Alderwoman Seeks 2nd Term Of Improving Pedestrian Safety, Youth Opportunities

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: Karma O'Neill

Elected Office Sought: Alderwoman, Ward 2

Political Party: Democrat

Profession: Business Owner - Event Planner

Age On Election Day: 55

Website: voteforkarma.com

Facebook: Karma O'Neill - Ward 2 Alderwoman - City of Annapolis

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Having served as the alderwoman for the past three and a half years I have gained valuable experience in what the job entails. I have met with thousands of residents and have assisted in providing resources, advice and help when needed. I have loved being the Alderwoman for Ward 2 and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve and work on issues important to our residents.

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

The city dock resiliency plan needs to be completed. Our businesses and residents have been hurt by the increased flooding and the high cost of cleanup. The project needs to be completed efficiently and swiftly so that businesses can focus on growth and prosperity. Whether the city receives the FEMA funds or not, the resiliency project will move forward. Some of the planned amenities will be put on hold until further funding is acquired. The waterfront welcome center, in some form, is also vital to the City as it will be a draw to boaters and travels from near and far. Creating the park, and moving the asphalt parking lot to city garages or other parking structures will give residents a common place to enjoy some of the best things about our city - waterfront views, great restaurants and shops.

How will you address crime in Annapolis?

Addressing crime in Annapolis starts with addressing the root of the issues - communities taking their communities back. Residents should feel safe and comfortable in their home. People who have been banned from a housing unit or area need to be reported and children need to be held accountable for their actions. Community policing has proven to be effective in lowering incidents in other jurisdictions.

The city needs to increase efforts in creating activities for youth, work on financial literacy for residents and provide adequate transportation to everyday resources such as grocery stores, doctor's offices and pharmacies.

Our police force is working towards hiring up to required staffing numbers. Officers working overtime and always being shorthanded leads to stress. Once fully staffed, our police department can be in more places, have more patrols both in cars and on foot, and be more accessible to our residents in our communities.

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

Public housing was never intended to be long term. We need to change the perception that it is okay for generation after generation to live in public housing. By creating paths to independence, we can break the cycle. Affordable housing can assist with this transition. By focusing on clean, affordable housing that is close to amenities such as grocery stores and bus lines we can work towards accommodating residents of all incomes.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify possible land for planned development and address the city's housing shortage. We will continue to look for developers who understand the issue, work with the city to develop smart growth that includes building up infrastructure, public transportation and pathways to wealth.

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

Current city code is clear on what developers can do in the city. Most new development would need major zoning changes to change the historic preservation codes and procedures. I plan to continue to work in the best interest of the residents, preserving the fabric of our communities. Developers wanting to complete projects in the city will need to identify the need and work with city planners to do the job right and within the scope of allowable construction in the city.

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

The ongoing cuts to federal jobs have already started to affect city residents. Annapolis needs to be proactive in its approach - increase our workforce development office and outreach. Continue to prioritize city residents in hiring and providing job fairs and resources.

The loss of grants will negatively affect many city programs including staffing in the office of Emergency Management where almost 60% of the employees' salaries are paid through grant funding and neighborhood revitalization programs that use grants to cover the cost of materials. The next mayor and council will need to address the budget with a very different lens than previous councils, looking for ways to both streamline expenses and find alternate funding sources for everyday programs.

What else should voters know about you and your platform?

My platform for the past 3.5 years has focused on pedestrian safety including crosswalks, sidewalks and safe biking paths. All residents should feel confident to move around the city safely without fear of accidents or their safety. I plan to continue this focus as several new roadways have been identified as problem areas. I am also focusing on inequities our city's youth face - lack of reliable transportation, access to school sports, and offering programs and activities to keep them off the streets.