Annapolis Democrats weighWard 5 candidates
New alderperson to be sworn in Tuesday night
Three candidates made their case to the Annapolis Democratic Central Committee Monday night to become the next Ward 5 Annapolis City Council representative.
The committee heard from Brooks Schandelmeier, Henry Green and Maria Casasco aboutwhy they are the best person to fill the seat left by Marc Rodriguez. The trio introduced themselves and answered a range of questions fromthe committee. The meeting was expected to last several hours and culminate with committee members’ public deliberations and a final vote to select the next Ward 5 alderperson. The committee, which will send their choice to Mayor Gavin Buckley on Tuesday, did not vote before the print deadline.
Either Schandelmeier, a former D30 Democratic Club President; Green, a retired Baptist pastor and House of Delegates candidate; or Casasco, former Hispanic/ Latino liaison for Anne Arundel County, will be sworn in by Buckley at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Visit www.capitalgazette.com for who was selected.
At Monday’s hearing, the trio had five minutes each to introduce themselves and explain why they were a Democrat. They then answered seven questions in a roundrobin style, such as describing the geography, demographics and party affiliation in the ward, what issues affect minority populations and how they will address them and if they intended to seek reelection in 2021.
With less than 15 months until the next city general election, the new Ward 5 representative would have to run for reelection next year. The committee asked whether the candidates intended to do so. All three promised they would immediately
start to establish campaign committees, raise funds and form coalitions to run for reelection.
“I do plan on seeking reelection. I’m actually really excited for the reelection campaign,” said Schandelmeier, who touted the more than 50 letters of support he received when he applied for the Ward 5 seat. He was endorsed by current Alderwomen Elly Tierney, D-Ward 1, and Sheila Finlayson, D-Ward 4, and former District 30 Adele gate Alice Cain. He is also supported by three of the four unions representing City of Annapolis firefighters, labor, trade, clerical and technical employees.
“I’ve already built a coalition of people that are excited to support me,” Schandelmeier said.
Green said he planned “to knock on every door in this ward” — coronavirus permitting — to gain support. “Yes, I will be running. Yes, I will raise money. Yes, I will fight.”
All said they were lifelong Democrats. Casasco said shewas a Democrat because “I still believe inthe American dream,” she said, “and believe that every child ought to have limitless opportunities in our great nation and the Democratic Party is the party with the principles to make those dreams a reality.”
Green pointed to his Democratic parents and said he first voted for President Jimmy Carter.
“[Democrats] reward work and we stand for real family values,” Green said.
Committee members asked follow up questions after each round. For instance, Toni Strong Pratt, representing Ward 4, asked the candidates if they had participated in food distribution in Ward 5 during the coronavirus pandemic.
Green said he contributed financially to food drives but didn’t feel comfortable going inperson. While not participating in food drives in Ward 5, Schandelmeier said he had volunteered at Maryland Food Bank.
Casasco, who serves president of the board of directors at Centrode Ayuda, said she was proud of the work she and the organization have done to provide food to Black and Hispanic residents.
“Your volunteer work says a lot about you,” said Kurt Riegel, committee at-large member, who asked what the candidates would do legislatively to address food insecurity in the city.
Those needs must be prioritized in the budget, said Green. “A budget reflects values.”
Increasing voter registration and supporting other food programs is crucial, Schandelmeier said.
Inviting all residents, including those who are undocumented, to the table will help the City Council better understand what their needs are, Casasco said.
“When you’re undocumented, you’re not going to get paid unemployment … or any type of emergency assistance,” she said. “We need to sit down even if they are undocumented because they have a voice too.”