Primary Election Day in Maryland is May 14, 2024 - Learn More
Platform
State of the District
As the future councilwoman for District 7, I am honored to discuss my platform which consists of four key components: PEOPLE, POLICIES, PROCESSES; and PARTNERSHIPS. These are the cornerstones from which I will govern. Today, it is both my duty and my privilege to address the state of our district.
We are in another election season, but has anything changed in the past four years? Has your quality of life improved? Do you feel safer? Do you feel growth? Do you know what funds have been directed towards your neighborhood?
When decisions are made that require Council approval, have you been consulted? Were you asked for your opinion in voting in Richard Worley as the new Police Chief? Were you asked your view on trash collection and recycling?
Well, I want to change that. Your opinion matters, and I plan to run my tour as Council person with you and the communities as my advisors. I want to hear from you, but I can't do that if I, as your elected official, only come out 6 months or so before the election cycle. I plan to have engagement meetings with clusters of our stakeholders quarterly and large 7th district forums at least twice a year because I want to hear from you because your voice matters.
The Boundaries
How many of you know the boundaries of the 7th District and the number of neighborhoods in the 7th district? Well, let's start here. Baltimore’s 7th District stems from Ashburton and Auchentoroly to the North, East to the North Ave Light Rail station beyond Mt. Royal ave around to Medfield, Cold Spring and Evans Chapel, West to Gwynn Falls Trail at Franklintown, and South to Sandtown Winchester cutting off right around Laurens Street.
The People
There are over 40 neighborhoods in this district, and these communities range from high middle class to disinvested. Using North Avenue as a dividing line, the disparity between wealth, homeownership and quality of life is readily apparent. We are a big district, with beautifully resilient people, a rich history, and a strong desire to restore what we once had: A sense of Community.
Critical Issues
There are many critical issues that exist within the 7th district. Crime and safety in Sandtown is different from crime and safety in Reservoir Hill. These two communities are different in terms of life expectancy, average income, education, home ownership, and crime. Understanding these differences is critical to strengthening them and changing them. That is why in my tenure as your council person, I will do more than show up for a homicide or community clean up. I will share information with you, invite you to city hall, fight for funds to reverse conditions throughout our community. I will tackle the environmental issues - high water bills; unaffordable BGE bills; blight, and lead in water and pipes. Some of you want quarterly billing, some want monthly, why can't we do both?
Partnerships
Did you know that between the work in Druid Hill Park and Hanlon Park, which has spanned the course of almost 6 years, Baltimore City spent $300 million on one contractor, Oscar Renda out of Texas. At a city meeting, he promised to hire from the communities around Hanlon Park and Druid Hill Park. Do any of you know anyone who has been hired? During my tenure as councilwoman, I will ensure that large projects and development in or near our communities tap into the potential of our residents. Even before we TAP into that potential, you have to know what is on the horizon. Baltimore knew for almost 30 years before these big reservoir projects hit the 7th district that they were coming. We could have trained truckers, engineers, plumbers and scores of other workers to be prepared to work on these two projects to safeguard our water-but we didn't. I will commit to ensuring that requirements for local hiring are enforced regarding future opportunities in our backyard.
Policies
I will Introduce legislation to cap property taxes, ensuring that homeowners are not burdened with exorbitant expenses. I will Implement measures for property tax relief, such as exemptions for low-income homeowners, seniors, and those facing financial hardship. I will Explore alternative revenue sources to reduce reliance on property taxes, such as increased sales tax on non-essential items or seeking state funding for essential services.
The same applies to infrastructure changes we see with our roadways. How many of you knew that, in the 7th district, we would be divided over bike and multi use lanes? These discussions started as early as 2006? Were you aware? Let me be clear: I support transformation but only when the affected stakeholders are included and the changes have been thought out and measured. With the bike lanes, we can and must do a better job.
Shared Responsibility
City council members should lead by example. I propose a voluntary 5% salary reduction for council members until property taxes are capped, demonstrating a commitment to shared sacrifice. When elected, I will encourage other public officials and employees to join in this effort, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility among city stakeholders. By implementing these measures, we can address the root causes of high property taxes, support homeowners, revitalize communities, and create more jobs. It's time for decisive action and shared responsibility to build a brighter future for our city. So, what's next? Well, it starts with each and every one of us. Whether you're a homeowner, a renter, or a business owner, your voice matters. Your ideas matter. And together, we can make a difference
Support Tori Rose!
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