My Top Issues

Public Safety

Due to the War in Iraq a number of our police officers are now on duty in the Middle East with the Maryland National Guard. The war has not only depleted the number of officers serving on our police force, but it has also depleted the number of potential recruits available. Municipalities throughout America face the same dilemma. But despite these obstacles we can do better:

1. Annapolis Housing for our police officers.

Sam has appointed an ad hoc committee to create legislation that will provide affordable housing to our police officers, enabling them to purchase homes within the city limits of Annapolis. This program will provide our police department with another enticement in the recruiting process.

2. Neighborhood Watch programs

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” All our neighborhoods can reduce crime by partnering with our police officers in Neighborhood Watch programs. If your community has not organized a Neighborhood Watch program, the Annapolis Police Department and provide direction and training for your neighbors, community association board of directors and you.

Smart Growth and Development

1. Moratorium on development

Last year I cosponsored, with former Alderman Josh Cohen, legislation creating a moratorium on all new development in the city until an Adequacy of Public Facilities Ordinance is passed. 

2. Density Reduction on West Street

Last year I cosponsored legislation with former Alderman Josh Cohen that effectively decreased residential density in the BCE Zoning district along West Street in Parole. 

3. Adequacy of Public Facilities Ordinance

APFO legislation is nearing completion.  Review the legislation and send me your comments.  I will work with Alderman Cordle and others on the committee to make certain the APFO is realistic and visionary in providing for well designed, functional city services in advance of future development.

4. Comprehensive Plan

Protecting Our Environment

1. Back Creek Nature Park

 Mel Wilkins and a strong team of volunteers have dedicated their lives to the creation of a nature park….

2. Maryland Clean Air Act (State / 2006)

3. Maryland Clean Car Act (State / 2007)

4. Prohibition on Plastic Checkout Bags (City / O-27-07)

Please click here for more information on this topic.

5. Maryland Comprehensive Plastics Bill (State / 2008)

Please stay tuned. I am preparing more information for you on this topic.

Housing

1. Affordable Housing (MPDUs)

2. Public Housing

Public Transportation

1. Another Bridge link to the Eastern Shore

2. Baltimore Area Transportation Board / 2035 Vision

3. Forest Drive Corridor

Other Quality of Life Issues

1. Smoke Free Workplace for All Maryland Employees

2. Slavery Apology and Racial Reconciliation

3. Education

4. Re-regulation of BGE/Constellation Energy

Sam currently serves on the following public committees

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee handles all matters related to the review of the City’s budget and continuous surveillance of the budget. The Finance Committee has power to review and make recommendations with regard to the Mayor’s annual operating budget and submits recommendations with regard to the budget to the City Council by the second Monday in May of each year. The Finance Committee reviews all proposed amendments to Title 6 (revenue and finance) of the City code.

Environmental Matters Committee

The Environmental Matters Committee considers matters affecting the natural environment of the City. The Environmental Matters Committee reviews all proposed amendments to Title 14 (streets, sidewalks and public places), Title 15 (harbors and waterfront areas), Title 16 (public services) and Title 19 (environment) of the City code.

Maritime Advisory Board (ad hoc member)

The Board provides expert and informed analysis of facts relating to Annapolis marine industry and pleasure boating to the City Council or City agencies, and provides advice to the City concerning the administration of the Maritime Industry Economic Development Program and Fund (see O-51-88 Revised).

Severn River Commission (ad hoc member)

The Severn River Commission was created in 1984 by the Anne Arundel County Council and the Annapolis City Council to provide advice to these bodies on policies to enhance and protect the natural, historic and scenic quality of the Severn River watershed.  Click here for more info.