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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Baltimore City Council District 08

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.

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    Bilal Ali
    (Dem)

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    Christian B Allen
    (Dem)

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    Jeffery David Allen
    (Dem)

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    Paris Gray
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Joyous D Jones
    (Dem)

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 Website http://ali4citycouncil.com
Campaign Email bilalali4900@gmail.com
My diverse and extensive background has prepared me to be an effective city councilman. I have been a state delegate, a community advocate, a small business owner as well as a health care provider.
I recognize the urgent need for public safety in Baltimore, but not at the expense of perpetuating a cycle of mass incarceration that disproportionately affects communities of color. Instead, I believe in innovative approaches to crime prevention and rehabilitation. Solutions such as community policing initiatives and investing in programs that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse.
As a lifelong advocate for education, I believe that every child in Baltimore deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code. As a delegate I sponsored legislation to increase school funding by ensuring funds from the red light & speed cameras went directly to education. I also support increased funding for teachers, and expanding access to early childhood education programs.
I have demonstrated my unwavering commitment to addressing health disparities in Baltimore. As president of Community Health, I oversee a number of facilities that treat mental health and substance abuse. My doctorate degree is in health care administration, and I am both a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and licensed clinical alcohol & drug counselor (LCAD-C). As councilman I will fight to make sure the Health Department has the resources it needs.
As councilman I will push the city to implement green energy policies and solutions as well as address the systemic environmental issues that affect many of our residents.
I will push the city to convert vacant houses into green space to create a healthier environment and mitigate some of the pollution that plagues our residents. I will also support additional subsidies for working families to purchase and rehab vacant buildings to increase the supply of affordable housing.
While recognizing the city council may need right sizing due to the loss of population, we must always be mindful that a smaller city council means less access to the elected officials for residents. Given Baltimore’s history of disenfranchising the major of its residents, any changes to the city council must ensure legacy residents are not pushed further to the political margins.
Campaign Twitter Chris Allen 2024
Campaign Website http://ChrisAllen2024.com
Campaign Phone 4434470029
Campaign Facebook http://Christian Allen
Lifelong citizen of Baltimore, My time as a business owner and team leader on numerous film and video projects have put me in a leadership role. Service to my community through local organizations and volunteering as a football coach in city schools gave me insight into the inner workings of these types organizations. I believe my ability to work with others will aid me as a city council member
First prosecute all crimes to the fullest extent of the law. Take the repeat offenders off the board. The plan that involves massive clean up of the filth on the streets of Baltimore. Services in my neighborhood have pretty much stopped all clean up of public lands in my area. Limited control of greens(meaning trees, grass and shrubs), leads to blind spots where crimes occur. On my block alone in the last 18 months 2 murders, 1 body dumping and a carjacking(me). This is unsustainable
When it comes to education we all are to blame for the sorry state which it is today. I do not believe it is a funding issue, i believe it is a management of resources problem. Use the funds from the federal government from Covid to fully air condition and heat all schools.
Do more partnerships with neighborhood organizations, including religious organizations to push into the community to help facilitate these initial wraparound services to help combat healthcare disparities.
Expand sanitation services, increased monitoring of waste runoff into the harbor. Responsible Tree planting and management(no tree planting with in 2 yards of city streets. These become major future problems and with the rising cost of labor to deal with this it will save money in the future
A massive inspection of vacant and abandoned properties is in order. If viable save, if not viable tear it down, This will create open spaces and solve some of this nagging problems. I am against the current plan for revitalization of the inner harbor, that space is for the people not just a select group of people.
advantage: streamlining is always better, except with this issue making the council smaller will lead to larger districts and a disconnection with the public
Campaign Phone 443-310-9277
Campaign Email allenjeffery50@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook http://Jeffery Allen
My background and experience, is that I have been a Baltimore citizen all my life, My military experience, taught me the meaning of teamwork, integrity, trustworthiness!The current city council is just not getting things done, and I believe I can begin to deal and start attacking some of those issues, that affects our community,I will hit the ground running if I get elected, and I won't stop until the mission is completely done.
One of the things I will try,is to get police sub-stations into our neighborhood,put an emphasis on community policing,it's better when the police and the citizens have a good rapport with one another, and it will also give police more visually in our neighborhoods!
I would continue to fund our schools,thru the state and federal programs already in place to fund our public schools, with money put aside for regular maintenance and upgrades of our schools,i.e air conditioning,gym maintenance, continue maintenance of the school grounds.
I will make the path to seek Medicare more accessible to everyone, I will also be sure the health dept.have accessible funds to serve the citizens,not only physical health but mental health as well, whoever needs the help should be able to get the help they need.
Global warming been around some time now, I would like to continue the projects been started concerning our harbor place,our water supply and have regular testing of our supply systems, and encourage our youth to get more involved as well.
As a lot of cities are doing,with new housing developments that have some of those new properties,be more affordable, continue to support programs like Sect.8,and continue to have vouchers programs for those families in need, work on the abandoned housing program with tax breaks as well as new homebuyers programs for families.
I don't think the council needs to be reduced,if everyone be accountable for his or her district,it could be a good thing for the city council and the representation,the advantage is always good, when you have a representative actually helping you as well as the community.
Campaign Twitter @parisgrayd8
Campaign Website http://parisgrayd8.com
Campaign Phone (443)863-9567
Campaign Email parisgrayd8@gmail.com
Campaign Instagram @parisgrayd8
Campaign Twitter Handle @parisgrayd8
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 25086
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Baltimore, MD 21229
For the past four years I've worked as the community outreach coordinator for the 8th District and I have firsthand knowledge of their needs. I'm very proactive in addressing concerns, like those on Edmondson Ave, which led to the Edmondson Ave task force creation. I organize job and resource fairs to aid those in need. I have built strong relationships with community stakeholders and city agencies.
I propose a modernized approach to address persistent crime in our neighborhoods by working with anti-violence groups, and mentorship programs. These groups know the kids and families and can play a pivotal role in stopping crime by providing guidance for our youth and settling differences between our adults. Additionally, I would work with our State’s Attorney, BPD, and State legislators to ensure accountability for individuals engaged in illegal firearms trafficking and possession.
I will secure funds for public schools through the council's new abilities to move funds within the City's Budget. I will also advocate for Kirwan and "21st Century School Plan" funding to ensure modernized infrastructure for student and community success.
To address health disparities in Baltimore, I would work towards improving healthcare access in underserved areas. We also have to look at the way we are educating the public on preventive care. And lastly, I would work with community stakeholders to address social factors like poverty and the policies promoting health equity.
During my term in office, I'll work to expand recycling/composting programs to reduce incinerator reliance. I would work towards a robust transition program for affected workers that will offer job training and economic growth initiatives. and lastly, I'll oppose new incinerator contracts and seek alternative waste management solutions with community input for a sustainable future.
Addressing Baltimore's vacant housing issue requires a multifaceted approach. The new inclusionary housing bill will provide all residents access to quality neighborhoods and the benefits of living in a mixed-income area. Advocating for increased DHCD funding for the In REM process will help acquire neglected homes for investment, while also getting rid of the boarded-up homes we see every day. I also want to advocate for community land trusts, which empower residents to shape their communities.
Advantages of a smaller Baltimore City Council include increased efficiency, cost savings, accountability, streamlined communication, and enhanced focus. However, reducing the council size may raise concerns about representation, workload distribution, expertise, oversight, and collaboration. Balancing these factors is important for effective governance and representation of the city's residents. This idea should be carefully thought through and discussed.
A mother of identical twins, a retired nurse, a Paralegal/Office manager and a grandmother. As a lifelong resident of West Baltimore, I worked in Community Health for over 35 years as well as serve as an Ordained Elder in my church. I serve on the executive board of Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown . My ability to effectively multi -task and resolve issues is what is missing at the Council level. A well -rounded hands- on approach is what I bring to the table.
I currently serve in the community with several initiatives working as a deterrent to reduce crime. Juvenile crime in Baltimore is a its greatest and I support opening recreational centers and Pal Centers to accommodate the youth. Data show that children who are mentored are less likely to commit a crime. Our youth must be engaged. They are our investment! I will work hard to light up the dark corridors of the City with simple working energy efficient lights.
I strongly believe the funds allocated for public education is not the issue. $21,000 per child is approximately what is budgeted for public education currently. With 1.6 Billion Dollars a year, an effective administration and management of those funds should be adequate. However, we need to overhaul the top heaviness of the Board. Teachers that do the work need to be supported & a citywide maintenance program of all schools should be in place. All schools must have air conditioning & heat.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of morbidity in Baltimore City. I work with community health agencies to assist with blood pressure and other health screenings. Providing access to healthcare has always been a great concern to "bridge the gap." An urgent care for substance abuse in the Baltimore City is needed in high drug use areas to assist with the fentanyl epidemic.
Our Climate and Environment must be our priority to ensure our children and grandchildren are safe. I propose we have Plastic recycling bins around the city to contain the extreme amount of plastics water bottles utilized. I also support higher fines for individuals caught illegally dumping. I will work to increase trash pick- up in the City.
I support the vacant to value project to assist with home ownership for citizens Home ownership increases wealth in our City. Working with Project Habitat, HUD and other housing initiatives is what I currently support. Rehabilitation of our community is vital to bringing citizens back to Baltimore. I currently campaign to reconsider living in Baltimore! Baltimore was initially built to accommadate the infrastructure of a million people.
As our City begins to grow again than we will need to ensure that there is a voice that represent the people. Now with the city reducing its residency by 10K to 15K a year. We need to revisit the amount of industry put into the size of the City Council. We are challenged to earn our voice and our seat on the City Council.