Candidates for Baltimore City Council 9th District

A: No. The disadvantage of reduced size would be less representation from members who are required to cover a much larger area. While our city’s population has decreased over recent years, the volume and complexity of concerns has increased in many ways.

A: I am proud to have sponsored and passed the funding mechanism for Baltimore’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. These resources can be targeted toward affordable rental and homeownership options. Also, inclusionary units in newly constructed projects play a significant role in providing supply. The council must continue to support policies that pursue equitable development without displacement. We must work with developers to ensure the creation of both market-rate and subsidized housing units.

A: Baltimore should employ all available options for acquisition and disposition, including tools such as in rem foreclosure and fixed pricing. The city must continue utilizing state and local resources for demolition to clear neighborhoods of dangerous eyesores. We also need to heighten code enforcement for abandoned and nuisance properties that also attract illegal dumping and trash. Additionally, the receivership process could be tweaked along with streamlining inspections and permitting to make it easier to rehabilitate vacant houses.

A: Yes. Plans to build this mixed-use community reflect a more vibrant future and catalyst for growth. Given that the residential market drives and supports retail, an emphasis on local merchants is especially critical.

A: A bill to change to the residential conversion process would be forthcoming. While I am proud to have introduced and passed over a dozen such bills, Baltimore’s system is out of step with most jurisdictions. Undoubtedly neighborhood input must be included, but we need a system that is more efficient and equitable.

A: No. The proposed immediate cut would have a drastic and negative impact on service delivery.

A: As a Lecturer at Towson University, I teach two classes — Urban Government & Politics and Metropolitan Studies.

A: The Youth Commission could be elevated and expanded in scope to propel a pipeline of new leadership. We could also work more to promote youth driven projects in our city’s neighborhoods.

A: I am a homeowner and father raising two children here. I love Baltimore and want to see our city reach its full potential. This drives a determination to create a better environment for my sons and their future. The goal in continuing service on the City Council is to provide leadership that articulates community interests while creating effective public policy to move our neighborhoods and Baltimore City forward.

A: I do not. In districts such as District 9 that have not received much attention, consolidating the districts could only serve to exacerbate the situation and the potential for the concerns of the residents to be lost.

A: In Baltimore in particular, we should consider allowing market forces to dictate some aspects of affordability. Rather than requirements regarding percentage of affordability, we should increase incentives for development of affordable housing and change the narrative around the possibility of ownership in Baltimore.

A: Baltimore should utilize the vacant properties to partner with community associations to facilitate not only training of contractors, but to provide incentives to address vacancies and affordability as compared to other housing in the region.

A: As I do not understand all of the economic factors that went into the determination by the developer, I do trust that the developer has good intentions for the city and a vision for where the city is going.

A: All building permits for significant development in communities should first be presented to the community for consideration for a set period.

A: No. I do believe that the property taxes have to be reduced but I do believe that this will occur after attracting new residents rather than vice versa.

A: I do plan to continue my day job, which I believe actually inures to the benefit of the constituents of the 9th.

A: By providing incentives for living in the city and helping to finance projects that will serve to attract younger people.

A: I believe that over the years I have had a practical approach to development in the city while also being concerned with protecting the interests of legacy residents. I believe that the combination of business acumen and concern about community will serve to benefit the residents of the 9th.