Engineer Running For City Council Wants Less Partisanship, More Community Input

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Patch invited all candidates for Annapolis mayor and City Council to complete a candidate questionnaire. We are posting their responses verbatim before the primary election on Tuesday, Sept. 16, and the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

We will share all of our candidate profiles and election news at this link. More election information is posted here.

Name: Michael L Dye

Elected Office Sought: Ward 3 Alderman

Political Party: Unaffiliated

Profession: Engineer

Age On Election Day: 60

Website: TBD

Facebook: Mike Dye for Ward 3 Alderman

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

As an Independent candidate for Ward 3 Alderman, I bring a unique perspective free from partisan constraints that allows me to focus solely on what is best for our community. Previously a Republican who kept good relations with Democrats here in Annapolis, I have connections on both sides of the partisan aisle that should help with engagement of our entire electorate.

I have been involved in City politics for almost thirty years (but never as a candidate), have participated in two Election Task Force committees, and attend City Council meetings, so I am familiar with a lot of history over several mayors.

I also have experience at the county level, having been a member and chair of the Human Relations Commission.

How will you approach the planned construction of City Dock Park?

I will approach this project with a focus on transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Ward 3 is not one of the core Annapolis wards directly connected to this project, but I do recognize the importance of City Dock to our identity. I remain concerned about the huge cost and uncertain funding of this significant $100 million infrastructure investment in our city's resilience and future.

Although I support the flood protection and green space elements that will help protect our historic downtown from rising sea levels and frequent flooding, I have serious concerns about cost overruns and the proposed Maritime Welcome Center. There are also accusations of favoritism with some development located there.

Ward 3 voices need to be heard. Whether it is the increased debt load, the possibility of funding being pulled away from initiatives we desire, or simply anxieties regarding traffic, parking, and downtown amenities -- and to be sure to hear if there is also great excitement and positive support for this effort -- I will take the time to listen while evaluating construction and maintenance details.

How will you address crime in Annapolis?

I have been critical of the outgoing mayor for appearing dismissive of public concerns regarding the level of crime in Annapolis and performance of the Police Chief, and so I await the new administration to see what tone is brought. I believe that is why commenting on public safety management is premature since the new mayor is responsible for nominations and the new City Council will vote on that then.

The APD has been closing a number of shooting and other violent cases with arrests, and recent data does show some promising trends. I also do not think it helps to undermine confidence in our police. However, there remains a lackluster community policing history and last year brought a no-confidence leadership vote from the union. Only new transparency can repair the perception of a reactive, not proactive, force.

I will reach out to all communities in Ward 3 so we can share our thoughts.

How will you address affordable housing and public housing in Annapolis?

The challenges are great living on a peninsula with limited land for new building in Annapolis, with a federal government pulling back from supporting housing here, with fear of infill development that could erode our infrastructure and worsen traffic, and with rents that are skyrocketing along with home prices while interest rates remain relatively high.

I foresee modifications to the MPDU program and continued focus on affordable housing preservation, particularly given HACA's funding challenges and maintaining its existing affordable units. The Choice Neighborhood Initiative redevelopment of Eastport Terrace and Harbour House public housing properties will be a major focus that needs careful oversight to ensure it serves residents effectively and that the new land is safe. As of now the expected location for replacement housing is the old Public Works land along Spa Road that may require significant remediation of contaminated soil.

I know with the Comprehensive Plan there will be an emphasis on infill development and adaptive reuse projects to try to increase the amount of housing opportunities here in Annapolis, but I will be looking to see if this new housing integrates well with existing neighborhoods and doesn't overwhelm infrastructure. I do expect zoning battles, and that requires careful monitoring and transparent conversations from our Council.

I remain anxious about the cost of living in Annapolis, and this is why I think we may also need to pursue transportation options and training opportunities for working families to maximize their earning potential.

How do you plan to balance development and historic preservation in the city?

Cities are always evolving, but yes there are communities and structures that define Annapolis that should be protected, and not just downtown. Development is not ever going to be stopped completely, but it has been slowed in places where residents rise up to push back, and I could help with that as an alderman.

How should Annapolis respond to the ongoing cuts to federal jobs and grants to local governments?

Annapolis like much of Maryland has become increasingly dependent on federal grants to pay for services and infrastructure. City and State politicians tout our proximity to DC for high paying jobs, but they have failed to diversify our economy for resiliency we now need. Annapolis does not control DC, but we can reduce our overall spending and our over-reliance on federal grants by developing alternative revenue streams, including expanding the commercial tax base through appropriate economic development and exploring public-private partnerships. This would give us flexibility to weather future shocks.

What else should voters know about you and your platform?

I am an Independent candidate seeking broad engagement of our communities by running for a seat on a council held exclusively by one major party. I am most concerned about the added cost burden brought on by ever-growing budgets pushing $200 million that could drive out residents in Parole and other Ward 3 communities. I do support adjusting the Homestead Tax Credit to discourage local politicians from funding city budget increases with equally large tax increases far in excess of the inflation rate without even changing the tax rate... and proudly declaring that!

I also want to make certain that funding for local stormwater projects is not threatened and want to press for consistent enforcement of parking and other city rules to keep us living and working smoothly.