Leadership requires knowledge, experience

As the most senior member on the Annapolis City Council, I have learned that it takes experience in order to be an effective leader and it takes knowledge of the content of the City Code and the Charter. I bring the experience and the knowledge to get things done.

When I was elected to the council, I brought a history of community activism. I chaired the committee that name Aris Allen Boulevard and built a monument in his honor. I served for over 12 years on the committee responsible for resurrecting the Wiley H Bates Complex.

I had represented over 5,000 teachers in Anne Arundel County Public schools and negotiated more contracts than I can count. Without planning to do so, I became an employee advocate because of my experience with contracts and employee rights and responsibilities.

Once on the council, I cosponsored the legislation that brought professional management to the city, which changed to our form of government. Some will say that legislation didn’t go far enough.

During my tenure on the public safety committee, we brought body cameras to our officers and updates to their general orders, as initiated by the Caucus.

Recently I can take credit for saving the peace and quiet in Homes in the Glen. Had not it have been for my efforts, the Public Works facility would have been built in their backyards.

I convinced my colleagues to fund a new Truxtun Park Pool with the proceeds from the sale of our golf course. In the last four years, we’ve renovated two parks in Ward 4, with more amenities to come.

I worked very closely and have the full support of police, fire, emergency preparedness and all of our employees. I recognize the value of what they do and they know that I’m here to support them.

I’ve made sure that there was adequate supplies of Narcan but took it a step further to make sure that we have drug rehabilitation programs available.

I have worked on housing issues and roadway issues and plumbing issues and friendly neighbor issues. There is no limit to the calls that I receive and I proudly say I respond because I am here to serve.

I serve on three Council Standing Committees. I serve on the Finance Committee, which is probably the most powerful committee. We have the responsibility of the budget and continuous oversight of the budget. I chair the Rules and City Government Committee which reviews all amendments to the City Code and charter and I serve on Economic Matters Committee which considers all legislation affecting the economy of the city, specifically dealing with the Market House, City Dock, historic preservation, and contributing to the vitality of our city.

I have demonstrated my ability to get things done. My efforts have moved our city forward. However, there’s still work to be done. During the budget deliberations, I was able to include funding for two initiatives. The first is a community survey to determine what services the residents value and are willing to pay for. The other initiative is an investigation into the value or detriment of outsourcing our departments. The results of both of these initiatives will direct us moving forward.

I have the skillset to accomplish efforts such as workforce housing and I have a plan. I’m seeking out options for transportation connectivity and I am pushing hard for a comprehensive plan to address violence and drug activity in our community. I’ve heard from the community, now it’s time for us to act.

My colleagues and I make it look easy, but it’s not. I bring the experience and the knowledge to get things done.