March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 41 F

Some Annapolis Candidates Speak, Most Don’t

Last month, we sent a survey to every candidate running for office to see where they stood on different city issues–and some fun questions as well. They were all given the same questions and given two weeks to respond.  Of the 19 candidates, only 9 chose to respond. What was interesting is that all but one of the Mayoral candidates offered any responses.

Somewhat surprising, but not really, half of the “safe” candidates running unopposed also declined to respond–Jared Littmann and Ross Arnett were the exceptions.

Hopefully this responsiveness is not indicative of things to come.

Responsive Candidates2013-Election copy

  • Fred Paone (Ward 2)
  • Jared Littmann (Ward 5)
  • Steven Conn (Ward 6)
  • Ross Arnett (Ward 8)
  • Joe Budge (Ward 1)
  • Allen Furth (Ward 1)
  • Kurt Riegel (Ward 2)
  • Tim Mennuti (Ward 2)
  • Frank Bradley (Mayor)
  • Tom McCarthy (Ward 1)

Non-Responsive Candidates

  • Josh Cohen (Mayor)
  • Bob O’Shea (Mayor)
  • Bevin Buchheister (Mayor)
  • Mike Pantelides (Mayor)
  • Rhonda Pindell Charles (Ward 3)
  • Sheila Finlayson (Ward 4)
  • Kenny Kirby (Ward 6)

Aggregate Data

Development. We asked about several key issues including 110 Compromise, City Dock and Crystal Spring. The responses were inconclusive on the City Dock Master Plan support and the 110 Compromise Support with the majority neither opposing or supporting it. Crystal Spring showed the majority somewhat opposing it.

Partisan Elections. The majority feel that partisan elections have a place in City politics. Three candidates said they did not, which is interesting since we only have one independent candidate.

Fiscal Responsibility. The majority believe that the City has been very, moderately or somewhat responsible during Cohen’s first term (55.5%). Yet the majority (66.6%) feel that the Moyer administration was irresponsible.

Crime. None of the respondents felt there was a severe crime problem in the City and most felt that is was typical for a City our size and under control. One candidate felt there was no crime problem at all.

Employees. The respondents were equally split on the the staffing for the City–about right, slightly overstaffed, significantly overstaffed.

Fun Stuff. All of our candidates are right handed. Three have been here less than 5 years and 5 have been here more than 10. 3 have changed political parties in the past. 62.5% prefer dogs over cats (37.5%). A whopping 75% favor sailboats over power. Half drive an imported car. Rocco’s Pizza has a slight edge over Bella Italia for favorite pizza.

With the lack of response, the survey results are really inconsequential and more of a peek into the candidates.  You can download a copy of the full results here (Excel File).

After the primary, we will be developing another survey and will hopefully have a better response.

 

 

 

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