Last night at 7pm, Mayor Cohen and challenger Mike Pantelides squared off online. In a first for local politics, the two took to Twitter to answer constituent questions and concerns. The debate was sponsored by Eye On Annapolis and WRNR Radio and held at Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge.
Questions could be submitted live and in advance using the hashtag #ANP13 with the older questions being mixed in with the newer entrants. Since Twitter is a public platform, the candidates were able to review the questions submitted prior to the debate, but they were unaware of which questions would be selected by the moderators to present. Alex Cortright of WRNR and John Frenaye of Eye On Annapolis served as moderators. The candidates were presented with the questions and given time (and two tweets) to respond. Questions ranged from HACA to the budget to City Dock to pensions to rock and roll to current books and of course (because this is Annapolis) chickens!
The debate itself was not a public event. People could follow along at home or on their mobile device as it happened or after the fact.
While Mike Pantelides came armed with a few campaign staffers, Mayor Cohen attended solo.
After the debate, which was held on the 2nd floor of Metropolitan, the public was invited to their rooftop bar for a meet and greet with both candidates. Approximately 20 people had the opportunity to speak one on one with Cohen and Pantelides as we lead into the election.
For those that submitted questions that were not asked (or answered), both candidates agreed to continue this via their individual twitter accounts. Please feel free to tweet to @cohenjosh or @votepantelides for any follow ups. And if you want to keep us all in the loop, use the hashtag #ANP13.
There is a more traditional debate this evening at 7:30pm at Congregation Kneseth Israel at the corner of Spa Road and Hilltop Lane. Tonight’s debate will be sponsored by the League of Women Voters and we encourage everyone to attend if possible.
NOTE: The tweets below are live. You are able to click them or any links included.
Question 1
#ANP13 How do you balance the economic benefit with the environmental impact of a major development. @eyeonannapolis
— Ray Hoffmann (@rayphoto21) October 2, 2013
A #ANP13 holding development to high standards for enviro protection, and working with owner & community to achieve best project possible.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 You bring all stake holders to the table and weigh options with the community
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
Question 2
https://twitter.com/ArtistsFramer/status/387578304544264192
A #ANP13 Cut expenses, Improve services, improve infrastructure, new development
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @ArtistsFramer 1st priority is to take care of what we have. We also need to pursue expense reductions and service improvements.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
Question 3
@cohenformayor @VotePantelides How will you resolve the $30+ Million OPEB, Police, & Fire Union pension liabilities facing the City? #ANP13
— Scott Bowling (@AnnapolisScott) October 1, 2013
A #ANP13 First-responders deserve a secure retirement. Annapolis can not go 3 more years neglecting required contributions
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @AnnapolisScott we are wrapping up months-long collaborative bargaining with unions to eliminate pension & retiree health liability
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @AnnapolisScott the solution involves both City and employees contributing their fair share, and establishing OPEB trust fund.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
Question 4
Do u see crime + multi-generational poverty in ANP as failures of educational advancement? What have you done w/ AACPS to change that?#ANP13
— @[email protected] (@jnannapolis) October 7, 2013
A #ANP13 I currently sit on the board of the 21st century education foundation.
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 cnt. As mayor I’m committed to increasing educational opportunities and jobs to fight crime and poverty.
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @jnannapolis so many factors contribute. Educ has key role. I have supported magnet programs, funding smaller class sizes, and SROs
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
Question 5
Q #ANP13 @AlexCortright "What book are you reading now?"
— 103 WRNR (@103WRNR) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 "Not in my Neighborhood" by Antero Pietila. Fascinating account of devel. patterns contributing to inequity. http://t.co/1e3Nb1SWIn
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
Question 6
Will you retain or replace Carl Snowden on the HACA board, and why? #ANP13
— Michael Collins (@CapRightStuff) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @CapRightStuff Yes, I support Carl continuing as HACA Chair. Has done outstanding job partnering with City and managing challenges
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @CapRightStuff Carl is committed to helping residents gain skills and move out of pub. housing, and take responsib. for their kids
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 As Mayor I think it is important that the board members meet the same standards as the residents. I would appoint a new person
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
Question 7
https://twitter.com/FollowSven/status/387718251968335872
A #ANP13 Annapolis’ 4 years of Irresponsible Spending and development http://t.co/qBQVEXEdTc
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @FollowSven biggest challenge & opportunity is promoting reinvestment, jobs and development, while maintaining community character
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
Question 8
https://twitter.com/DShannon4/status/387705416194342912
A #ANP13 @DShannon4 support local biz that serves local needs; improve parking mgmt & enforcemt; seek balanced policies e.g. sidewalk dining
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP I have 2 ears and one mouth, you should listen more than you talk. I plan to listen to residents.
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
Question 9
The ordinance allowing chickens in the City comes up for review in the next 2 years. What is your position on renewing/extending it? #ANP13
— Kathleen Booth (@KathleenLBooth) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @WorkMommyWork That was the most boneheaded law ever! JK I sponsored it. Yes I support renewal. Works well; fears were unfounded.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 I'm inclined to support it but would carefully review the legislation and weigh residents' concerns
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
Question 10
Q #ANP13 Not a policy query, but perhaps an insight into your life story. "Can you share a song or an album that changed your life?"
— 103 WRNR (@103WRNR) October 8, 2013
A #ANP Operation Ivy, Energy
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @103WRNR "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves. Best. Song. Ever.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
@VotePantelides Truly impressed! Love Op Ivy
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
Question 11
#ANP13 Specifically, where are the savings opportunities in the budget?
— Jared S. Littmann (@JaredLittmann) October 8, 2013
A1 #ANP13 @jslittmann We already reduced workforce across the board. Now we are thoughtfully and strategically examining service areas.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A2 #ANP13 @jslittmann we did thorough review of solid waste & contracted it out; now we are exploring regional transit authority
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 Look into merging services with the county and cutting wasteful spending
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
Question 12
Q #ANP13 @eyeonannapolis for @VotePantelides if elected, what is your sandwich at ChickNRuths?
— Eye On Annapolis (@eyeonannapolis) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 I would want a calzone with chicken, pepperoni, mozzarella and ranch on the inside
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
Question 13
Q #ANP13 I'd like both of the candidates to frame one question for your opponent. Pls ask your question and then respond to the other.
— 103 WRNR (@103WRNR) October 8, 2013
From Cohen to Pantelides
A #ANP13 @103WRNR @VotePantelides What phone number do I call to get one of your yard signs?
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 410-989-2095
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
From Pantelides to Cohen
#ANP13 @cohenjosh Why didn't the City Dock Advisory Committee vote for the Master Plan?
— Michael Pantelides (@VotePantelides) October 8, 2013
A #ANP13 @VotePantelides The CDAC chose to take a consensus approach. I would have preferred them to vote on the specific recommendations.
— Josh Cohen (@cohenjosh) October 8, 2013
#ANP13 Unlike City Council meetings, we will end on time! Both candidates have asked for followers to follow up on twitter if needed.
— Eye On Annapolis (@eyeonannapolis) October 8, 2013
Q #ANP13 Thank you @cohenformayor and @VotePantelides for participating tonight! Please join us now on the rooftop of @Metropolitan3.
— 103 WRNR (@103WRNR) October 8, 2013
#ANP13 Thanks for tuning in. Thanks to @103WRNR @cohenjosh and @VotePantelides . Join us on @Metropolitan3 rooftop for meet and greet
— Eye On Annapolis (@eyeonannapolis) October 8, 2013
More information
And so, concluded the first online Twitter debate in local politics. If you are interested in following the rest of the underlying conversation surrounding the hashtag, it should be displayed below. (fingers crossed)