best choice to represent the 11thCouncilmatic district. Please vote for Bill Cole on September 11, I will!"

- - Pamela E. Johnson - Madison Park, Past co-chair of Midtown Benefits District Governance Committee

June 8, 2007 Harlem Park Neighborhood Council gives Cole Warm Reception

Bill's vision for Baltimore resonated with Harlem Park residents.

June 7, 2007  Cole featured in Coloquio Online

June 6, 2007 Endorsements from Reservoir Hill voters begin. See Community Quotes.

June 5, 2007 John Street Stoop Party for Cole Moves Indoors

Although the rain drove everyone inside, it didn't dampen spirits in Bolton Hill. The guests asked Bill tough questions and no one left without a campaign window sign.

May 25, 2007 Cole Invited to be Commencement Speaker at Federal Hill Preparatory School Graduation

May 23, 2007  Nelson Peters joins the Cole Campaign as Campaign Manager

A graduate of Seton Hall with a degree in English and minor in Political Science,
Peters is responsible for day to day campaign operations.

May 21, 2007  Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser adds funds to coffers

Bill greeted a packed house at Sammy's Trattoria where supporters from the 11th District and around the city rallied.

May 15, 2007  Cole addressed Young Dems

Bill answered questions and gained important campaign support.

April 26, 2007  Councilman Bernard (Jack) Young (12^th District) endorses Cole for 11^th
“Bill Cole is hardworking and dedicated to improving this city.  He served his constituents in the former 47th legislative district with distinction and provided outstanding service to the residents of the 7th Congressional District for more than six years . . . [He] is a caring person who is committed to improving the lives of those around him.  He will get my vote for city council on September 11th and I know that he will represent all residents of the 11th district with both passion and compassion.”

- - Baltimore City Councilman Jack Young
 

April 18, 2007  Bolton Hill Reception Results in Volunteer Enlistment

The Cole Campaign saw a significant increase in its cadre of volunteers as a result of Bill’s first Bolton Hill “Meet & Greet.”  The reception, hosted by Doreen and Richard Rosenthal, included a lively discussion and Q&A.  "Our guests found Bill thoughtful, intelligent, and provocative and were impressed with his direct and knowledgeable responses to their concerns," said Ms. Rosenthal. "They came away with a sense of someone who is passionate about our city -- and understands the challenges it faces."  The discussion with Bill motivated several guests to host their own "Meet & Greet" to introduce Bill to their friends and neighbors. Linda and Bill Irish's reception downtown and Lee Bowers' event in Bolton Hill are both planned for June.

February 12, 2007
The Baltimore Sun
Cole, ex-delegate, seeks Mitchell's seat