Republican Hopes To Cut Spending, Cap Taxes As Annapolis Mayor

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: Bobby O'Shea

Elected Office Sought: Mayor of Annapolis

Political Party: Republican

Profession: Business Consultant to the Defense and Medical Industry

Age On Election Day: 66

Website: www.boboshea.com

Facebook: bobosheaformayor

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Annapolis needs a mayor who will listen to the residents' concerns and values. A mayor who will put the city's needs over his own personal gain. Annapolis needs a mayor whose vision fits the character of our great community and establishes a path forward that fits this unique place we call home. That’s me! I will work to gain the trust of the public and create a city that all will be proud of. Every neighborhood has its own character, history, and goals. My administration will respect and preserve it. I will establish rapport with community leaders and receive input on their vision moving forward to better their neighborhood for all involved.
For over 40 years I have advised, consulted, and negotiated on behalf of manufacturing firms for telecommunications, satellite, defense, medical and government contracts in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southern and Texas regions. This has allowed me to establish a strong track record of bringing people together to identify new business ventures and opportunities. I have created partnerships between Tier One customers and suppliers that are leaders in their fields. My straight-forward, purposeful approach has earned me the reputation of a strong analytical person with my business associates and clients. This approach will be a breath of fresh air compared to the last eight years of self-centered decisions for our Beautiful City. Annapolis residents deserve visible, reliable results for every tax dollar. As mayor, I will cut waste and invest in maintenance, prevention, and community needs. I will reduce the budget and make it work for the residents who fund it.

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

My administration will actually have a plan that has secured guaranteed funding for the project. When in office the vision I take with the city will not put an additional burden on the residents of the City of Annapolis. It is disgraceful the path that has been taken to date by the current administration. Removing the Harbormasters Structure before funding is 100% in place for all phases of the project shows poor planning and execution. Considering our city is in peak boating season with 2 major boat shows on the horizon, the aesthetics that a visitor will see in an embarrassment. And where are the Public Restrooms? Maybe now the city will add facilities to accommodate our visitors. I will review the current concept, then establish an approach that fits the true character of Annapolis. I will listen then execute the concerns of individuals who care so much for the history of this city. Annapolis Preservation will be a goal of mine regarding all projects, big and small. As this project proceeds, my administration will be Transparent, Accessible and Accountable from start to finish. There will be NO Surprises.

How will you address crime in Annapolis?

Yes, it is true some studies are reporting a downward trend in gun violence since 2023 returning to the pre-pandemic levels. The problem lies in the varying methodology. Data excluded in one study may be recorded in another leading to different interpretations. An example would be shots fired, a crisis across our city. While some incidents of violence are trending down, ArcGIS reports incidents involving homicide, shootings and shots fired are up 50% from 24 to 37 year to date. I will keep all gun violence trending down by pairing transparent data with education, prevention, and focused enforcement. My administration will publish an accurate dashboard with plain language definitions and share data monthly. Host regular community walks and resident listening sessions to build public trust. Mentorships and after-school programs will be two of the avenues I plan to implement which will promote prevention. Creating hot-spot foot patrols and working closely with law enforcement to identify repeat violent offenders.

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

The city’s property tax is excessive. I support a maximum 2% assessment rate of increase for the Homestead Property Tax Credit for owner-occupied homes. Housing becomes affordable when the tax burden no longer cripples the homeowner. I am against high-density development that diminishes our quality of life. We cannot allow development that overburdens our schools and infrastructure. My administration will help families protect their generational homes through property tax freezes or assessment increase limits. Create a registry of abandoned and neglected properties and create public-private partnerships to turn the properties into unique and affordable homes. Reduce permit fees on ADUS and first-time homeowners restoring dilapidated properties. I will enforce inspections in our public housing. Establish a “quality of life” for all the rental units. It does not matter if the home is affordable, if it is not livable. Less than 10% of the city is undeveloped. I will protect that asset.

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

I support controlled Annapolis Preservation

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

The City of Annapolis needs to be able to stand on its own! If the city creates budgets that are supported by Federal dollars and grants that change over time depending on administrations our city will fail. Creating a budget that has the city live within its means will be how success is achieved. As Mayor I plan on actively pursuing Economic Development to convince Hi-Tech companies to locate in Annapolis which will bring high paying jobs with benefits. The city budget has risen from 106 million in 2017 to nearly 200 million today. How does that increase compare to your household income gain? The City of Annapolis does not have a revenue problem; it has a massive spending problem.

What else should voters know about you and your platform?

A question all voters should ask. How has City Council voted on bills over the last 8 years? Many 9-0 votes. Everyone voting in agreement. Frank Discussions, Different Points of View and Conflict always create a better, balanced result. My concern if the City Council continues to lean in only one direction this beautiful place will be lost forever. Overdevelopment of affordable housing that is not consistant with the existing neighborhoods. Why do these individuals feel as though we are equals to Large European cities? Annapolis has smaller budgets, footprint and population. They feel we can do projects on the same scale as an UNESCO city. This is a Recipe for Disaster! I look forward to being the Mayor of The City of Annapolis and working with all to make this place we call home enjoyable for all.