Public Housing Revamp Is Goal For Annapolis City Council Candidate

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: Craig Cussimanio

Elected Office Sought: Alderman - Ward 6

Political Party: Democrat

Profession: Stay-at-home Dad

Age On Election Day: 54

Website: www.craigforward6.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craigforward6

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Ward 6 is home to some of the hardest working residents in the city of Annapolis. They deserve a strong leader who will advocate every day to ensure our needs are met. As a business executive for more than 20 years, I know what it takes to ensure complex, multi-million-dollar projects are delivered on time, on budget and meet the objectives as planned. The city has committed to significant initiatives that can benefit Ward 6, like the Choice Neighborhood Initiative in Eastport and the Tyler Avenue Complete Community. While I support the spirit of this work, we need a guardian who can stand up to special interests, put the voices of the residents first and chart a new path of efficient project management.

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

I support the flood protection and public space enhancements aspects of the plan. hese will help the existing residents and businesses first and foremost. Beyond that, we should be very prudent with every dollar spent on this project, as there are many needs to be met across the city.

How will you address crime in Annapolis?

The best way to address crime in Annapolis is to attack the root causes. Poverty, lack of opportunity and continual exposure to violence contribute to the cycle we all know we need to break. We must prioritize affordable and dignified housing, workforce development, mental health services, and diversion programs for our youth. It’s time to break the cycle of politicians talking about what needs to be done instead of taking action.

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

Concerns about affordable and public housing are among the ones I hear the most from residents in Ward 6. Safe, dignified housing that you can afford at any income level should absolutely be our goal across the city of Annapolis. One example of a project that should meet this goal is the Choice Neighborhood Initiative in Eastport. A lot of good research and planning has gone into the project so far, but the city has yet to identify a durable funding source and therefore no realistic start date has been determined. Meanwhile, Harbour House and Eastport Terrace residents complain daily about basic living conditions and safety. Communities like Robinwood, which is also in Ward 6, experience similar challenges. It’s time to deliver on the promises we have made to our neighbors by identifying funding for these projects and putting shovels in the ground.

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

Preserving the historic nature of Annapolis while ensuring smart development requires city code that is thoughtful, equitable and enforceable. We should build on the successes we’ve had balancing preservation and development and demand transparency as we move forward with new opportunities.

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

We need to partner with our state and federal leaders who are fighting for the citizens of Maryland and ensure that the Annapolis City Council acts with financial discipline to fund our top priorities in Annapolis.

What else should voters know about you and your platform?

This is a historic election for the City of Annapolis and there is an opportunity to create real change, with a new Mayor and at least four new City Council members. Ward 6 deserves an equal seat at the table and leader who is accountable, transparent, present and will fight for the interests of ALL our communities. I know I am that leader with the ability to drive consensus, stand up to special interests, and be a strong voice for Ward 6.