Sidewalks and Crosswalks aren't Partisan
Our City Council Shouldn’t Be Either…
As I continue with my campaign, I've consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring that every member of our community feels heard and seen. It's the fundamental duty of our elected officials to prioritize the needs and desires of all constituents, regardless of party affiliation, socioeconomic status, or any other factor. However, the practice of partisanship within our Annapolis City Council has become a significant obstacle to fulfilling this duty. It's time for us to move beyond partisanship and work towards a more inclusive and representative government.
Notably, Annapolis is one of only three city councils in Maryland that still operates with a partisan approach, alongside Frederick and Baltimore. The rest of the state has recognized the value of separating party politics from the essential work of city government. As the only unaffiliated (non-partisan) candidate on the ballot for the 2025 Annapolis elections, I've experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating a system that often seems designed to maintain partisan strongholds.
The process of getting on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate has been arduous. I've had to collect at least 100 signatures from registered voters in Ward 8, attend a lengthy validation meeting, and still face exclusion from the primary election. This not only reinforces the grip of partisanship on our local politics but also disenfranchises a significant portion of our community. According to my campaign's internal data, approximately 49% of Ward 8 residents are registered Democrats, while 26% and 25% identify as Republicans and Independents, respectively. Under our current election rules, this means that nearly a quarter of our residents – around 10,000 people in the City – are ineligible to participate in the primary election, simply because of their party affiliation.
This system not only undermines the democratic process but also creates a government that doesn't truly represent the voices of all citizens. My campaign is committed to changing this process, ensuring that every resident can participate in primary elections and the full electoral process, regardless of party affiliation. I urge all residents to support and sign the petition currently before the City to reform our election process. You can find instructions on how to submit the petition here.
Every individual deserves to exercise their constitutional right to vote for their representatives at all levels of government. It's time for Annapolis to join the rest of Maryland in adopting a more inclusive and representative approach to city government. Together, we can bring a Fresh Perspective to Ward 8 and our City Council!
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