Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Baltimore City Council District 07

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.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Christopher Michael Anderson
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Background: What in your background and experience qualifies you to be a member of the Baltimore City Council?

Crime: What specific plans would you propose to reduce homicides, violent crime, theft and vandalism in Baltimore?

Education: How would you fund public education in Baltimore, while assuring the quality and ongoing structural maintenance 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?

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?

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?

Council Size: What are the advantages and disadvantages of reducing the size of the City Council?

Campaign Twitter Twitter.com/@CAnderson2020
Campaign Phone 4102099045
Campaign Twitter Handle @@canderson2020
Campaign Mailing Address 119 S. Ann Street
null
Baltimore, MD 21231
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.