Scientist Seeks Greener, Less Car-Dependent Annapolis In 3rd Term As Alderman

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: Rob Savidge

Elected Office Sought: Annapolis Alderman Ward 7

Political Party: Democrat

Profession: Environmental Scientist

Age On Election Day: 46

Website: www.RobSavidge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AldermanSavidge/https://www.facebook.com/AldermanSavidge/

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I've been serving as Alderman for the past 8 years and have shown my ability to get things done for Ward 7 residents. I've written and secured passage of the "no net loss" forest conservation act update which set the stage for other jurisdictions around the State to attempt to follow suit, though not with anything as strong as ours. I've also secured passage of what is likely the strongest Critical Area laws in the state, passed the designation of our waterways as No Discharge Zones, and updates our stormwater manage regulations and pollution control measures. On top of that my legislative work and proven leadership in that regard, I've also held 2-4 townhall events every year, and have secured records amount of funding for Ward 7, including bringing Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), getting Carrs-Elktonia beach protected and turned into a park, installing crosswalks, and securing numerous studies that will lead into improved mobility through expanded sidewalks, road diets, road safety improvements, bike lanes, and improved transit options.

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

I will approach it with full support of protecting our City Dock and downtown businesses and residents from climate change, and for reducing the parking lot so that we can add more usable space for the public, as well as more greenspace and trees.

How will you address crime in Annapolis?

I've supported most of the funding requests from the police department, ensuring they have the money to hire new staff and to provide adequate and competitive salaries, benefits, and equipment. I also have promoted and supported our shift towards community policing, as well as our violence intervention services. Related to that, I've supported the creation of our Office of Community Caring to ensure our residents have adequate support to intervene before anyone resorts to criminal activity. I have also promoted making our town more pedestrian friendly by giving people more freedom as far as how they get around town, so they don't need to rely solely on cars. With more eyes (pedestrians) on the street, this helps to reduce crime.

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

We need to increase our affordable housing stock, but a key factor often missing is providing affordable transportation alternatives to cars, which can be quite expensive to own and maintain, which drives up the cost of living. We must give people a free way to get around town without jumping in their cars, and I have lead the charge on advocating for making this transition to a sustainable mobility model. When we add housing, we need to be cognizant of the fact that we already have a traffic issue. Thus, any new development needs to be supported by transit. We must embrace transit oriented development that offers a solution to the traffic (car) and safety issues we face.

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

I have always believed that new development should fit into the character of the existing neighborhoods, and have advocated for such alignment over the years. This concept is included in our Comprehensive Plan, which guides our development to 2040. We are a town steeped in history and this is key to our identity and economic vitality. The City must do what we can do ensure new development respects that history.

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

Cuts to federal jobs impacts Annapolis because many of our residents are/were federal employees. We need to ensure our social services remain strong and funded so that we can support our neighbors. We need to develop stronger partnerships with the State to help replace some of the reduced grant money from the federal government.

What else should voters know about you and your platform?

We must focus on transitioning to a sustainable transportation/mobility system that breaks free from the exclusive focus on cars. This is the only way we can address the fact that Forest Drive, a Road in my Ward, is the most dangerous road in the County, with West Street not that far behind. Improving safety is an imperative. Similarly, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, 30% of which come from the transportation sector, is a moral imperative. Thirdly, it is imperative that we reduce the cost of living by expanding transportation options, and utilizing transit oriented development mechanisms to provide for properly managed growth that is in the community's interest.