At issue: Contributions to Malik Boyd’s state-representative campaign

This past week, NewsWorks has profiled the three Democratic candidates vying in the April 24 primary for the 198th legislative district: incumbent Rosita Youngblood and challengers Charisma Presley and Malik Boyd.

The Chelten Plaza issue played prominently in the Boyd profile:

Boyd often brings up the recently erected strip-mall development at Chelten and Pulaski avenues as he canvasses the diverse district. He uses it as concrete example of what he’s done in the district and proudly cites the estimated 150 jobs the project is expected to bring to the neighborhood.

As a member of the Germantown Community Connection, a nonprofit organization, Boyd was present for what was, at times, an extremely contentious battle between members of the community and the project’s developer.

A vocal contingent of residents fought hard against developer Patrick Burns, who they felt was not open with the community about his intentions with the site, namely his plans to bring another dollar store to the neighborhood.

Boyd backed the project throughout the process. He maintains that development “doesn’t always happen the way we all want it, but it’s an opportunity to say, ‘Look. We’re starting somewhere.'”

Shortly after the story was published, a reader commented on it, asking, “Why no comment on the total inappropriateness of Malik Boyd accepting campaign donations from Pat Burns?”

So, NewsWorks asked Boyd for comment.

Boyd did not at any time answer the question of whether he’d gotten donations directly with a “yes” or “no” answer. Quarterly campaign-contribution filings will answer it, though.

This is what he had to say in response:

“It sounds like a lot of attempts for people to use the media to damage the campaign,” he said. “It’s really just an attempt to derail the energy.”

He said he’s focused on campaigning in the community and that, “I can’t even begin to comment on stuff like that. Individuals aren’t talking about campaign contributions, they’re talking about jobs. My campaign is community focused and has been since day one. The campaign reports will be out and have been out.”

NewsWorks will check the upcoming filings for an update.