Issues

Ron has a proven track record of transformational leadership in making government more professional, customer-friendly, and – most importantly – accountable to the people.

City Dock flooding - August 2024

CITY DOCK. From Day One, Ron will push for the mission-critical resiliency aspects of the City Dock project to move forward immediately - the higher sea walls, the raised berm/greenspace park, and the hydraulics - so we can stop the frequent flooding and save our local businesses. We don't need, and should cancel, the proposed Maritime Welcome Center. The MWC is too big, too expensive, and doesn't respect the special character of the Historic District. Let's rehab the existing Burtis House to become the new Harbormaster office and bathroom/shower facilities for boaters. We also do not need a 90+ slip private marina at City Dock, nor spot-zoning for a high-rise hotel.

PRESERVE NEIGHBORHOOD FEEL. Ron is strongly opposed to any density increases in Ward 1. Alderman Huntley's legislation to allow existing homes throughout the district to be demolished and replaced with duplexes is simply a bad idea. Parking will get worse, our infrastructure cannot support the massive growth in Murray Hill and Spa View, and property tax assessments will climb even higher. Ron also supports a moratorium on non-owner-occupied STRs (short term rentals), and backs changes to the life/safety code that will result in damaging short-term rentals being converted into long-term rentals.

STREET AND SIDEWALK REPAIRS. Our Ward One streets and sidewalks are pockmarked by a huge amount of potholes and hazards. Let's the focus back onto our basic, like fixing them now.

IMPROVE CITY HALL SERVICES. Our city government should work for us. As someone who has a track record of streamlining government at both the local and state levels, Ron will push for improved customer services, more user-friendly online portals, faster permitting, fairness, and greater convenience at City Hall for residents and businesses.

CITY GOVERNMENT REIMAGINED. All across America, cities like Annapolis have benefitted by adopting the council-manager form of government. This reform is widely recognized as a municipal best practice. In this model, a strong, empowered city council makes all policy and sets the budget ... and the professional staff implements it. This keeps the focus on what is best for Annapolis as a whole community, and takes the politics out of daily operations.