Tubman City News' 2016 Baltimore City Council Candidates' Primary Election Questionnaire

In Their Own Words … 2016 Baltimore City Council Primary Election Candidates
Editor’s Note:
I would like to extend a sincere apology to the 2016 Baltimore City Council Primary Election
candidates who completed the Tubman City News’ 2016 Baltimore City Council Primary Election
Candidates’ Questionnaire. I also want to apologize to Tubman City News readers.
Most of you know that Tubman City News forwarded a questionnaire via email to mayoral and city
council candidates eligible to participate in the 2016 Baltimore Primary Election. The questionnaire
was an effort to provide readers a more in-depth view of the perspectives of mayoral and city council
candidates on a few hot-bed topics in Baltimore. I was able to publish the responses of the 2016
Baltimore City Mayoral Candidates’ Primary Election Questionnaire and the 2016 Baltimore City
Council President Candidates’ Primary Election Questionnaires in Tubman City News rather
quickly. However, I was unable to do the same for this last questionnaire.
I had hoped to publish the responses from the Tubman City News’ 2016 Baltimore City Council
Candidates’ Primary Election Questionnaire weeks ago. Unfortunately, certain circumstances (i.e.
sickness, changing work schedules and a lack of resources) ─ all contributed to my inability to
publish this last questionnaire in a timely fashion. A few times I considered abandoning the effort to
print this particular questionnaire. After reading and rereading the responses of the Baltimore City
Council Candidates who took the time to complete the questionnaire, I was compelled to keep
moving forward. I realized that the information and ideas these Baltimore City Council candidates
shared, regardless of whether or not they won or lost the Primary Election, are pertinent to the
continued dialogue around making effective policies and practices in Baltimore that help create
healthier, safer, more beautiful, and economically robust neighborhoods.
I hope you take the time to read each of the candidates’ responses. Some more than others will
remind you of our power as community change agents to stimulate transformative change in
Baltimore. Their responses are listed below in alphabetical order. Please note that I printed each
candidate’s response exactly as he/she emailed it. If a City Council candidate is not listed on the
chart below, it is for one of the following reasons: (1) he/she is not a registered candidate in the 2016
Primary Election; (2) he/she chose not to respond to the Tubman City News candidates’
questionnaire; (3) he/she failed to file the proper contact information to the Baltimore City Board of
Elections; or (4) he/she did not list an email address in its filing information to the Baltimore City
Board of Elections.
The challenges I faced in publishing this last questionnaire remind me of the need to grow the
capacity of Tubman City News. In case you are interested in helping us grow and expand, feel free
to sow a financial seed online at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/608725296/tubman-city-
news-kickstarter-campaign.
Thanks in advance for your investment and your readership.
Lynn Pinder
Owner/Editor
Tubman City News

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www.tubmancitynews.com
YOUR VOICE, YOUR BALTIMORE
Question #1 – Residency Requirement
Do you think a residency requirement for city employees, including Baltimore City Police Officers, to live in
Baltimore City would help ensure a greater level of care and concern for Baltimore neighborhoods by City
employees and their families? Why or Why not?
DISTRICT 1
Mark Parker
DISTRICT 2
Tony Christian
DISTRICT 3
George Van
Hook, Sr.
DISTRICT 4
Rodney C. Burris
“I do believe that Baltimore’s best police force is one in which all if not most of the officers
presently reside in the City during their tenure.
I believe this holds true from the entry-level cadet, up to (and including) the Commissioner. It is in
this environment that we will begin to further improve police/community relations. There is a great
synergy when diverse peoples make the choice of living together and working together towards the
promises and challenges that they all face. Unity (togetherness) is the very essence of
commUNITY.
“Yes, it would. Naturally people have a better understanding of and commitment to the community
where they live. At the same time, a 100% residency requirement for all City employees is borderline
illegal, politically untenable, and bad public policy. Better to establish increased incentives for such
employees to voluntarily reside in the city—and make a stronger push to hire people who already live
here.”
“A residency requirement for city employees would ensure a greater level of care and concern for
Baltimore neighborhoods. Unfortunately many workers are more committed to promoting their home
environment than they are to protecting the interest of the people living in their service environment.
The best response from city leaders would be to strengthen the personnel procedures pertaining to the
selection and training of employees. We should do everything possible to hire workers who want to
serve the public and meet the highest performance standards.”
“Yes, I think that there should be a residency requirement for city employees. As a child growing up
in Baltimore, I remember when we had a Police Officer that lived on the block and whenever there
was an issue we could go to him. The officer was always friendly and knew everyone in the
neighborhood. In the past, crime has been reduced when there are city employees, especially Police
Officers, that live in the neighborhoods. In order for us to get our Police Officers to become part of the
community then they will have to become vested in the community and that starts with having the
residency requirement.”

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To this end, I believe a resident cop would view the city as his/her home, and not simply as a place to ‘enforce the law against
bad guys’. A resident cop would go to the Waverly farmers market on Saturday before taking his/her kids to an event at the
local Enoch Pratt in his neck of the woods. The resident cop would be able to drive his/her car home, and would have the
privilege/responsibility of being a pillar in his community, and of being one more positive presence in his neighborhood as he
cooks on his grill and chats-it-up with his neighbors.
It is also helpful to note that Baltimore is not alone in its struggle with this issue. Around the country, many cities have
surprisingly low rates of resident officers living within their borders. For example, over 53% of Detroit’s officers live outside
of the city. Oakland has 91% make that commute. For Miami around 93% choose to escape the borders of South Beach. An
entire 94% of the patrol force lives beyond Minneapolis proper. And Baltimore has 79% who drive in from destinations
beyond Charm City Limits, and nationwide with this list goes on for quite some time, with cities large and small.
So it would it seem that simply passing ‘live-where-you-work’ legislation would be the next logical step. Well this has been
done.
In fact, cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh do in fact have residency rules. Camden (NJ) goes as far as to clearly state in its
municipal law that the officer must have a “bona fide” residence within the city, which they define as “...having a permanent
domicile within the City of Camden and one which has not been adopted with the intention of again taking up or claiming a
previous residence acquired outside of the City limits...”.
Some of these cities however, like Cleveland, Akron and Duquesne are met with constant outcry from the department in the
form of lawsuits, strikes, and heavy requests for higher compensation from the department and their reps. This low morale is
not the environment that we nor our neighbors want to live in. And I do believe such low morale would further strain police-
community relations.
As Americans, we all believe in our right to choose.
Being forced to live any place seems to go against our core as a people, and we rebut against it as we would if we were forced
to marry a particular person, or forced to attend a particular school ….or forced to drink from a particular water fountain...or
forced to a particular seat on the bus. Something about our core as Americans rebels against that, and thus time and time again
we have seen such liberties won and such mandates invalidated in the court of law. Thus, although judicial decisions on these
specific residency requirements have been both won and lost around the country for various reasons, mandating residency here
in Baltimore, as a course of law, may not be the smartest or most effective way to go.
The charm, therefore, is in the choice.
Knowing that our city officers choose to live in the city they serve makes the magic happen for us all, and speaks to our core in
a positive way, as we know that they, just like you and I, choose every day to be a resident Baltimorean with all of the beauty
& bruises / grit & glory that comes with it. .
So how would I help us accomplish this?
As councilman, I would do two things simultaneously:
1) RECRUIT CADETS FROM OUR HIGH SCHOOLS: I would work with the district offices in my part of my town
(for me in Govans, those are the Northern and Northeastern depts.) to personally go into high schools to recruit
graduating seniors into the academy.
2) PROVIDE HOUSING INCENTIVES: In 2012, the Abell Foundation published a phenomenal report on the
potential efficacy of offering a variety of housing incentives for Baltimore police officers. I especially liked their
suggestion of offering rental assistance as one of those options. It would be my endeavor to partner with Abell,
Goldseker, OSI, as well as corporations like Amazon, Under Armour, and Johns Hopkins to underwrite these fiscal in

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the most adroit manner possible.
This is work that a councilman can do immediately. This is measurable efforts that I can champion, from day 1.
Brian Hammock
Franceso Legaluppi
DISTRICT 5
Christopher Ervin
Derrick Lennon
“Having officers and city workers from Baltimore serving and working in Baltimore would be a great
start to community policing and better neighborhood service. Increasing the number of Baltimore
City residents on the police force should be a goal for elected leaders. I support the 2012 Blueprint for
Better Policing that outlines reforms that would help us better recruit and retain officers in Baltimore.
Today, our police force is a training ground for surrounding jurisdictions. This must end and we need
elected leaders to act on sound policy.”
“I strongly believe that key city personnel, most particularly Baltimore City Police Officers should
live within the city they are sworn to serve and protect. I want to live in a city with community
policing that facilitates residents knowing their local police officers and the same officers getting to
know their residents.”
“Yes, city residents should live in the city because they can help to stabilize communities and
increase the tax base. In addition, the services provided by the city may experience an increase in
the level of care and customer service because workers will take pride in work that impacts them.”
“Yes, do believe city employee’s should be a city resident because your house or place of resident is
your most important invest for your life and family so would care more about that investment. Also, we
need to increase city resident population. “
“I DO believe that a residency requirement for city employees, to include Baltimore City police
officers, would help ensure a greater level of care and concern for Baltimore neighborhoods by both
city employees and their families. Individuals are more inclined to strive harder when their personal
interests are directly tied to the outcomes of their efforts. Police officers in particular are less inclined
to fall into the "them vs us" mentality when they themselves reside among the ‘thems’."

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Sharif J. Small
DISTRICT 6
Mark E. Hughes
Sharon Green
Middleton
DISTRICT 7
Antonio A. Asa
Kerry Davidson
“I agree that a residency requirement for city employees would help to ensure a greater level of care
for the city. Certainly residents would be more attentive to an initiative that directly benefited a
neighborhood like their own. Also, it would help to build up the city’s tax base, which would have
benefit schools and city businesses. My concern would be that city government would be the effect
that it may have in driving away some of the city workforce who would opt to leave their jobs rather
than move to the city. Therefore a residency requirement would need to be phased in over time and
steps taken to fill positions that may open up in city government. Still, it is disappointing to observe
the number of individuals who live outside of the state, not just Baltimore city, yet hold high-profile
positions in city government.”
“Baltimore needs access to talent and perspectives from both inside and outside the city. For that
reason, I think a residency requirement, while well-intentioned, could hinder progress by denying
access to talented people who happen to live outside of its borders. Also, providing jobs to people
outside of the city may make them more likely to become taxpaying Baltimore residents, as they
find opportunities here to earn income, socialize, reduce their commute, etc. That being said, a
residency preference, if carefully invoked, could be a positive method of increasing opportunities
for city residents who desperately need them.”
“As a current City Employee who moved to District 7 almost 2 years ago, but also started working
for the City while living in apartments in the County, I believe a balance must be struck. I have
met City Employees who were productive, concerned, and engaged and lived in the county. I’ve
also met employees that live in the City who are less than productive, concerned, and engaged.
I do believe that greater incentives for City Employees, including and especially police officers,
should be given to live in the City. Community policing needs to be our goal, and officers that
“I am committed to building this city which has been my home and it has been the home of my
family for more than 100 years. I remember clean neighborhoods with white marble steps. I
remember when most every citizen of this great city had employment. Those who worked here
lived here and spent their earnings in this city. I believe if this government cares about the city then
the residents need to be put first. The very fact that employees are not required to be city residents
is unfair to those who pay the taxes to help this city operate. The relationships between police and
communities would greatly improve if the police lived in the city because they would be part of a
community and the city.”
“Yes, I would support such a policy. It has been attempted in other jurisdictions, but it was very
difficult to achieve. If implemented it should start with top level executive and administrative staff.
Incentives should be created for All and it would add to the City’s tax base. A majority of ‘frontline”
city employees already live in Baltimore City and programs should continue to keep interest.”

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David B. McMillian
related to and understand the communities they police are key. But living in that same community is just part of a number of
possible strategies to achieve this goal.”
Shawn Z. Tarrant
Westley West
DISTRICT 8
Reginald “Reggie”
Fugett
DISTRICT 9
Octavia D. Njuhigu
We’ve seen dedication before from individuals such as myself who are transplants that diligently secure associations and
professional ethics amongst established committed residents, I would reply no, but I regard this city from various aspects of a
learn-ed/educational nature, utilizing at any time the appropriate references for a professional response in regards to the issue, I
research through media, paraphernalia, community and government. The people and elders are great aspects of perspective and
most are willing to be supportive and utilized as pinnacles of our city to represent wholesomely and share their engagement as
residents throughout the years( I hope to see more care for them, and unify an association with our youth to present to them
“Actually I have to represent immediately. Here, at this point, as a reference to your question in the
onset. I must share my background/former residency. Formerly a resident of Atlanta, Ga and born
in Alabama were I constantly served at multiple capacities in community, organization and public
works to support the ever-changing atmospheres in which I developed, worked and lived. As I am
willing to serve, participate and adhere to those who reflect the genuine concerns for our
neighborhoods and citizens as I do while learning all aspects of this culture and city I appreciate
called Charm City, Baltimore MD. Now answering” if natives makes the best employees?”
“Yes, I greatly believe that police officers who live in the communities they serve will ensure better
relationships and safety for our family and friends. It will show a good deal of concern for
Baltimore neighborhoods because locality and similarity is apart of the issue. When the people of
the community can identity with those who protect them they exchange a certain amount of trust
and respect even if it isn’t spoken. Police officers that live and work in the neighborhood they serve
know better than anyone else what their community needs. They will have the relationships to help
assist in allocating resources and communicate how it can get in to their neighbors.”
“Unfortunately, such a requirement is not permissible under state law. Public safety officials who
live in the communities in which they work are more vested in the outcomes of those said
communities. I support the current proposal to offer annual property tax breaks of $2,500 to police
officers who live in the city, and other incentives to draw our policy and other public safety officials
back into the city”
“While the idea of enforcing a residency requirement for Baltimore City employees should be
considered, even if adopted, it would not do enough to address the underlying issue of lack of
accountability in the Mayor’s office and across City government. “

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advice, concept and creativity). A sheer enlightenment has been given to deliver statements publically/confidently, including
the kinsmanship formed and awareness shared. Thank You! I owe my appreciations for the city from those who reside willing
to represent in methods to depict its credibility as thriving and continuing in excellence. A place to start a family, to grow and
start a humble beginning or set roots. On the other hand within those boundaries, there are never enough motivation amongst
the members of our community to keep them engaged as Cadets or Police related, participation here in the city is at a
minimum, whether uninspired or seeking to simply live as taxpayers unable to commit based on their views, unwilling to
become leaders etc.; those are merely subsequent divisions amongst the population which can be addressed and corrected if
certain occupational hazards or educational perspective throughout schools and neighborhoods are addressed, including visits
from the police department on a regular basis all throughout. Allowing for security precautions to create a sense of obligation,
seeing their communities better, and preserving our home fronts in the local aspects of order many of them so desperately
need, even require surpassing former events and hardships. I look to provide care and consciousness to any crisis or
association that we partake to insure we maintain a quality of care for those concerns living in such a remarkable and growing
city. Where we’ve to signify change and restoration, to maintain a quality of home life is actually not the issue. I believe it’s
more and in the relationship of friends, families, Neighbors and Community including those from all over our beloved country
who come to participate and feel welcomed. Fears and Anxieties seem to transcend and we become more vulnerable to
annotate and correct what is happening inside our homes and outside our doors, that includes being vulnerable to the elements,
getting out and enjoying and as I have learned to thank those law enforcement officers who do make the streets safer and our
visits/visitors around town quaint and comfortable. Establishing control through peer techniques instead of control
mechanisms, brute force or administering submission tactics in hopes of restoring order.”
DISTRICT 10
Michael W. Nolet
Erica S. White
DISTRICT 11
“Clearly, such a requirement would increase the connection that employees would have with the city
of Baltimore. On the face of it, such a requirement could potentially increase their participation
within the community and decrease the vacancy rate of homes in Baltimore. However, it seems to me
that before trying to initiate such a requirement we need to work towards creating a Baltimore in
which they would choose to live as opposed to imposing such a requirement. At present, I believe
many city employees would feel inclined to seek employment elsewhere if living in Baltimore was a
requirement of their job. This could result in high turnover amongst city employees and difficulty
attracting the most competent individuals to fill teaching, administrative, and police vacancies. We
must begin the hard work of recreating Baltimore as a family friendly community.
I would propose, instead, that we provide other incentives to city employees who choose to move to
the city. City employees could be offered a reduction in their property tax as long as they reside in the
city. In addition, for employees who choose to participate in the Vacant to Value program, funds
could be set aside to assist in the improvement to these homes to encourage them to live in and
improve on the city as opposed to requiring them to live here.”
“Yes. I f the police live in the city they serve they will have more respect for the job they do and the
people they serve.”

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Harry Preston, V
DISTRICT 12
Gary Crum
Jason Pyeron
Rashad Staton
“Yes. for new hired employees. For those already working for for city who don’t live here, we should
look at ways to incentivize bringing them into our communities. In addition we should look at ways to
incentivize bringing new city employees to live in the city. If city employees, especially police officers,
like anyone else who works in the city, also lives in the city they would have a greater level of care for
the neighborhoods and families.”
“While I honestly believe many public employees work in their fields because at their core they
believe in service, I think there should be some type of housing requirement. It is important to keep
in mind that more families in our city is a good thing. However, the care and concern for our
neighborhoods is organizational issue. If the proper personnel are put in place; and the
organization’s mission is clear to all employees at all levels then we wouldn’t have issue with
“customer service”. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Furthermore, if there were policies in
place to hire from within the City in combination with incentives for high quality recruits to move
into the city I believe we will see a significant change. Again practices must be enforced in concert
otherwise we will see the same lack luster service we see today.”
“I do believe in providing incentives for workers who serve Baltimore City is important. I do not
believe it has to be a requirement for all city workers, but would and could be very beneficial to our
police department. Much of our police department do not live, nor are they from Baltimore City, or its
surrounding areas. This leaves many at a disadvantage with lack of knowledge about the area, and
culture.
You can debate that the majority of officers are not vested because the events of Baltimore City do not
affect them, or their families in a direct way. They are not committed to learning and interacting with
residents because after an 8 hour shift, many are on their way back home to Delaware and
Pennsylvania. Having police officers that have more stake in the community that they serve could
strengthen the relationship between the department and the community.”
“Absolutely, yes. To reference a couple of key platforms of BEMORE; building economics,
reinvestment and equity- by requiring Baltimore city employees, Police and other officials to live in
Baltimore city would promote community and civic engagement, transparency and cultural
relativeness. This would bring back community policing- the police would be familiar with the
neighborhood and its residents on a personal level, community investment- because they live and own
homes in the community which would prove they’re vested and want to see their neighborhoods
flourish. This in fact would encourage economic empowerment by promoting home ownership,
neighborhood business development, jobs and summer programs for children – across all
communities in Baltimore city.”

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Robert Stokes, Sr.
DISTRICT 13
Kenya S. Lee
DISTRICT 14
Mary Pat Clark
police residency have failed in Annapolis. The city lacks the authority to impose that requirement. One positive alternative is
to offer the kind of home buying incentives currently being proposed --- and to recruit city employees who already live here as
a hiring priority.”
Terrell R. Williams
Question #2 – Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning is an environmental health issue that has plagued Baltimore for decades. What will you do, if
elected, to help combat the problem and to help those families and communities who have been impacted the
most?
“I believe that the duties of officers are to protect and serve and within that duty an officer should do
his job despite his/her zip code and that would be true for any city employee. The residency
requirement will not ensure a greater level of care. What ensures a greater level of care is when
people value and respect others despite ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, race, and even lifestyles. If
the residency requirement concept was true, there would already be a higher level of care because
many of our city neighbors currently work and live right here in the City.”
“Residency requirements for top City officials including cabinet members, commissioner, division
chief and law enforcement and fire officials is essential. Employees who live in the community have
a tremendous impact and an invested interest in making the community better.”
“I think that local Baltimore City residency is a positive factor for the City itself. For one thing, it
means that earnings from City employment will flow into city coffers. The piggyback tax on earnings
goes back to where employees live, not where they work. In addition, city residency means that city
employees are more likely to shop in the city if they live here, bolstering our small local businesses.
They also have the same stake in city services and the same positive relationships with city residents
as we have. Because the State controls public safety and police, the city’s previous efforts to require
“I do believe that a residency requirement could lead to greater level of care and compassion for
city residents. A person is more likely to take care of the area where they live. When a majority of
city employees do not live in the city, they may not see the need to provide to provide exceptional
service because once their shift is over, they leave the city. Baltimore has a history of looking
outside of the city to fill key positions, instead of hiring from within the city. I do understand that it
can be difficult for police officers to police in the areas where they live. It can create an unbalanced
life to work balance.”

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DISTRICT 1
Mark Parker
DISTRICT 2
Tony Christian
DISTRICT 3
George Van
Hook, Sr.
DISTRICT 4
Rodney C. Burris
“One of the best and most cost-effective ways to deal with lead levels of those already affected is
through diet. A balanced diet of healthy foods, raw fruits and fresh vegetable greatly aid in the
expulsion of absorbed lead in the bodies.
With almost 85 thousand of our 125 thousand city children in the public schools, school-meals are a
very comprehensive way to reach most of the city’s future generations. In fact, I first worked on this
initiative in 2009, when I joined several leaders from the educational community on provided free,
healthy dinner options in city schools.
Thus as councilman I can encourage our counterparts who are in control of city schools to provide
healthier meals in schools.
This effort should be done in conjunction with broader efforts to improving the housing stock across
the city.”
“Residential lead contamination falls primary on the housing department and the health department.
To the extent that the City Council exercises oversight over those departments, their budgets, and
their leaders, I will advocate strongly for increased housing code enforcement and a more robust
public health campaign around the danger of lead contamination.”
“If elected, I would promote a more robust and comprehensive lead inspection program for city houses
and apartment units. This would include hiring more inspectors to detect lead problems and equipping
them with the technology necessary for accurate testing. Additionally, I would support spending more
dollars for lead clean-up/abatement programs. Another critical step would be promoting the ‘overhaul’
of laws, regulations and policies regarding lead poisoning to ensure that we expedite corrective action.
Finally, I would provide additional health care resources to support impacted families.”
“Lead has been a long debated issue in Baltimore City Government although it does not have to be. We
already know the dangers and adverse effects that lead has had on our youth and adults. The way to get
rid of lead poisoning is very simply, with transparency and accountability. As a Councilman, I will
introduce legislation that would create a department in the City that would focus on lead removal,
prosecution of lead violators (i.e. property owners) and the lead inspections for all properties in
Baltimore City. Lead poisoning should not still be a long debated issue; lets get rid of lead poisoning
and move our City forward.”

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Brian Hammock
Francesco Legaluppi
DISTRICT 5
Christopher Ervin
Derrick Lennon
“The lead poisoning of children is a silent epidemic in today's society. There is no safe level of lead and
no amount of lead poisoning is without negative and irreversible effects. The current trigger for state
enforcement is 10 micrograms per deciliter and if elected I will work to cut that number in half to 5
micrograms per deciliter. The city needs to provide immediate relief to residents afflicted by lead in our
city by providing a temporary relocation for families affected by lead poisoning.
Additionally, the City Council should hold investigative hearings to determine where millions of dollars
in lead abatement dollars have been spent. We cannot continue to have elected leaders say they want our
kids to be safe, write a big check, and forget about oversight to ensure the work of protecting our kids is
completed.”
“Current legislation has caused an 86 percent drop since 2002 in the number of new cases of lead
poisoning in Baltimore City. While we are going in the right direction we can do more. Unfortunately,
the law is largely self-enforced; requiring landlords to have the properties inspected for lead paint
hazards, but rarely is this checked. As a Councilman I would fight for better enforcement so we can
eradicate lead poisoning entirely.”
“I would fight to ensure that the city funds the lead paint cases judgements and introduce laws
that hold owners accountable. I would introduce legislation that will not allow cases to be lost
due to technicalities. The victims have to deal with their conditions for a lifetime and should
not be held accountable because a parent did not fully understand the law.”
“Lead poisoning is an environmental health issue that has seemingly taken a back seat in Baltimore
City. Even as Flint, Michigan is in national news for their water issues, Baltimore City schools
have signs posted prohibiting students and others from drinking the water due to lead issues. These
issues are also prevalent in the homes often built in the early 1900s. Infrastructure is a major
concern with pipes made of corrosive materials exposing the end user to toxic ingredients in the
water. As much as this is a concern, we are still only looking at drinking water and not the
outcomes of the same water being used on skin or in cooking.
The best obvious route to a solution begins with testing. Testing by Health Department officials
(as opposed to the Water Department) with any solutions proposed by properly credentialed
engineers. We are too worried about bigger and shinier instead of basic and reliably functional.”

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Sharif J. Small
don't have the staff to check. The state requires landlords to have their properties inspected for lead paint hazards, but rarely
checks. A state or city worker typically visits a rental unit only after a routine medical test finds a child has been poisoned, or
if someone complains. And even then, cases fall through the cracks
I will fight and require landlords by state law to register their rental property and yearly attend lead poisoning workshop to
stay complaint and to prevent lead poisoning in our communities. Also, work with Ruth Ann Norton, the president and CEO of
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, a national organization based in Baltimore that works to eradicate childhood lead
poisoning. In addition, fight for lead abatement funding to clean up lead poisoning from the Department of Health and Human
Services.”
DISTRICT 6
Mark E. Hughes
Sharon Green
Middleton
DISTRICT 7
“We must provide support for those families that have been already been affected and educate other
families about ways to prevent lead poisoning. Also, the public should be notified about landlords
who have a record of renting homes where children have been poisoned. Finally, in instances where
the city government has been ordered to pay families who were poisoned in public housing, the city
must move quickly to compensate those families and not delay the process in court.”
“Lead paint poisoning has plagued Baltimore City for decades. A main source of lead exposure is from
deterioring lead paint and unsafe renovations of older housing. In areas where there is poorly maintained
homes, the paint is peeling and many parents/families are not able to protect children from exposure. As a
Councilmember, I will continue to connect families to resources available, advocate for families, support
resident education and continued community outreach/intervention. City agencies, such as, Green
Healthy & Sustainable Homes office within the Dept. of Housing and the Health Dept. provide
assistance. Park West Medical Center and Siani Hospital, in District 6 provide assistance. There are other
low-cost green intervention programs that can help costs for residents through the Baltimore ‘Green &
Healthy Home Initiative’. There has been and continues to be a massive 21st Century schools
renovation throughout the schools in District 6, as well. The outreach is an ongoing process that should
never stop.”
“Maryland has passed and strengthened the law requiring landlords to cover or remove lead-based
paint that's peeling, chipping or flaking. An elaborate system is supposed to keep track of all rental
homes old enough to have lead paint, and the homes are required to pass an inspection. State and city
agencies regularly share information and cooperate in enforcement, officials say. Statewide, the effort
has led to a 98 percent drop in reported new poisonings. However, there are gaps in that system.
Rental properties must be registered every year, but some owners have never registered. And even if
a place is registered with the state, that doesn't guarantee it passed inspection. With fewer than a
dozen inspectors to cover as many as 400,000 rental units statewide, MDE officials say they

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Antonio A. Asa
Kerry Davidson
David B. McMillian
various other behavioral issues including predispositions to violent behavior, delinquency, drug addiction, etc.
My interest in this topic also led me towards a broader awareness of the need for healthy housing overall. It is my position
that there is no point to affordable housing if it is not healthy housing, and vice versa. Unhealthy homes poison our young
people and their families, costing our healthcare system and causing neurological issues that hurt our students and reduce
the value/capacity of our workforce. If elected, I would like to work with whoever is the Mayor and my fellow Council
members to tie grants, tax breaks, and other financial incentives (such as PILOT's and TIF's) to rules, including
inclusionary zoning or rent controlled units, that set aside affordable healthy housing in new developments. We cannot
“My platform is different from most because I want to pursue mandatory job-training opportunities
for Baltimore City prisoners and at-risk youth in vacant home and building renovation. Lead paint
remediation is a critical part of home and building renovations in Baltimore, and many prisoners
would be eager for the chance to learn remediation while repairing at risk homes. Prisoners should
learn the skill first, and should be arranged into emergency teams to renovate houses, starting with the
houses most dangerous to the residents living there.
As a lawyer, I've handled lead paint cases, and have reviewed medical and social work files. The
simple truth is that many families can’t (or won't) move their infants out of a house, even when they
know it is contaminated with lead due to expense or inconvenience.
If they seek alternate housing through the City, fighting through the city bureaucracy to obtain
alternate housing takes months. During that time, the damage to the child's brain caused by the lead
exposure increases to dangerous levels.
These issues must be handled on an emergency basis, and we have the resources to do it. The City
must use whatever resources it has to perform emergency lead paint remediation on homes where
infants have been exposed to lead, and residents must be held accountable who don't take every
opportunity to remove their infants from lead infested areas. By organizing teams of at-risk City
residents that it has trained for this purpose, the City has an option it never had before to perform
emergency remediations.”
“First, let me note that lead poisoning is an issue I’m personally interested in. In 2003 I began a PhD
program in Political Science at Brown University. My research topic was on Lead Paint Poisoning
and Lead Poisoning Policy. While I did not finish the program, I achieved All-but-dissertation
status (4 chapters drafted) - until I started work for the City of Baltimore in 2011 and withdrew from
the program to focus on my work as Assistant Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Emergency
Management in 2012.
Lead poisoning is correlated with loss of I.Q., loss of income, trouble with conflict resolution, and
“I have been certified in lead and asbestos abatement supervision. These issues are among some of the
most serious concerns environmentally. When houses are torn down without proper containment or
abatement contaminates are released into the atmosphere and carried by wind to the air space we
breathe and the water we drink. Soil is contaminated where community gardens are started. I served in
the capacity of a policy development compliance officer for Baltimore City Head Start Central office.
I supervised the safety aspects for 64 programs under Baltimore city. I will require strict enforcement
of abatement procedures.”

14
price the community out of newly built healthy housing, and we should not support development that does so. I applaud
the recent announcement by our City Council President to create a new standard of connecting TIFs to community
funding. I also praise the current legislative effort to ensure landlords that would evict tenants are actually providing
healthy housing and, if not, freeze/prevent the eviction. I would suggest we also need a healthy housing hotline for
citizens to report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions.
Overall, any property tax cuts and any City support of redevelopment should to be tied to goals for healthy, affordable
housing.”
Shawn Z. Tarrant
Westley West
DISTRICT 8
Fugett
DISTRICT 9
Octavia D. Njuhigu
issues, coinciding those concerned individuals with support. Those cases reintegrate into a message pool identity as we pursue
those cases with viable information to act as research, and can perform necessary facts as degrees of practice in order to
“Education and Awareness are key factors in improving circumstances which contribute to plague the
citizens of lead poisoning scares and their effects. These ongoing cautions resemble similar
circumstances in other cases found in regular activities within the homes and lives of our families.
Prioritizing combatants are mandatory, there is also a need for alerts and notifications within the
school system or city’s emergency alert services to deter identical cases in short lengths of time.)
Providing schools and families with informative ways to correspond which depicts those health
“Lead poisoning can be dealt with by starting with the homes that currently still have an undetected
amount causing health problems. Because of its severity the homes with lead should be refurbished,
even a family is currently living there and cannot afford to have it removed. If a family is financially
stable to have it changed then they should be offered some sort of assistance in its completion. When
elected, I will advocate for research and ground workers to develop effective and movable solution to
remove the lead filled vacant homes that are here and refurbish the ones that are not vacant.”
“Lead poisoning is a public health crisis in Baltimore City. We have to do a better job of enforcement
and oversight of the lead-free certification process. In addition, I would work with my colleagues on
the City Council and with our State and Federal Delegation to find the money and manpower needed
to improve enforcement of the system the state of Maryland has set up to protect children from the
dangers of deteriorating lead-based paint under Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law.”
“As a city we have an obligation to protect our most vulnerable communities and families. If elected, I
will use my platform to draw attention to the issue of widespread lead poisoning and to demand tha
t those responsible - at all levels - are held accountable.”

15
relinquish our relationship with a constant threat.”
DISTRICT 10
Michael W. Nolet
Erica S. White
DISTRICT 11
Harry Preston, V
DISTRICT 12
Gary Crum
“As a psychologist, I am very aware of the negative impact lead poisoning can have on children
which is why I fully support the Governor Hogan’s decision to test all 1 and 2-year old children for
lead poisoning. Lead poisoning, especially here in Baltimore because of the age of the buildings,
can be due to the lead pipes used in houses and lead paint on the walls. Current regulations require
all landlords to test their properties for lead paint and ensure that lead paint is remediated. Safely
removing lead is an expensive operation as the disposal of lead paint dust must be approved and
provided through HAZMAT channels. Clearly, testing for lead is much cheaper than its
remediation. However, as reported by the Baltimore Sun, many landlords are not compliant with
regulations and there has been insufficient follow-through by regulators. It is imperative that
regulations regarding lead paint be monitored and that landlords be held accountable.
Citizens must be informed of the dangers of lead exposure and of their risk if they are residents of
buildings constructed before 1978 (when lead paint was banned) and/or 1986 (when the use of lead
pipes was banned). Given that lead pipe has a lifespan of only 35 years it is likely that, within the
next 5 years most lead pipes should have been removed and replaced with one of the lead-free
options.”
“I would try to get state and federal funding to rebuild our decaying infrastructure and capital projects
in the city.”
“I would like to see incentives for companies to offer discounted abatement and containment for
lower income residents. I would also like to see developers offer comparable alternatives for those
in housing as a stipulation for the right to business in certain areas.”
“I think that working with the housing authority to strengthen lead testing policies will be very
important. Making sure that there are enough agents to conduct tests, follow up and hold those who
fail testing accountable for fixing issues is also a priority. Working in partnerships with organizations
who have been spearheading the issue and finding out how we can strengthen the efforts and zone in
on persistent problem regions, is how I would initially approach the challenge.”

16
Jason Pyeron
Rashad Staton
Robert Stokes, Sr.
DISTRICT 13
Kenya S. Lee
DISTRICT 14
“Lead poisoning has been an issue for too long! Unfortunately, we are experiencing the aftermath of
families directly impacted by lead within our schools and communities. I would push for early testing
especially for families living in high-risk areas. I would push families to receive compensation prior to a
child reaching age eighteen. At the age of eighteen, that child has already experienced so much adversity
and hardship that pouring large amounts of money into their hands does nothing to alleviate the issue nor
does it further enhance the families’ economic status. If families were able to obtain resources sooner it
would offer a better benefit for the family. I would propose that certain expectations, requirements,
and/or stipulations be placed on large pay-outs to include a stipulation to further support the child
academically, mentally and emotionally. I believe it is important to help our families become financially
literate and understand the importance of future forward thinking as it relates to positioning themselves
to live their best life. The ill effect of lead poisoning is a huge financial burden on our schools, as more
children require special education services. It is a burden for Department of Social Services as these
families often run through thousands of dollars and in some cases millions and the end result is
reapplying for benefits, and lastly it is a burden on crime as our youth often trickle in and out of the
criminal justice system.”
“Lead testing should be a yearly requirement for residential properties built prior to the end of the
use of bad paint products.”
“Putting water coolers in every school isn’t a solution - it’s a band-aid. When I am elected I will work
with experts like those at the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, a national organization based in Baltimore
ore that works to eradicate childhood lead poisoning, and find solutions to resolve this. More than 500
thousand kids per year in the united states are being poisoned per year. This is unacceptable and I will do
all that to fix this.”
“When I am elected, I will see that the remaining properties in Baltimore city containing lead – many of
which are vacant, are gutted and abated through programs such as Vacants to Value. This could also
promote another platform of BEMORE – building economics- to create an initiative and work space for
reentry, low income and unemployed constituents to take part in housing redevelopment. These
initiatives would include education and training on the removal of lead. The families impacted the
most should have access to the underused city resources that were made to help those impacted by lead
poisoning. For the families awarded any settlement monies, I would see that they have mandatory
classes with a financial advisor through the city to teach them how to spend their money wisely, attend
to their health needs- therapy, counselling etc., and reinvesting the money back into their communities
by property ownership. I would see that these families are privy to lead abatement laws and
mandatory home inspections when buying property in Baltimore city.”

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Mary Pat Clark
Two challenging needs to make progress on the lead poisoning front are 1) for the city to provide immediate and adequate
temporary relocation for families whose children are showing even the earliest signs of lead poisoning; and, 2) a radical
program of new, affordable lead-free housing to replace the blighted stock of rental housing still holding our families hostage
to this poisoning. If we could tear down and replace our blighted family high rises, we can rebuild our housing infrastructure to
address this plague. But it would be a costly and controversial undertaking for which citywide advocacy and historic funding
will be required.”
Terrell R. Williams
Question #3 – The Condition of Baltimore City Public Schools
Many of the buildings and learning spaces provided by the Baltimore City Public School System for use by
children and school staff in Baltimore are deplorable. Most of the water (i.e. fountains, bathroom sinks,
toilets, showers, cafeteria/kitchen) is lead poisoned because of lead-based pipes. Additionally, many of the
buildings lack adequate heating and cooling systems. Many more have other environmental health problems
like asbestos and mold. Furthermore, a majority of the school buildings in Baltimore City are dark, dreary,
and poorly lit; they resemble miniature jails. If you are elected, what steps will you take to improve the safety
and aesthetics of Baltimore City Public School buildings? How will you remedy the lead, asbestos, and mold
issues in Baltimore City Public Schools?
DISTRICT 1
Mark Parker
“No amount of lead poisoning is without negative and irreversible effects. I will work to cut in half, to
5 mircrograms per deciliter (from 10) the State’s trigger for enforcement. (According to the Maryland
Department of the Environment, more than 1,000 Baltimore children tested between 5 and 9
micrograms per deciliter in 2013.) I will likewise work with the city Health department to ensure that
every toddler-age child is tested for the early signs of poisoning --- for which we need a community-
wide and sustained call to action to families and health providers.
“One of the things I will do is to work to prosocute any landlord who fails to safely remove lead
paint from their properties. I would increase the amount of training that is needed for contractors to
safely remove lead paint. I would work to correct the inaccuracies in the lead paint reporting
system. I would work to ensure that when a case of lead paint is reported, the landlord or home
owner has successfully and safely removed the lead paint before it is reported as complete.”
“The statement of the problem is most certainly true. I’m personally in and out of five local schools
through the course of my work, and hear from teachers and students about the conditions at others.
To the main question though, as a member of the City Council I can do almost nothing in that regard
except to draw attention to the plight of our city students and add my voice to theirs in an attempt to
shame those in control of the resources (school board, school CEO, mayor, state legislature, and
governor) to take real action.
The good news, at least, is that many of our schools in Southeast Baltimore are on track for renovation,
expansion, or rebuilding as part of the 21st Century Schools program. I have been and will be engaged
deeply in that process as an advocate on behalf of parents and students in our local schools.”

18
DISTRICT 2
Tony Christian
DISTRICT 3
George Van
Hook Sr.
DISTRICT 4
Rodney C. Buris
Brian Hammock
“The role of the City Council should be in bringing greater transparency to the opaque financial
planning and budgeting practices of the school system. We can do this by requiring published budget
projects after each quarter of the fiscal year to ensure the school budget is on track. If deficits are
projected after the first quarter, I will hold council hearings to work through the planning process to
close the budget gap. This type of fiscal planning should not happen behind closed doors on North
Avenue. The Council should be an early warning system so deficits do not impact the classroom. The
Council should not be caught off guard like they were in 2015 that we faced a large budget deficit.”
“There are many organizations, like Transform Baltimore, The Algebra Project, the Baltimore Education
Coalition, and the ACLU who have done a phenomenal job working on this progress for our families
with school-aged children.
It would be my goal to pull them together, to discuss how we can continue to move forward for the
benefit of our students.”
“As a former Baltimore City School Board Commissioner, I place the highest priority on creating
beautiful and attractive school buildings for all children, families and employees. If elected, I will
work to strengthen the partnership between the City Council and the School Board as well as actively
support the school system's capital improvement plan.
Several years ago, city schools began implementing a billion dollar strategy to build 21st century
schools that will be safe, sound and aesthetically appealing. I will do everything possible to ensure
that the aforementioned plan is fully funded and implemented. To effectively remove lead, asbestos,
mold and other deplorable conditions from our schools we must have more capital improvement
funding. I will join school system leaders in the ongoing fight to secure additional dollars from the
state and federal governments. Additionally, I will be a strong advocate for increasing the city's
financial and in kind contributions to school system improvement . If city leaders want more support
from the state and federal government, they must lead by example.”
“As a product of Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) as a youth I have personally experienced the
poor condition of the buildings. I have been in the classroom and had to wear a coat all day because the
heat was not properly working in the winter. As a parent, I would never want to have any child endure
what myself and I am sure that their parents had to go through in the classroom. However, in order to
change this failing infrastructure then we as city officials, namely city council members, have to take
over more control of our schools. As a Councilman, I would work tirelessly to rewrite the City Charter
togive each City Council person more control over their schools in their respective districts. The
rewriting of the City Charter would give City Council members more control over the schools in
making the school officials more accountable with it comes to the buildings. Also we able to allocate
funds to eliminate the lead pipes, asbestos and mold issues in our school buildings. In order for all of
these issues to be properly addressed we must look at utilizing new ideas instead of the old rhetoric that
has proven not to have our kids best interest in mind.”

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Francesco Legaluppi
DISTRICT 5
Christopher Ervin
Derrick Lennon
Sharif J. Small
DISTRICT 6
Mark E. Hughes
“I would strongly urge the mayor, first, and state government, second, to increase funding for schools.
This is important, because I believe that city government must be the first investor in the education of
its youth before we go to Annapolis and ask the state to do its share. I would work with the Baltimore
City Public Schools System to accelerate the renovation process for schools. Another area that I
would explore would be to press the issue of hiring city residents to work at the construction site
where the renovation occurs. This would build pride in the community and encourage residents to
take greater ownership of the project. Additionally, we must get parents and other members of the
community more involved in school activities. Student achievement often improves with greater
involvement from the parents and community.”
“I have long been a citizen advocate working as a part of the BUILD (Baltimoreans United in
Leadership Development) Education Team not only to improve the quality of education in
Baltimore City but also the physical structures of the school buildings. As a Councilman I will
continue that fight and work with our Baltimore City Delegation to the MD General Assembly to
receive the necessary funds to rebuild and remodel our schools.”
“As a community leader, I have been involved in the community schools process and fully support a
quality education and quality schools for all students. I will continue to urge residents to get involved
in our local schools by volunteering a few hours a week.”
“Create learning spaces that enable innovative, high-quality instruction. A physical infrastructure
that supports use of current technology and ensures safety and security. A healthy environment for
learning, with good air quality, lighting, heating and ventilation and water that is safe to drink.
Schools that are integrated into their communities, providing resources and support that extend
beyond the school day. Implement the 21stCentury School Buildings Plan to bring new or renovated
school buildings to students in neighborhoods across the city. Creating physical environments that
support the teaching and learning necessary to prepare today's students for future success in college
and career.”
“State support for City Schools’ proposal to finance its 10-year plan is critical to allow current
progress in the district to continue. Absent that support, students in what is one of the state’s largest,
poorest school districts will continue to be relegated to unhealthy, dangerous buildings for decades
to come.
The call to action is simple, and the possibilities enormous. City Schools students deserve better
buildings, and everything is in place now to begin providing those buildings to them in a way that is
streamlined and cost effective. We as a school district, city and state must do right by our kids. We
must make possible the implementation of City Schools’ 10-year buildings plan.”

20
Sharon Green
Middleton
DISTRICT 7
Antonio A. Asa
Kerry Davidson
Safety first, aesthetics second. We will need to rent trailers and park them on school grounds, creating mobile classrooms that
are safe, well lit, and free of mold, when the main buildings are dangerous and not conducive to learning. This procedure may
allows for temporary abatement of some repair costs and immediate learning benefits, while repairs are being performed. It is
certainly a stopgap measure, but it makes sure the learning doesn't stop.
During crisis periods at certain schools, we should ask the Ravens, Orioles, and local colleges and universities to provide some
of their unused stadium space (box offices, conference rooms, etc.) or classroom space for temporary emergency classroom
use during certain repairs or renovations. These entities profit tremendously off of our city, are an important part of our
community, and we should not dismiss their willingness to help.
We should encourage certain classes to be taught outside in nearby public parks, when the weather is conducive to such
teaching, and it is appropriate for the class, whether or not the building has defects (this also goes to your answer to question
6). We must implement these emergency procedures above until every student has satisfactory learning conditions. Then we
can at least build from there once the emergencies have been stabilized.”
“Some renovation and abatement issues could be addressed by trained teams of at-risk youth,
prisoners, and interested students as described in the previous answer. Students taking home
renovation classes (and these classes should be encouraged in City schools) should also be allowed
to work to beautify buildings at their school and in nearby city schools, and perform repairs at the
school with proper supervision. But these approaches would not be a complete solution.
We must make a tremendous effort to scour the school budget for federal grant opportunities, and
perform audits to reveal grant monies received that are unused due to misallocation. If there is
money there, we have a duty to find it.
See answer #2.
“Baltimore City Public Schools System has been dealing with aging building conditions for a long
time. In a citywide implementation, the Baltimore City State Delegation & Committee, MD Stadium
Authority, and School Board has started the 21st century renovation process through an agreement for
continued funding. The City Council has updates through hearings in the Education Committee. As a
Councilmember, I will continue to communicate with the Facilities/ Real Estate Department within
BCPS for issues that affect each school I represent individually. I have periodically asked for
inspections and updates of school buildings on specific concerns for constiuients. Many major issues
are typically repaired during the summer months to avoid possible closings of buildings during the
school year, except for emergencies. I will continue to support the 21st Century community school
initiative and inspire program throughout many parts of District 6.”

21
David B. McMillian
Shawn Z. Tarrant
Westley West
DISTRICT 8
Fugett
DISTRICT 9
“When elected the steps I will take to remedy the lead, asbestos and mold issues in Baltimore
City Public include: working to develop a task force that will be responsible for analyzing
school structures to determine what schools are impacted by lead, asbestos, or/and mold. Once
the task force has identified a school that is determined unsafe the task force would be
responsible to have repairs made expediently. In addition, the City must earmark funds for
school maintenance to insure that this sort of neglect does not take place again. Schools should
be an oasis; they should not be places where our children are harmed in any way or places that
our children cannot be proud to learn in.”
“As a father of two Baltimore City Public School graduates (Baltimore City College High School
Kayla 2013, Shawn Jr. 2015), I personally understand the concerns about the funding and condition of
our public schools. Due to our low tax base, Baltimore City is unable to have the same financial
contributing capabilities compared to Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery County. This unique
situation limits our ability to fund our school system adequately, and requires us to seek financial
partnerships with other sources, particularly the state. As a Delegate, I was instrumental in the fight
for state funding in order to rebuild our schools. I would fight for our public schools, including asking
Governor Hogan to release some of the public school financing he withheld during the last General
Assembly session, and work with our partners in Annapolis to increase public school funding.”
“My position, again, is that healthy housing and healthy building practices are key to a thriving
city (and it was a position for some time). The same goes for healthy schools. Getting the most
of the 21st Century Schools program is important, and leveraging gained physical improvements
for better health outcomes is critical. City Council and the Mayor’s Office need to be engaged and
maintain oversight over the process. Any additional funds the City gives to BCPSS need to be
tied to healthy school construction outcomes. Most important, we need to end the defacto process
of using our children as lead paint detectors; we need to be less reactive, more proactive, and find
ways to inspect schools for unsafe and unhealthy conditions, and work with BCPSS and perhaps
Baltimore City General Services to do something about this. Or, put needed work out to bid and
get it done.”
“The most effective strategy will begin with the City institutionalizing a culture of transparency
and accountability in our school system along with an emphasis on customer service. Our schools
were designed to serve our students and their families. The efforts we take to maintain our school
buildings are a direct reflection of how our City government views its citizens. Our students and
their families deserve the best.
The establishment of more stringent citywide standards is necessary for the effective physical
maintenance of our school buildings. To enforce the standards, I would support the
implementation of annual third-party inspections of the City’s nearly 200 public schools.”

22
Octavia D. Njuhigu
designed and contributed to a key thought process to accentuate the overall life lesson and expectancy, what results would you
design as an example but the most pertinent and well equipped? Learning experiences with little or no motivation to give them
the edge and to compete for our resources and livelihood in the longrun is what those signature points in the question
addresses. We’ve all heard success stories which refer to people in poorer conditions rising to the heights of their career and
moved into a better means of reproach but there are still standards that need to continue a level of excellence and performance
amongst skills evidently we need those middle to upper class relationships still with mediocre appeal and stability to be our
back bones and support those who economic relationships are wayward. I too come from those anxieties and poorer standards
of an educational source that did not rely on higher education as a source of approval, but I was fortunate my family learned
along the way to be involved and understand where to supplement a greater perspective. I remain an advocate for After School
Programs and other training processes to alleviate the school system of those unsupported areas that need to be strengthened
because they do exist. Protocol and procedures fortunately approve of those who painstakingly participate in those sources are
if we are not grateful, along with securing the school system we also need to take them into the necessary arrangements to
approve of those who create better learning and educational resources. We need a constant value in our children lives and
making them comfortable in substandards are not the supportive measures that definitely need to be exposed. These are the
formalities. Why would educational pursuits face such challenges? Institutions in Ruin? Without Honorable Statuses? Less
than Admirable Conditions? How these things could continue and manifest more public embarrassment, and even more
ridicule as your question represents. Reducing a standard of living to make our city as inviting as others and as reputable as
those reputations persist.”
DISTRICT 10
Michael W. Nolet
Once building is completed, I believe that we need to find ways to foster increased parental participation in our schools. It is
known that academically successful children typically have parents who are active participants in their children’s education.
This participation includes not only assisting with homework, but volunteering at the school and engaging in communication
with the teachers and administrators. Imagine how much schools could accomplish in terms of aesthetics and beautification if
even 10% of parents were willing to donate time and/or money to maintain or improve school conditions. (I am not implying
that they should replace plumbing or remove asbestos, but planting trees or constructing playgrounds). This in turn
demonstrates to children that adults are dedicated to their educational experience which can serve to increase their own
investment in academic success. Another percentage of parents could serve as tutors or become involved in enriching the
schools art or music programs.
John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This notion is a
consistent theme in my campaign. I believe many of our residents have become disenfranchised with government, the police,
even our education system. I believe that as individuals we need to consider what we can do to act as agents of change. I
“Those are call to action related issues with each formulating a set of rules from backgrounds that
refer to an ongoing decline, because of instances resulting from poor decision making
achievements as a means to an end when initially prioritizing should have had a higher level of
emphasis for growth on impact instead of the ideals left behind from eras past. In hindsight, when
it comes to something so precious as an education, our children being catapulted into society after
brief instruction, through these learning processes we put into effect and we have researched,
“This is a difficult question. As a psychologist I am a firm believer in helping our children achieve
academically and socially. The environments that you describe are obviously not conducive learning
environments and are potentially dangerous to the health and welfare of our children. Clearly,
health and safety issues need to be addressed. It is deplorable that children’s health be jeopardized
by physical conditions at the school. However, the 21st Century Schools plan strives to improve the
physical conditions of our schools. Major changes such as these do not occur overnight but require
careful consideration, planning, and community input.

23
believe that as individuals we can all make a difference. This philosophy is most important in terms of our most fragile and
important citizens, our youth.
The reality is that our children in Baltimore City are not succeeding in spite of the fact that the per-pupil spending in Baltimore
City (approximately $15,000 per year) is higher than both Howard and Montgomery Counties. Clearly, spending more does
not automatically equate with academic success. No child should graduate from a city High School who is not going on to
college or does not have the skills necessary to obtain gainful employment.
In addition, the school system needs to be held accountable for its spending. Are we choosing to spend that money in the best
way possible? We must perform an audit of the City Schools. That audit must be ongoing and transparent until every bit of
waste is identified and eliminated the system, and we maximize the amount of money that reaches the classroom.”
Erica S. White
DISTRICT 11
Harry Preston, V
DISTRICT 12
Gary Crum
“I think those buildings should be torn down and rebuilt. I have taught in those schools and they are
outdated. Many of them were built to serve a dual purpose, to serve as a fallout shelter in case of a
nuclear event and to house and educate our children. I think the City's new approach should be to build
to the purpose of providing safe, secure environmentally safe environments for our children and a
welcome environment for our teachers, administrators and staff.”
“As a Baltimore city school teacher I know firsthand the troubles of our schools. I taught for years in
a classroom with no windows and no access to sunlight. I currently teach in a room with no air
condition and a heater that might go as high as 65 on cold days. I have fought for more funding for or
schools for years. Kids need fresh air, they need clean water, the need natural light, (heat and ac too).
These things are just the bare minimum it is well know the benefits of learning in an aesthetically
pleasing environment. We owe our children better. I seek to develop partnerships with organizations
that will help us to build and maintain nicer healthier schools. We have the ability to develop our
schools with the growth and needs of our community in mind. If we are leveraging our relationships
right and managing our finances I can definitely se opportunities for new school buildings. A City
Schools, City Government, private business partnership is one type of structure that could make this
vision a reality”
“Having went through all of my education in Baltimore City public schools I am very familiar with the
conditions in which our children must learn. Working towards more funding for education, especially for
the renovation and building of new schools will definitely be a priority once elected.
I think that taking a different approach until some of these things can be realized, will also be a personal
push. Encouraging educators to take a different approach to teaching and using more of the community
and environment to evoke thought in our students. Utilizing nature, historic elements in the community
and other resources can benefit the learning process.
Constructing outside classrooms for when the weather permits gives students a change of scenery and
different approach to learning.”

24
Jason Pyeron
Rashad Staton
Robert Stokes, Sr.
DISTRICT 13
Kenya S. Lee
DISTRICT 14
Mary Pat Clark
Ever keeping our eyes on that historic prize, we must meanwhile ensure that today’s students have the basics of safe and sound
“The educational institution must promote an environment conducive to learning. One of the worst
feelings is to walk into a building first thing in the morning and begin to feel drained because the
atmosphere lacks luster and energy. A healthy educational environment is just as important as a
healthy home environment. I would definitely support efforts to direct resources to the total
rehabilitation and revitalization of our schools. It is important of removing all factors that could
contribute to our children developing bad health. I will advocate for our schools to have the look and
feel of state of the art academic institutions.”
“Utilize state bonds and as a council person I will look for ways to increase Baltimore City’s
contribution to the school’s education and capital budget.”
“We set out several years ago to rebuild or significantly rehabilitate the Baltimore school system’s
inventory of active school buildings. We raised the local match (through the bottle tax) to leverage the
State’s majority financial commitment and kicked-off with the first $1 billion to cover an estimated
half the buildings. Meanwhile, costs escalated, delays have occurred, temporary student relocations
have proved complex, but we are underway and should never lose sight of reaching whatever new
financial goal is required to fix all of our operating schools in the historic manner that brings in the
light, includes community and after-school activities, and upgrades technology to adequately prepare
our children for 21st century careers.
“When I say we need to fully fund our schools, this is what I am also talking about. We need to make
sure that schools have adequate heating and cooling systems. How can we expect a student to learn in
these conditions? Will ensure that a review be done of every school in the district and I will partner with
others members on the council to push for the same to ensure that their schools are up to code and safe
and to go further and make repairs that have been put off for too long. Our children deserve the best
schools where they can thrive! I will work with local partners and elected officials to make sure we get
what is needed to repair our schools. A few years ago I paid for new repairs at the 29th St Community
Center that is attached to the Barclay School. I did this because our students deserve this and this a
small example of how to lead on this issue instead of just talking about leading on this issue.“
“I would advocate for a much higher budget for Baltimore City Public Schools – specifically for
rebuilding and redevelopment. I would propose bidding of contracts exclusively with multiple Baltimore
based businesses who specialize in lead, asbestos and mold abatement and removal. If possible would
create an incentive to bid by offering a business licensing and registration waiver. I would suggest
partnering with the various nonprofits in Baltimore geared toward education, green spacing and
community farms so that those partnership monies (charitable donations) could help fund a
redevelopment segment in the schools; lighting, water filters, designing of new windows and or air
purifiers- whichever would be more economically feasible.”

25
school environments, well lighted (because light encourages achievement), well cooled, well heated --- and free of mold and
exposure to lead and asbestos. As chair of the Education & Youth Committee, I will continue to oversee and encourage the
plan of remedial action required for interim work to accelerate on a school-based level. Part of that effort will include
encouraging private sector investment in individual school technology and mentoring and in the art work which helps light-up
our students’ school lives as we roll out the more comprehensive 21st century plans.”
Terrell R. Williams
Question #4 – Supporting Small Business
Large corporations like the Horseshoe Casino and health conglomerates like Johns Hopkins are essential to
boosting the city's economy and employment rate. Great efforts have been made over the years by city
officials to provide incentives and supports to attract big business to Baltimore. However, small business
owners in Baltimore City receive very few incentives or supports even though small businesses employ a large
segment of Baltimore residents. If elected, what will you do to help small businesses in Baltimore thrive? How
will you encourage entrepreneurship? How will you support new and emerging business owners?
DISTRICT 1
Mark Parker
DISTRICT 2
“As a Regional Cafeteria Manager for Baltimore City Schools, I see these issues first hand
everyday as I visit different schools. I would first like to say that school cafeterias use bottled
water for food preparation, unless it has been to approved to use tap water by the Baltimore City
Health Department. To achieve these much needed upgrade for City Schools, first I would create a
working relationship with the Maryland Department of Education, as they oversee City Schools.
To achieve these upgrades, I will introduce legislation to increase school funding to address school
safety from the city budget. With the increase in funds to education and the funds from the 21st
century school plan, I would strategically begin the process of removing lead and asbestos from
schools where these elements are still present. The next phase of the plan would be to upgrade
schools to bring them into the 21st century.”
“First, I don’t agree that the Horseshoe Casino is essential to boosting the city’s economy. State-sponsored
gambling is nothing more than a source of regressive taxation that creates no real value for our
community.
Second, there is a lot that we can do to support local businesses. The Baltimore Main Streets Program is
critical for supporting our traditional neighborhood commercial districts outside of downtown. We have
two here in the 1st district—Fell’s Point and Highlandtown. Those programs deserve more resources and
support, particularly from the Baltimore Development Corporation. We can eliminate most if not all minor
privilege fees. And I’ll personally fight for bilingual staff and paperwork so that Spanish-speaking
business owners don’t face unfair barriers when they need to work with the city.”

26
Tony Christian
DISTRICT 3
George Van
Hook, Sr.
DISTRICT 4
Rodney C. Burris
Public/Private Partnerships are an excellent way to invigorate entrepreneurship. (For those who may want to know, a
“public/private partnership” is an arrangement between local government and large companies that promotes healthy
outcome(s) for the residents of their shared community, state or city).
In 2011, Michigan did a very good job at using this type of partnership to spur small business development. Using state
funds and with backing from the major corporation Dow Chemical, MI pumped $120 M into its small business development
efforts. The Result? In article printed Feb 3 of this year, CBS reported that “Small Businesses are becoming Big
Opportunities” in the state of Michigan.
Okay, so what about for a municipality like Baltimore? Can local governments successfully achieve outcomes similar to
those the state of Michigan accomplished? Enter Invest-Atlanta, in the city of ATL, GA. It is a public-private partnership
designed to boost small business. So how are the outcomes of this effort? Well, on Feb 8th of this month, Fortune.com
published an article that said that Atlanta small-biz scene was “thriving”. Best part: Baltimore was also mentioned in this
same article as a place where this surging small business energy was taking place.
So, we’re in there. We’re close, my Baltimore. So close! All of the ingredients we need to pull this city into a world-class
home for our grandchildren are right here before us.
Entrepreneurs are a vital part of our economic outlook. Some experts estimate that 2 out of every 3
jobs in our country are the result of small business initiatives.
However, recently, it has become increasingly challenging for small business owners to get the two
things that they need in order to launch:
• investment capital, and
• workspace.
“I believe that small businesses are the life blood of community revitalization. I would promote
small business growth and development by giving owners greater access to tools for success. This
would include helping these entrepreneurs develop sound business plans and obtain reasonable
financing.
In my community, a primary strategy would be helping businesses to more fully use the resources of
the local business development engine-Main Street Lauraville. I would also promote establishing
formal support relationships with Morgan State University's Entrepreneurial Development and
Assistance Center. Finally, I would actively support the development of community/ business
partnerships that would be mutually beneficial.”
“As an advocate for small businesses, I personally support small businesses. Baltimore was built on
the backs of small businesses and entrepreneurship. As a son of a retired small business owner, I have
seen the effects that small businesses have not only on the local economy but also the community. As
a Councilman, I would introduce legislation that would help small businesses secure startup funding
and entrepreneurship support. Also, I would host business financial courses for small businesses that
not only are looking to establish a business in the community but to hire people in the community.”

27
It just takes us working together, under the same heart and mind, to accomplish it.
I look forward to continuing my part with us in all this, as our future City Councilman.
I ask for your vote. I ask you share my views with your friends and family. And I ask you to hang in there, we’re almost
there!
Brian Hammock
Francesco Legaluppi
DISTRICT 5
Christopher Ervin
such a system with a "growth oriented" approach. This approach focuses on the entrepreneurial leadership of these growth
firms. The most important thing is the strategic intent of the team running the business. Companies looking for growth need to
be given help in linking up with customers, suppliers and other actors within the ecosystem who can provide resources.
a) Make the for;nation of entrepreneurial activity a government priority
b) Ensure that government policy is broadly focused
c) Allow for natural growth not top-down solutions
d) Ensure all industry sectors are considered not just high-tech
e) Provide leadership but delegate responsibility and ownership
f) Develop policy that addresses the needs of both the business and its management team
Finally and just as importantly, reducing fees for small businesses.”
“I am committed to creating an environment where small businesses can grow and prosper by
supporting tax relief, favorable treatment of investments, and rewards for hiring within the city. Small
businesses are our engines of job creation and I support the introduction of entrepreneurship and
balancing a budget into our Public School system so students know when they graduate the basics of
becoming a small business owner. Building the base of our Baltimore small businesses is a great way
to revitalize our city.”
“The City of Baltimore has delegated the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) currently
led by former City Councilman William H. Cole to be the economic development arm for our
city. BDC works hard to attract and retain small businesses in Baltimore City. BDC has many
small business programs including loan and tax credit programs and access to business starting
guides, especially made for small business. As a Councilman I will fight for our constituents to
make sure they have continued and ongoing access to these and other programs, I will further
work to make certain that the Mayor and City Council continue to find ways to adequately fund
and make this resource available to all of our citizens.”
“Small businesses in Baltimore are needed more than ever for hiring and the circulation of capital
within economically depressed communities and neighborhoods within the city. Small business
people and entrepreneurs or more likely to live in the communities where their business is done and
they are more likely to spend with other small businesses in the area. These businesses are best
encouraged through increasing grants, tax breaks and other financial incentives seemingly reserved
for larger business entities who need the assistance far less. I would encourage entrepreneurship by
first by establishing small business satellite centers in the four quadrants of the city. To encourage a
particular activity or endeavor we must first increase access to the structure that would support it and
seriously fund and staff it.
The notion of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem as well as how to shape and propel the growth of

28
Derrick Lennon
Sharif J. Small
DISTRICT 6
Mark E. Hughes
Sharon Green
Middleton
and non-profits to promote entrepreneurships’ programs for youth and adults. There was a very successful 1st Annual Arts &
Youth Entrepreneurship Festival held in the Park Heights neighborhood this summer. Many successful youth small businesses
experiences were highlighted, from video productions, spoken word, clothing line, to foods, etc.”
DISTRICT 7
“If elected, I would help small businesses to unite with others by joining up with a local merchants
organization to share information and learn from others in their line of business. My plan for
encouraging entrepreneurship would start with youth. I would promote entrepreneurship to school-
aged youth, especially those in middle and high schools. This would not call for new resources, but
instead would require more exposure to programming at Morgan State University, among others.”
“As a small business owner for over 17 years, I fully understand what small businesses face on a daily
basis. I will fight to increase funding for small and women owned businesses and encourage the
council to set aside contracts where small, minority, and women owned businesses can partner with
large companies to operate on an equal basis on these contracts. This would increase the capacity for
the small, minority, and women owned businesses and eventually allow them to take over the
contract.”
“Advancing and strengthening Economic Development is key. Baltimore agencies need a better
outreach method on their services offered for different certifications. Investigate changes/updates in
the Board of Estimates processes. I will continue to work with small businesses to include a focus on
policies for growth, especially for Women and Minority owned businesses. Increasing awareness and
supporting resources offered at the Federal, State, and Local levels. I will continue to support local
lending institutions and businesses in the community by hosting/partnering events to provide continued
networking opportunities and creating employment. I will continue to assist businesses, schools,
“I have experience in hosting entrepreneurship workshops for minority, women and veteran own small
businesses with resources in funding, job training, planning and taxes to be successful. Also, encourage
youth entrepreneurship programs as well.”

29
Antonio A. Asa
I plan to focus on and support our small business community. There has been a mindset of luring all major retail
conglomerates with incentives and tax breaks. I believe the focus should be on building community infrastructures, because
without the community stability the major retails will not be able to sustain viability in this city. Small community based
businesses bring stability to neighbor hoods and create jobs. I will support tax breaks for community based businesses to
grow our internal economy.”
Kerry Davidson
property registration fines, useless permits (e.g., needing a permit to replace the door of your home), and fines associated with
removing one's home or business from the tax sale list (placement is automatic once fines exceeds $200).
In doing so, the city prevents its own organic growth. Funds that should go into property renovations for an aspiring owner or
entrepreneur instead are diverted toward City fines. In many cases, property owners and potential entrepreneurs simply give
up on their properties and walk away, but find out that just creates more fines.
The mission of the Environmental Control Board should be revamped to promote safety, and housing quality, not fines and
revenue. In many cases, fines should be waived where the defendant can show that an amount equal to or greater than the fine
has recently been spent on renovation. No fine should be imposed before an opportunity to fix the violation has been provided.
Tax sales should not occur without direct service on the resident, or an extended sign posting period on the property.
Customer service across City government, but especially in the area of permitting, should be completely revamped with a
focus on customer service. There should never be a wait of over 20 minutes at the permit office, and critical information and
transactions must be available to citizens online to prevent them from losing income from work in order to get their questions
answered.
Finally, Baltimore should educate its residents on its permitting and registration requirements so that small investors don’t find
themselves fined and obstructed before they even take their first steps. New property owners must receive detailed (and early)
information about the steps they should take to bring their properties up to code.”
“Baltimore's tremendous stock of vacant houses and buildings which can be bought or rented for
pennies on the dollar in some areas is one of the greatest gifts to entrepreneurs available. However,
the city has turned this opportunity into a weapon for many businesses, potential landlords, and
potential homeowners looking to renovate blighted properties and turn them into the houses and
businesses of their dreams. The city does this by fining, taxing, and penalizing homeowners and
business owners at every turn, and in every possible way. Examples are arbitrary trash fines,
“From an economic analysis perspective of business development, one must care about people and the
socio- economic precursors in an area. One must evaluate the high unemployment, high poverty pockets,
high vacancy, and high arrest. These four things limit business growth and generally hinder the scope of
potential business development. In order to rectify the problems we must develop innovative ways to
divert an interest back into our communities.
I will sponsor and initiate reinvestment in training a workforce that is better equipped to perform the
jobs of the future. In order to attract more businesses to Baltimore, we have to have to develop a
workforce that can handle skill sets of the future by determining the direction of the future, not allowing
the future to overtake us. We must invest in that future , which is our youth by providing curriculums at
the elementary and beyond which will encourage development of concepts to invent.

30
David B. McMillian
Shawn Z. Tarrant
Westley West
DISTRICT 8
Fugett
DISTRICT 9
Octavia D. Njuhigu
“Small businesses are a necessity; many of them stand in financial ruin based on the neglected
neighborhoods’ the loss of traffic and pedestrians traveling constantly exemplifies their regards on
those losses. For my district I am hoping to implement incentives to keep them intact and more
engaged than ever before. Plans for a newer route on the Charm City bus line traveling to the
Westside Shopping Center, integrating cleaner streets and more inviting store fronts with impact in
using the clean water act and other economic, green related preservations. Merchants are willing to
support a 9th
“In order to help small businesses thrive in Baltimore we have to strategically invest in developing
small businesses by offering start up loans as well as loans to established business owners. In
addition, we have to work to meet the needs of small business owners in Baltimore by making the
process to entrepreneurship a more transparent process. While we have some resource centers for
small business owners we have to conduct a listening campaign that will allow us to strategically
offer the services that small business owners need in order to thrive. In addition, I will encourage
entrepreneurship by advocating that we add enrichment programs in schools that teach students about
becoming entrepreneurs at an early age as well as work with communities and business owners to
market the services that businesses offer.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of Baltimore. We must better focus and support our small
businesses. If elected to City Council, I would redirect the recent focus of providing incentives and
tax breaks to major conglomerates towards providing our home grown businesses the financial
resources to grow and hire locally trained employees.”
“The first thing is to engage with small businesses and find out their needs. I think that tax breaks
and incentives cannot be the only / prime way Baltimore City attempts to encourage businesses. I
think streamlining government processes like the Permitting process, and finding creative ways to
make the creation of a business easier are key to helping small businesses. There’s also an inventory
of unused City Buildings and other resources at the City’s disposal. If we used this and also worked
with existing, but vacant, privately owned commercial locations on programs to connect potential
businesses with reduced rents and other benefits, I think we could help citizens start new small
businesses or make it easier or more attractive for existing small businesses to move or stay here.
And we can do this beyond big tax giveaways.”
“I am aware of the very important role small businesses play in Baltimore’s economy. If elected, I
will work hard to highlight the economic impact our small businesses have in the lives of the
working families of our City. There’s lots we can do to encourage entrepreneurship and support
emerging businesses. I’ll contribute by advocating to empower and unleash the key to
sustainable economic development on all scales: a large and well-trained local workforce. More
specifically, targeted economic incentives like a home daycare tax incentive for Baltimoreans
operating community-based daycare businesses, go a long way to support emerging business
owners. “

31
to support a 9th District Revival to conform the Westside of the city apart again in a more positive and prosperous atmosphere.
Creating more events and venues to demonstrate a better more cleaner surroundings.”
DISTRICT 10
Michael W. Nolet
Erica S. White
DISTRICT 11
Harry Preston, V
DISTRICT 12
Gary Crum
“As a former small business owner, I am a strong supporter of small businesses. The reality is that
most new small businesses fail within 5 years (depending on the source between 50 and 90 percent
fail). I would propose that Baltimore expand its resources available to entrepreneurs and other small
businesses. This could include reaching out to successful business professionals who are willing to
serve as mentors to new business owners, running workshops at community centers for those trying
to run a startup, or helping new business owners to develop a business plan that could help them
achieve their goals. In addition, I would propose graduated property tax credits for new businesses
for the first five years.”
“The horseshoe is not bringing in the kind of revenue it had hoped so I am not certain how secure
the jobs it provided to city residents are. There are many programs that are available to big
business doing business in this city I think this city should expand some of those same programs
and allow small business to be eligible for them.”
“I come from a family of small business owners ; I personally understand the struggle small
business owners go through. I am a certified business and math teacher with a background of
entrepreneurship, so I recognize entrepreneurs are the life blood of any major city. As we seek out
partnerships with large corporations we need to ensure that the deals include support for local
businesses and subcontractors. I would like to see incentive programs in place that help small
business to hire local residents (even more so that utilize public transportation) . I would like to
see more of the government contracted services utilize local and /or small businesses. I would like
to see opportunities to prioritize minority and women owned business in some sectors. I would
like to see more city supported business incubators both virtual as well as brick and mortar.”
“Once elected I would work to provide more entrepreneul programs to our youth. I am a big proponent
of furthering your education, but we must be completely honest with ourselves. Every student is not, nor
do they have the desire to go onto college.
High school is the time where we need to begin to give more trade options to our students, who will be
future financial contributors, and possibly business owners. Giving them the tools to make this decision
and then providing ongoing support through various business management programs is how we are
going to educate, and nurture our next generation of knowledgeable and fisclally responsible business
owners.”

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