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This issue, we come to the Baltimore Region and a colorful icon of the City of Baltimore: the Howard Street Bridge.

Built in 1938 by the J. E. Greiner Company — one of the most influential bridge building companies of its time, with credits today of engineering both the Denver and Tampa airports — the bridge carries more than 17,000 vehicles every day.

In 2003, the Howard Street Bridge was orange, with peeling paint and rust showing through. It had not been painted in 25 years. Then mayor of Baltimore, Martin O’Malley, wanted to paint the bridge Kelly green. City officials wanted to paint it “rust brown, green and blue with a splash of yellow,” according to a newspaper article at the time.

O’Malley called that paint scheme “God-awful,” and conducted an internet poll where voters could choose between two color schemes: his, and the city planners. On Nov. 1, 2003, the results were announced: the mayor lost, 2,689 to 2,450.

“I submit to the will of the people,” O’Malley said at that time. “To paraphrase Jefferson, I fear for my countrymen, that they may receive the bridge colors they deserve.”

The Baltimore Metropolitan District is home to 19,212 United Methodists, with 6,834 worshippers. The Rev. Cynthia Moore-Koikoi serves as the superintendent.

The Baltimore Suburban District is led by District Superintendent, the Rev. Laura Easto, and is home to more than 22,300 members, with 7,981 worshippers each weekend.