Baltimore City Council District 07 Choose 1
DUTIES: Baltimore’s law-making body is the 15-member City Council. The 15th member, the city council president, is elected city-wide. The primary responsibilities of the city council are to: Enact ordinances (laws) and resolutions of the city,Review and enact the annual Ordinance of Estimates (Operating and Capital Budgets),Enact revenue ordinances necessary to meet the anticipated expenses of the budget.SALARY: $78,577 as of 2023TERM: 4 yearsHOW ELECTED: Baltimore City is divided into 14 council districts. The voters of each district elect one member to the city council. In execution of their responsibilities, City Council members represent their district’s interests and serve their constituents as advocates with city government agencies.
Biographical Information
Campaign Twitter
Twitter.com/@CAnderson2020
Campaign Website
http://www.tinyurl.com/electchris
Campaign Phone
4102099045
Campaign Email
2020chrisanderson@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook
http://Facebook.com/ChrisAnderson2020
Campaign Twitter Handle
@@canderson2020
Campaign Mailing Address
119 S. Ann Street
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Baltimore, MD 21231
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Baltimore, MD 21231
Background: What in your background and experience qualifies you to be a member of the Baltimore City Council?
I've been a community activist for change in Baltimore for several years, I've already been a public servant in my community. I've served this country in the U.S. Coast Guard and I'm on the Baltimore City GOP central committee. Additionally I've served in several committees & nonprofits in Baltimore City.
Crime: What specific plans would you propose to reduce homicides, violent crime, theft and vandalism in Baltimore?
I would vote to refund the police department in Baltimore City & hire additional police officers to fill the shortages in staff. I'd call for the police substations to be properly manned, especially in the Penn- North area next to the subway station. I would expand the drone ( spy plane) program from swat to the precincts hardest hit with crime. Additionally, I'd help draft a comprehensive crime plan, one not from a holistic approach ,which hasn't worked, but from a criminal justice approach.
Education: How would you fund public education in Baltimore, while assuring the quality and ongoing structural maintenance of school buildings?
I would make sure tax payers are getting a quality education for their children in Baltimore schools & ask for the resignation of Dr. Sonja Santelises who is being over paid to failed Baltimore City's students. Also Baltimore has the highest funding for our schools, I'll use that funding to fix the structure and air conditioning in our schools. I don't see how this is a problem year after year, it seems it's by design to fail our students.
Health: What strategies do you have to address continued health disparities in Baltimore? What will you do to make sure that the Health Department has the resources it needs to serve all residents?
Addressing health disparities in Baltimore is a comprehensive strategy. First, community-focused health programs, tailored to specific neighborhood needs, will be implemented. Collaboration with local leaders and organizations ensures culturally sensitive initiatives that empower residents with preventive care and health education.
Expanding healthcare access is pivotal. Partnerships with providers and clinics, coupled with advocating for increased funding, will enhance affordable healthcare.
Climate and Environment As we face climate change and sea level rise, what would be your priorities to increase sustainable practices by the city and to increase the city’s resilience?
To address climate change and sea level rise, prioritizing sustainable practices and enhancing the city's resilience is crucial. First, implementing robust urban planning and zoning policies that prioritize green infrastructure, energy efficiency, & sustainable construction practices will contribute to long-term resilience.Community engagement and education are vital components. Raising awareness about climate change, sustainable practices & resilience measures can foster awareness of the issue.
Housing: What strategies do you propose to remove or rehabilitate vacant buildings and provide affordable housing through the new inclusionary housing bill and other means?
I'd strengthen & implement the inclusionary housing bill to mandate a certain percentage of new developments to include affordable housing units.
Provide incentives such as density bonuses or tax breaks to developers who exceed the required affordable housing quotas. Establish targeted programs that incentivize property owners to rehabilitate vacant buildings, converting them into affordable housing units. I'd offer financial assistance, low-interest loans, or tax credits to property owners.
Council Size: What are the advantages and disadvantages of reducing the size of the City Council?
Advantages to reducing City Council is cost savings. A smaller council typically means fewer members, translating to reduced operating expenses, including salaries, benefits, and administrative costs. This could free up resources for other essential municipal services. A primary drawback of reducing the size of a City Council is the potential for limited representation. A smaller council may struggle to encompass the diversity of voices and perspectives within a community.
Biographical Information
Campaign Twitter
Rose 4bmore
Campaign Phone
410-499-8224
Campaign Email
rose4bmore@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook
http://Rose 4bmore
Campaign Mailing Address
3213 Piedmont Ave
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Baltimore, MD 21216
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Baltimore, MD 21216
Background: What in your background and experience qualifies you to be a member of the Baltimore City Council?
My experience as a former educator provides valuable insights into educational policies, community engagement, and youth development, which are in desperate need of attention from our local government and elected officials. Working as a federal government employee has provided me the understanding of bureaucratic processes, budgeting, policy analysis, and regulatory frameworks, which are crucial skills for effective governance at the municipal level. These attributes are essential.
Crime: What specific plans would you propose to reduce homicides, violent crime, theft and vandalism in Baltimore?
I propose implementing community policing initiatives where law enforcement officers engage with communities, build trust, and work collaboratively with community. This will include regular meetings, neighborhood watch programs, and community outreach events. I will also advocate for legislative and policy changes aimed at addressing systemic issues contributing to crime, such as gun control measures, sentencing reforms, and initiatives to reduce recidivism rates.
Education: How would you fund public education in Baltimore, while assuring the quality and ongoing structural maintenance of school buildings?
I would further support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Act, the multi-billion-dollar public education reform plan. I support prioritizing pockets of poverty, giving schools services they need to thrive. I would push to issue municipal bonds to raise capital for school construction and renovation projects. This would allow our city to spread the cost of infrastructure improvements over time and leverage future tax revenues.
Health: What strategies do you have to address continued health disparities in Baltimore? What will you do to make sure that the Health Department has the resources it needs to serve all residents?
I will support the development and implementation of health education and outreach programs tailored to the needs of Baltimore's diverse communities. These programs will raise awareness of preventive care, healthy lifestyle choices, and disease management, and empower residents to take control of their health. I will advocate for the funding of community health centers and clinics in underserved neighborhoods throughout Baltimore. These centers can provide affordable and accessible primary care
Climate and Environment As we face climate change and sea level rise, what would be your priorities to increase sustainable practices by the city and to increase the city’s resilience?
Develop and implement a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that outlines specific targets and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change impacts, and fostering sustainable development practices. I would prioritize the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power for Baltimore's operations and encourage their adoption by businesses and residents. Incentivize the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient technologies.
Housing: What strategies do you propose to remove or rehabilitate vacant buildings and provide affordable housing through the new inclusionary housing bill and other means?
I propose establishing community land trusts to acquire and rehabilitate vacant buildings for affordable housing purposes. Utilizing community land trusts can help ensure long-term affordability by retaining ownership of the land and leasing the housing units to low- and moderate-income residents. I would also enact inclusionary zoning requirements that can be used to mandate developers to include a percentage of affordable housing units in new residential developments.
Council Size: What are the advantages and disadvantages of reducing the size of the City Council?
The decision to reduce the size of a City Council involves a careful consideration of the specific needs and dynamics of the communities represented. It may offer advantages such as cost savings and efficiency, but there are potential drawbacks related to representation, oversight, and diversity of perspectives that must be taken into account. The optimal size of a council varies depending on the size of our city, the complexity of issues, and the values and priorities of the community.
Biographical Information
Campaign Twitter
@jamestorrencejd
Campaign Website
http://jamestorrence.com
Campaign Phone
443-278-3390
Campaign Email
james@jamestorrence.com
Campaign Facebook
http://facebook.com/jamestorrencejd
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/jamestorrencejd
Campaign Twitter Handle
@jamestorrencejd
Campaign Mailing Address
1215 E Fort Ave
Suite 106
Baltimore, MD 21230
Suite 106
Baltimore, MD 21230
Background: What in your background and experience qualifies you to be a member of the Baltimore City Council?
I have been a member of the Baltimore City Council since 2020 and adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore teaching Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties and Bill of Rights courses. An unwavering commitment to public service led me to opportunities in local and federal government, serving as: a Chief of Staff to former State Senator Verna Jones-Rodwell; fellow and administrator focused policymaking, strategy and more. I hold a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Crime: What specific plans would you propose to reduce homicides, violent crime, theft and vandalism in Baltimore?
Finalize the creation and sustainability of an Office of Returning Citizens to focus on the critical needs of formerly incarcerated individuals. Continue advocating for the group violence reduction strategy that led to a drop in the homicide and non-fatal shooting rates. Work colleagues to ensure the City's budget supports Citiwatch camera partnership for residents and investment in crime prevention through environmental design to improve conditions (i.e., lighting, landscaping) that deter crime
Education: How would you fund public education in Baltimore, while assuring the quality and ongoing structural maintenance of school buildings?
Will continue to support the increase local funding based on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements and ensure this is balanced with other priorities for the City’s budget. Continue to ensure the successful renovation of the historic Frederick Douglass High School. Work with the Mayor’s office to ensure capital planning supports local funding can be fronted to support maintenance and cost of school buildings.
Health: What strategies do you have to address continued health disparities in Baltimore? What will you do to make sure that the Health Department has the resources it needs to serve all residents?
Active working with the Health Department and State partners to move the women’s health clinic to a new facility in West Baltimore. Advocated for and supporting the addition of a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at the Village of Mondawmin (old Target) which will provide comprehensive medical and social services to eligible individuals who live in the community.
Climate and Environment As we face climate change and sea level rise, what would be your priorities to increase sustainable practices by the city and to increase the city’s resilience?
Working with DPW to prioritize stormwater resilience projects in historically redlined communities throughout the 7th district. My office has canvassed communities to provide residents with resources and knowledge of the updated Maryland EmPOWER Act to support a transition to climate friendlier utility usage.
Housing: What strategies do you propose to remove or rehabilitate vacant buildings and provide affordable housing through the new inclusionary housing bill and other means?
Introduced the Baltimore’s Land Bank, a quasi-governmental entity that will leverage community partnerships and financial capital to combat blight and vacant housing. This is a strategic entity to prioritize equitable development and improve the quality of life for our residents. For instance, the legislation requires community benefits agreements, prioritizes community members investments in homeownership, land stewardship, farming and more. Working with DCHD on whole block redevelopments.
Council Size: What are the advantages and disadvantages of reducing the size of the City Council?
At present, the proposal would not align with other jurisdictions who are looking to increase the size of their council and presents no positives. In the fact, the proposal does not discuss the redistricting requirements established by the Courts to protect racial and community interests. The loss of democratic representation does not mean potential improvements to be gained in the efficiency and quality of municipal decision-making. As this would limit committee work and constituent services.