Rodney C. Burris, Candidate for City Council- 4th District

In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation? 

RCB: I walk a lot around my town. I enjoy it, and have spent many days and nights visiting the shops up and down the York Road corridor, as well as walking throughout the residential streets connected to the corridor.

I believe public transportation, particularly light rails, should be a priority of the city, influencing the state to help bring in such options

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore? 

RCB: I’m all for a walkable Baltimore being a safer, friendlier, more livable Baltimore. I believe small businesses and local shops all up and down or major corridors (North Ave, York Road, etc.) would greatly benefit from our walkable Baltimore.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

RCB: Bikes and bikers are a vital part of a healthy and thriving urban environment. Residents benefit when they know they have the option to bike; bikers feel secure when they have the benefit of designated routes.

Because of this, I am very much in favor of implementing successful initiatives like the “Bikeways” programs found in cities like Chicago and locales like Washington County, OR.

These programs have two major themes:

1. mapped routes that criss-cross the city
2. predominate usage of residential roads
   (think: ‘bus lines’, but safer, comfortable speeds, designed especially for bikes)

Many of these Bikeways routes have nodes along them where bikers can stop at shops, rest points, watering holes, bike repair facilities, etc. These nodal points display the bikeways design, offer route maps, and provide common points for bikers to relax and relate.

I believe in a program of this type as a way of life for the residents of Baltimore.

To help us accomplish this, I would be honored to work with organizations like the Balto Bike Club, Balt Triathlon Club, the Metro Wheelers, Bmore Bike Party, and of course, Bikemore!

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership? 

RCB: If I understand correctly, it would seem that the major points in this question are that city agencies, particularly Department of Transportation, have struggled in the past with three things:

1. procurement (buying the right goods and services in a timely manner)
2. project management (effectively or efficiently managing available resources
3. KPIs (clearly defining & measuring agency objectives.  

 This is probably a truism across all governments around the nation, inclusive of Baltimore (i.e., we’re not alone). However, the impact of such shortcomings are widespread. As a city resident, it is my desire to particularly help in this area. As councilman, it is a charge I believe I can help us accomplish.  

Because the powers of the councilperson are very specific in the City’s Charter Code, and do not cover direct authority of city agencies (such authority belongs to the mayor’s office), my efficacy here hinges on my ability to emphasize three things: ownership, accountability and transparency.

1. Ownership: This is buy-in. Everyone must feel an increasing part of both our collective problem and our collective progress. We all must have a vested interest. We must promote campaigns (e.g., “Our Baltimore”, “Baltimore Rewired”, IgniteBaltimore, etc.) that emphasizes the positive connected potential that we all share.
2. Accountability comes thereafter, and calls for having well defined measures in place to measure our productivity.  Clearly defining what department/agency/division is responsible for what aspect of the puzzle, then clearly defining what their specific/individual success looks like (coupled with prizes/penalties for success-levels), and then openly discussing/sharing performance scorecards, will greatly help increase accountability.
3. Finally, transparency. This is the notion of open government, and it involves 3 things:

1. 1. regularly informing stakeholders of the problems,
   2. regularly informing them of the progress, and
   3. regularly requesting feedback for collaborative solutions as we move forward.

 Influencing this process is work a council member in Baltimore can begin immediately. It is work I intend to be a part of for our families.

The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment? 

 RCB: Audits. It is quite possible that the money we need for increased investment is sitting right under our noses, and just needs to be properly allocated. With accurate financial information, our city can prudently decide our future in regards to spending opportunities. 

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents? 

RCB: I’m working with a major corporation to help bring a significant number of jobs to the City. It is still in the works, and details are forthcoming. Please request to follow my blog (RCBmoreViews@gmail.com) to stay up to date on this initiative. 

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?

RCB: What separates me from the pack?

I've a 3-point plan that's actually actionable--We can get my pan Done.

Secondly since 2004, my behavior has been 1) to share what I find out with you all 2) to offer a practical and pragmatic solution with short term and long term benefit, and then 3) to actually Execute on the plan.

Through this approach, I've brought improved quality-of-life to Bmore families for several years now; without the backing of big establishment dollars and without the mandate of an elected title compelling me to do so. 

The heart of our families is in me.  It's proven and it shows.

May I make a request?

May I request that you vote for me, and also that you tell as many people as possible about RCB's campaign for City Council?

I appreciate all you do!

Thank you for voting for me, Rodney C. Burris, as your next councilman!

La Vern A.W. Murray, Unaffiliated Candidate for Mayor

 In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

LAM: While working for the State of Maryland over the last two and a half years I have often used the Baltimore Metro Subway to get around Downtown Baltimore. As it is an efficient way to quickly move throughout the downtown neighborhoods.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

LAM: I believe that ulterior modes of transportation such as walking and biking most certainly foster a healthy lifestyle not only from a carbon footprint perspective but also a social one. When driving you automatically secluded to yourself and not open to many if any social interactions along your journey to your final destination. Walking or biking you most likely more aware or open of opportunities that could arise along your way. For example, while walking you may come across a shop you've never noticed and there is the possibility you might go in and shop. Now you've patronized a local business that would have never got that sale if you were in your car and solely headed to your final destination. So these kinds of choices can create a more sustainable city.

Are you supportive of the city’s plan to implement bike share in 2016? If so, what do you believe to be the critical components of success?

LAM: Yes as a city bike share could help alleviate our local traffic congestion and even foster a healthier city. However, as we being to move forward with these plans and select vendors for these services we must keep in mind that the full scope of the plan must be thoroughly thought out. These programs only reach their full potential when the infrastructure is in place and the culture is ready to receive it. So all things need to be considered such as, proper bike lanes/zones, secured systems, proper promotion and awareness of the program. The finally the key to the program will only be a good as those who use it. So education and information is a key component to successful bike share.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

LAM: Our plan of action will include a thorough audit of all our city agencies and all its workers in order to root our any unnecessary operations. For too long those who have no true desire to effect positive change in Baltimore's City Agencies have been in power; abusing and misusing their authority to keep the status quo. This audit will include the removal of persons not performing at the optimal levels. There are no checks and balances currently in place to control this misuse of authority and many of the city’s departments have allowed a spirit of laziness and a lack of ethics to exist in the workplace. I plan to be a part of the task force personally as we do a thorough audit of our city agencies. This administration would prioritize stronger direct oversight and implement better checks and balances over our local departments. Our Citizens are the priority and no longer is the city going to foot the bill for employees to not perform to the best of their abilities to serve our city.

What impact do you see increasing rates of biking and walking in Baltimore having on the public health and safety of our residents? In what ways will your administration invest in the creation of safe places to encourage more people to engage in physical activity?

LAM: Overall it could and would eventually improve on our city’s health and promote a sustainable lifestyle. Renovating our current city parks, creating new pocket parks inside of our urban fabric, restoring proper street lighting and increasing law enforcement foot patrols to destroy the spirit of fear and foster a welcoming environment for communities to grow and co-exist.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

LAM: We will work very closely with Governor Hogan who has already proposed $135 million to fill in the gap for the cancelled “Red Line.” The plan is to expand many current bus routes and establish new ones while also enacting a new “CityLink” system. A color-coded network of 12 high frequency MTA bus routes will service downtown Baltimore. The newly proposed BaltimoreLink system will deliver a unified transit network and includes renaming existing MTA modes: LocalLink (Local Bus), Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink and MobilityLink to create an interconnected transit system. Every successful metropolitan city in the world has a well-integrated system where it is easy and simple to use all forms public transportation. This plan is a step in the right direction.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupancy vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

LAM: This is mainly an education problem. And it’s not one that the office of Mayor can handle on its own. It’s going to take partnerships with organizations like Bikemore, BikeMaryland, Baltimore Spokes and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Group to educate our citizenry on the long term benefits that low impact transportation can have on city circulation problems, social dynamics, environmental issues, and most importantly on public health. At the end of the day if we aren’t here to enjoy the city we are trying to improve what is it all for? So it will be a team effort to inform and convince the city that making Baltimore a “bike-friendly city” is making a choice to bring it into the 21st Century and make it a first class city once again.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?

LAM: Yes, we are one city; any problem that affects one part affects the whole. I want the Office of the Mayor to be a conduit of communication and collaboration for all citizens. I for that reason I’ve chose to run as neither Republican nor Democrat because my bid for office is not about party lines, political platforms or creating a stepping stone. Too many of my peers before me have used this city as a way to achieve other political aspirations outside of Baltimore. It’s time for true leadership not political socializing. It is my desire to effect real change in my community at large and help all of us live up to the name Charm City. I've heard the call; I'm stepping out to face the giant of social decay confident that with Team Leadership we can revive this city once again. So, to the city of Baltimore I say, "Be opened, be inhabited, and be rebuilt."
 

Murray For Baltimore PO Box 12174 Baltimore, MD 21281 Twitter: @Lawmurray4mayor FB: Facebook.com\lawmurrayformayor

Kristerfer Burnett, Candidate for City Council-8th District

In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

KB: Due to the nature of my work as a Community Organizer in Baltimore City, which requires me to make frequent visits to residents throughout several neighborhoods, I do not use other modes of transportation very often. Though, when I travel regionally I do utilize the MARC train and light trail services, as well as, rideshare services. Regarding the prioritizing of transportation resources, I believe the biggest impact can be made by increasing connections between East and West Baltimore and regional connections to expand access to employment opportunities. Additionally, it is crucial that their be a focus on improving connections to the Central Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC train, and increased investment in Complete Streets roadway upgrades to ensure we have a viable transit system. Also, I would support the implementation of a citywide bike share system to promote biking as a viable and healthy form of transportation for our citizens. Though, additional work needs to be done to ensure the safety for all the users of our roadways.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

KB: My vision for transportation in Baltimore is to push for a system that reduces the time it takes for residents to get to work and school on-time and which increases access to regional opportunities. Therefore, I believe an impactful method to increase the quality of life is making investments in the biking and walkability of our city and our transit system. Biking, mass transit and pedestrian investments that ease connections between public transit systems and first mile/last mile transit programs are proven methods to reach this goal.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

KB: Regardless of the issue, I believe it is critical that we engage and educate Baltimore City residents during the policymaking process so that they understand what is trying to be accomplished and why changes are needed to improve our lives. To best inform and involve residents on changes to our roadways, I believe it must be apart of a larger effort to shift away from driving culture and to encourage the use of bicycles and public transit. I would work to develop partnerships with cycling focused organizations and public schools to implement family-oriented and community-based recreational programs to promote biking as a viable and safe mode of transportation. Additionally, I plan to partner with City, State, on-profit and for-profit partners to host ongoing information sessions for constituents on a range of topics to increase understanding and engagement in the policy process.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

KB: To improve the quality and responsiveness of city services, I would advocate for an increased reliance on data to guide the allocation of resources to address issues like this in our city. There is truly a need to utilize technology and programs like CitiStat to increase public engagement in service improvement and to promote transparency in how our resources are being allocated. Additionally, it is crucial to eliminate departmental silos and encourage collaboration between agencies and with the public to improve services. As Councilman, I would expect the Department of Transportation to manage projects competently and complete them on time.

The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment?

KB: In my West Baltimore neighborhood, 1 in 4 households do not own a single-occupant vehicle and more than 1 in every 5 commuters travel more than 45 minutes to get to work. Therefore, it is evident that more needs to be done to meet the needs of our working-families and students to ensure that they’re needs are met. I would prioritize efforts to reduce resident dependency on cars and advocate for more sustainable transportation methods such as: Investments in complete streets (bike lanes, improved sidewalks, dedicated bus lanes, roundabouts where needed, etc.) Prioritized traffic signals for public transit Traffic calming improvements Expanded bike and vehicle share initiatives.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

Thinking of public transit as a regional network is crucial to overcoming the challenges many vulnerable residents face in commuting to family-supporting jobs. Therefore, connecting Baltimore City residents to well-paying employment centers in nearby Baltimore & Howard counties and Washington DC is crucial. I would work to support initiatives that increase the connectivity within our local transit systems, as well as, between privately manage shuttle systems and redesigned transit routes to improve first mile/last mile connections.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members? 

KB: I'm running because I firmly believe our city needs a public servant will work with them. Someone with extensive experience in working to empower residents to become the change agents needed to move our city forward. As a native Baltimorean, I have made a lifelong commitment to community organizing, fighting for good jobs that pay livable wages, and engaging with and advocating for the improvement of our neighborhoods. As one of the co-founders of Neighbors Without Borders of Greater Southwest Baltimore and the Village Farmers' Market at Edmondson-Westside High School, I have a strong track record of working with my neighbors in the 8th District and connecting them to opportunities and resources.

Gersham Cupid, Democratic Candidate for Mayor

 In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

GC: Sometimes I walk to the store but I believe transportation is becoming more of a problem because it is expensive to own a vehicle and many residents can not afford a vehicle. With a more efficiently economy in Baltimore transportation issues will decrease. This is not my expertise and I would have to rely on the experts to make the best decision in this matter.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

GC: I think its a great idea and it is promotes a more healthy environment. With improved communities with local food markets, drug stores, clinics, recreation centers and local schools this is a feasible idea and within our reach.

Are you supportive of the city’s plan to implement bike share in 2016? If so, what do you believe to be the critical components of success?

GC: I think it would be more feasible and cost effective to help everyone own a bike. But I am willing to give bike share a chance but will quickly shut it down if its not working.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

GC: Part of my plans to improve city agencies is a accountability and evaluation service for all city agencies. Which gathers real time data and conducts inspections on a day to day basis. My inspections unit will be city wide to fill holes such as these to ensure this does not happen again.

What impact do you see increasing rates of biking and walking in Baltimore having on the public health and safety of our residents? In what ways will your administration invest in the creation of safe places to encourage more people to engage in physical activity?

GC: When our residents is more active this will be great for the health and betterment of our community. We must enforce the law and keep drugs out of our neighborhoods. The key to my administration will the be safety and growth of our communities. I have the experience, team and knowledge to get it done.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

GC: We can offer mobility services to our vulnerable residents to ensure they are getting the help that they need.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupancy vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

GC: We have to educate the constituents and let them be apart of the process.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?

GC: There is a irony of April. April 2015 rioters plagued our streets and only the Baltimore Police Department stood there ground to stop the rioting and looting from spreading city-wide. An election where one of your own who grew up among and served quietly is now running to bring change. Public Safety is the number 1 reason why many good residents are leaving and buying properties in surrounding jurisdiction. With a Mayor at the helm with the experience in Law Enforcement and with a vision for all of Baltimore we can show the world that we are a city that love and appreciate all Law Enforcement agencies for the hard work and sacrifice. We will stop form of violence whether it comes from low lever criminals, police officer who abuse their power or corrupt politicians.

Mary Pat Clarke, Candidate for City Council-14th District

In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received.

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

MPC: I am fortunate to live in a walkable neighborhood, and I often walk to meetings with my constituents in local cafes or schools. Like most American cities, Baltimore has focused transportation resources on moving automobiles rapidly through our communities. An over-emphasis on automobile travel has created street conditions that are often unsafe or inaccessible for pedestrians and bicyclists. To redress this imbalance, Baltimore needs to integrate “complete streets” principles into all transportation projects. Priorities should include implementing existing plans, particularly the

Bicycle Master Plan and the Strategic Transportation Safety Plan (both found on the DOT website), and working with neighborhood associations to make ad-hoc safety changes. DOT can improve conditions for walkers, bicyclists, and wheelchair users quickly and relatively inexpensively with paint, ADA curb-cuts, and flexible bollards. DOT should use these types of tools to expedite change.

DOT should expend more resources on public education to increase awareness of driver, bicyclist and pedestrian responsibilities in the public right of way, and to explain new design approaches to better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians (see Question #3).

DOT needs to keep critical positions filled. The agency needs to ensure that management level personnel understand and support “complete streets” principles, and are accessible and responsive to citizens. The position, Chief of the Traffic Division, has been unfilled for most of the past two years.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

MPC: Biking and walking are ways in which people can enjoy exercise and the outdoors. They are also affordable ways for people to travel to work, school, and other destinations, or to connect to public transit. Unlike driving, these “non-motorized” forms of transportation reduce traffic congestion while having no negative impacts on air quality, water quality, or our climate. Walking and bicycling regularly can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. And getting along with one less car can save a family several thousand of dollars a year that can be used for housing, education or other needs.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

MPC: Streets that are too wide encourage speeding by signaling drivers that it is safe to accelerate. Wide turns at corners make it easier to speed through intersections. DOT has narrowed vehicle travel lanes on streets, and tightened curb radii at corners throughout the city using bump-outs, flexible bollards and paint in order to slow traffic and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. DOT has initiated traffic circles, and protected bike lanes adjacent to floating parking zones, to slow vehicle traffic and make walkers and bicyclists safer. The agency has selectively removed on-street parking spaces to “daylight” corners, making walkers and bicyclists move visible to drivers and safer.

Many of these changes are controversial. Change is difficult, and it can be particularly hard to adjust to changes that we are not expecting or do not understand. DOT could take a more proactive role in educating the public about new ways of accommodating cars, bicyclists, and walkers in the public right of way. In addition to signage and community meetings, DOT could use public service announcements, and coordinate public information messages with the State’s “Street Smart” public education program. In addition, DOT needs to make sure that changes to street and parking patterns are well-designed and sensitive to context.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

MPC: I co-sponsored the bill, adopted in 2012, that mandated performance and financial audits of certain key city agencies, including DOT, every four years. DOT’s recently-completed performance audit found the agency to be lacking in “oversight, accountability and internal controls.”

A recent study by the Abell Foundation (cd-opacity1015) set out to analyze Baltimore City infrastructure contract overruns using publicly available data from city records. The researchers were not able to obtain data that was complete or robust enough to answer their basic research questions. Baltimore City residents need to know that public funds are being used wisely. The study and audit cited above indicate the need for greater transparency and accountability in the city’s and DOT’s contracting and oversight. Residents are rightly concerned when they see mistakes such as those that occurred during the recent repaving of Roland Avenue. The city should not be in the position of having to tell residents that scarce public resources are being used to fix unnecessary mistakes rather than to fund needed transportation improvements.

The City Council needs to take a closer look at the city’s contracting policies and processes at both the agency and Board of Estimates level. As a member of the Land Use and Transportation Committee, I will request a public hearing with DOT to determine how the agency plans to address the findings and recommendations of the performance audit.

While the Mayor is responsible for agency performance, and the Board of Estimates is responsible for awarding contracts, the City Council has the authority to provide oversight. I will exercise my authority as a member of the City Council to ensure DOT’s accountability to the public.

The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment?

MPC: The City needs to invest more in sustainable transportation, to use existing transportation resources more efficiently, and to ensure that transportation funds are allocated appropriately among the various modes.

At the City, State and Regional levels we need to shift the focus of transportation investments from automobiles and highways to neighborhood streets and buses, and the needs of bikers and walkers. We need to use resources to move people, not just cars. Many bicycle and pedestrian facilities can be created for the cost of a single highway interchange. We need to build a regional constituency to demand high-quality, regional transit. And we need to elect officials at all levels of government who support public transit investments. Millions of public dollars were spent to plan the Red Line, which has been quashed by our current governor. Elections have consequences.

Several large cities have approved ballot initiatives to pay for new, local public transit. We also need to ensure that the City is taking advantage of all available state, federal, and private resources to address sustainable transportation needs.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

MPC: While 30% of Baltimore residents do not have a vehicle for personal use, the lack of a car is not uniform across the city. People without a car are disproportionately dependent on public transit, have the longest commutes, and disproportionally live in low-income neighborhoods. Data from the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance show wide disparities between the city’s poorest and most affluent neighborhoods for all of these transportation access indicators.

 It is critical that city officials hold the Maryland Transit Administration and state elected officials accountable for the quality of the local bus service on which so many city residents depend. This service has a longstanding reputation for being unreliable, not customer-oriented, and lacking in realtime (next-bus) information.

Improved public transit service can make a significant impact in reducing economic and racial disparities in Baltimore. Long commutes reduce the time parents have to spend with their children, and create unnecessarily long days for students who commute by bus, reducing time for after-school recreation and homework. The city’s circulator buses are wonderful, but they cannot substitute for the MTA bus service for the large number of Baltimore residents who commute to job centers in the suburbs, or for our school children who take the bus.

Ultimately, the city’s most vulnerable residents will be best served by a well-connected, intermodal, regional transit system that serves a wide variety of users.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members? 

MPC:  I have worked with the City’s bicycle community for many years on legislation and mandates including Baltimore’s Complete Streets policy, the Bicycle Bill of Rights, requirements that police be trained about bikers rights, requirements that commercial and residential developments provide on-site bicycle parking, and requirements that perpendicular street grates be provided when streets are reconstructed. Many of the parking space requirements have been rolled into the proposed new Baltimore Zoning Code with the input of bicycle advocacy organizations.