6th District County Council Candidates: Primary Election

Towson Communities Alliance sent a questionnaire to the candidates for County Council in District 6 that includes most of Towson.

Briefly describe your background, and why your experiences make you well suited to represent the greater Towson area on the Baltimore County Council

Dr. Tony Campbell – Faculty, Towson University (2004-present). Vice Chair, Baltimore County School Board Nomination Commission. Member, Baltimore County Charter Review Commission (2017). Member, P-20 Leadership Council on Education. Former Army Chaplain.

What steps would you take to improve public safety for the residents of Towson?

Advocate for a regional approach to reduce violent crime. Violent crime in the 6th Councilmanic District (including Towson) is impacted by the lack of enforcement of crime in Baltimore City. I will address it in four ways – publicly advocating for the removal of the City of Baltimore’s State Attorney, making sure County Government helps to share a positive image of our County Police to boost morale of our officers, to recruit new members to the Department and work on programs to strengthen officer retention, and to look ways to bridge the communication gaps between the Police Department and the communities they serve.

What are your priorities regarding development in Towson?

Managing future development and maximizing green space in older communities of the County is a major part of local government taking the lead on addressing climate change.

For example, the lack of green space in the Towson area is concerning, county government should make every effort to expand green space in areas such as Historic East Towson to make sure all of our County residents have access to an environmentally healthy and peaceful recreational space that improves the lived experience of people of all backgrounds while bridging communities.

What policies do you support in regards to transit and transportation in the greater Towson area?

As a former MDOT employee, and the former state coordinator for bicycle and pedestrian efforts for MDOT-SHA, considerations for transit and transportation projects must be weighed against environmental outcomes as well as quality of life measures which includes having adequate green space to make sure our communities are livable and enjoyable.

Making Towson more walk able is a reachable goal. Having increased schedule coordination between TU commuter buses, and the Towson Loop and other providers, can help to reduce traffic congestion in the greater Towson area and provide a necessary transportation infrastructure for local residents.

What steps would you take to ensure greater transparency in Baltimore County government?

Give the Inspector General broader investigatory powers including independent audit authority of the actions of County Government.

Allow for more transparency into the development / zoning process including any potential conflicts of interest between developer projects and political benefactor.

What issue will be your principal focus during your first term as Councilperson for the 6th District?

Demanding accountability from BCPS Central Bureaucracy on Charles Street. If elected, I will push for the County Council just like other legislative bodies, to have robust oversight authority on how, why, where and when BCPS allocates and spend the money given to it by the taxpayers of Baltimore County.

Briefly describe your background, and why your experiences make you well suited to represent the greater Towson area on the Baltimore County Council

I have served the Towson area for 21 years – first as a West Towson Board Member and since 2005 in community leadership with Towson Communities Alliance. I have also chaired the Loch Raven 4th of July Fireworks. In 2011, I was appointed by the County Executive and served 8 years as a Board of Trustee member for CCBC. I’m a 15 Year Loch Raven Optimist Club member. Served on Master Plan 2020 Committee. Co-chair and founder of the Towson University’s University Relations Committee. Chair of Urban Design Principles Committee of Tomorrow’s Towson.

What steps would you take to improve public safety for the residents of Towson?

I think it is time for county leadership to address crime prevention as not the sole responsibility of the police department, in that public safety is a quality of life issue.

I would advocate for:

• Adding more foot and bike patrols. Improving lighting and surveillance – all can help reduce opportunities for crime.
• Possibility of bringing back the Police Auxiliary to free career officers of some non-crime fighting responsibilities.
• Strengthening county programs that deal with root causes of crime – drug abuse, family crisis, mental health services, etc.
• More community based solutions like PAL centers, youth sports networks, camps and even community gardens to help at risk neighborhoods provide needed programs for youth and adults.
• Long Term – tying educational outcomes and skills training to reducing crime.

What are your priorities regarding development in Towson?

• Large developments should provide or help finance new greenspace and outdoor / community amenities for residents.
• Increased community engagement in the development process
• Adequate Public Facilities legislation
• Increase Tree Canopy for Towson and add a linear park like bike / walk trails
• Redevelopment of underutilized commercial properties
• Realistic planning for dealing with increased traffic
• Creative opportunities for sustainable energy generation

What policies do you support in regards to transit and transportation in the greater Towson area?

Making Towson more walkable and bike friendly. Implementing some of the guidelines from the UDAT. Supporting increased use of the Towson Loop. Coordinating with the MTA to insure that we have enough transit to accommodate the increased volume of people.

What steps would you take to ensure greater transparency in Baltimore County government?

I’d like to see County Council Work Sessions at night. Proper notification of development projects to neighboring communities. Support the Inspector General’s role in government oversight.

What issue will be your principal focus during your first term as Councilperson for the 6th District?

Addressing public safety and education issues. Addressing decreased proficiency rates in Baltimore County schools and specifically in Towson insuring that the Towson High replacement (while maintaining the historic portion) is completed as soon as possible.

Briefly describe your background, and why your experiences make you well suited to represent the greater Towson area on the Baltimore County Council

As a lifelong resident of Baltimore County and someone who grew up within the district, I have great familiarity with the communities and issues that are important to both individuals and families. I’m also a husband and father with a diverse social-economic background. Working as a small business owner in real estate, I help families and individuals actualize their piece of the American Dream. In addition, I also work in healthcare with stage 3 & 4 cancer patients. Service to people has always been a focus of mine, giving back to our communities during clean up days and back-to-school events. We have also displayed our ability to serve the greater Towson area in how we have run our campaign. We have knocked on thousands of doors to hear firsthand what is important to voters in Towson and have also supported various community events and initiatives. So, when it comes to constituent service, relationship management, and the business acumen necessary to continue moving our district and Baltimore County forward, through my experiences, I have the transferrable skills and leadership qualities to be successful in representing our district and the greater Towson area on the Baltimore County Council.

What steps would you take to improve public safety for the residents of Towson?

I would focus on maintaining and increasing the strength of our public schools. Strong schools are reflective of strong, safe communities. Development would also be an area of focus. We must be mindful of the type of development we bring to our communities. I will also advocate for our first responders, ensuring they have the necessary tools, resources, training, and staffing to be ready when we need them as well as to do their jobs ethically and safely. Lastly, I would partner with community anchors such as the Towson Chamber of Commerce and Towson University to ensure that our communities, businesses, and campuses are safe.

What are your priorities regarding development in Towson?

After speaking with many neighbors in Towson, the consensus seems to be that Towson has seen its fair share of development. My priority would be smart growth in partnership with the community. As Councilman, I will represent the community’s interest and support initiatives that preserve our environment, increase access to greenspace and recreational opportunities. I would also investigate options that mitigate traffic and concerns of overcrowding.

What policies do you support in regards to transit and transportation in the greater Towson area?

The Towson Loop has served over 20,000 riders, proving its worth to the greater Towson area. I would advocate for policies that help to expand the route, allowing more residents and communities access to the Towson Loop. I would also advocate for street scaping, safer bike lanes, and bike racks to encourage more cycling as a mode of transportation in Towson.

What steps would you take to ensure greater transparency in Baltimore County government?

I will continue to support the independent Inspector General. In addition, much like the County Executive, I would continue to host town halls and attend community meetings to ensure that constituents are aware of what is happening in local government and that I am aware of what is happening in our local communities.

What issue will be your principal focus during your first term as Councilperson for the 6th District?

Education will be my principal focus. Public schools are tied to everything from our children’s educational experience and the jobs that come to our communities, to the safety and strength of our communities. As a father and someone who went to public schools, I know the value of having access to a good education. I will work to raise the bar for all schools to help get our children out of trailers, keep them safe, give more families access to strong schools, and support our teachers with the proper benefits and resources that keep them from feeling burnt out.

Briefly describe your background, and why your experiences make you well suited to represent the greater Towson area on the Baltimore County Council

I am a lifelong resident of District 6 from Overlea-Fullerton. I attended Baltimore County Public Schools from K-12 and attended Stevenson University where I majored in Visual Communication Design. After graduation, my community association put out a request for a graphic designer. I volunteered and that turned into a decade long involvement ranging from the Board of Directors to serving for five years as their second woman President ever in their 65+ year history. During this time, I advocated for issues ranging from zoning to successfully testifying for over $100,000 in grant money for our local park, and advocating for our schools. I also would provide a bridge between residents and local officials, state officials, and Baltimore County Police Department. In 2020, I was appointed to the Baltimore County Code Enforcement Task Force. During these meetings, I helped identify issues in Code Enforcement and made recommendations on how to fix issues.

What steps would you take to improve public safety for the residents of Towson?

I would partner with community organizations and the police department to help identify the areas of immediate concern. From there, we will take steps to increase policing and work to help create additional Citizens on Patrol for the communities that want them. I would also work to create opportunities for our youth such as reopening PAL Centers and creating Teen Centers that will provide them with activities instead of lingering around the mall.

What are your priorities regarding development in Towson?

As a community first candidate, I believe it is up to the citizens to have the most say regarding development*. I also believe in smart and equitable redevelopment. My top priorities would be to preserve existing and create additional green space in Towson. I also believe we must protect Historic East Towson. This means not moving forward with Red Maple and working on funding for the Freedom Trail. Before any other development, I would reexamine any community plans in conjunction with the community and business associations. And I would also work to create community plans with the Department of Planning to help any community that does not have an existing plan in place.

* I do not accept money from developers in my campaign.

What policies do you support in regards to transit and transportation in the greater Towson area?

I believe in access to public transportation. Opportunities to access transportation like The Towson Loop should be explored and through community input expanded or modified to better serve more residents. There should be ample opportunities for residents of Towson to access county and statewide transportation. I also support alternative transportation methods such as bike trails and pedestrian friendly corridors.

What steps would you take to ensure greater transparency in Baltimore County government?

I fully support the Office of the Inspector General. I firmly believe the Inspector General does not need additional oversight and I would vote against any bill that would limit the abilities of the Inspector General to do their job. Additionally, I would fight for additional transparency when it comes to the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP). This would include notices at hearings and easily available access to donors and lobbyists (instead of having to dig for them online) who have given donations or had an audience in front of the County Council. I would also be open and transparent to my constituents about any meetings that are had about development, zoning, and advocacy issues.

What issue will be your principal focus during your first term as Councilperson for the 6th District?

It’s hard for me to narrow down to one focus. One of the big focuses during my first term will be rebuilding trust in our communities. So many areas in District 6 do not feel heard by local government or question why one area gets a park and their area doesn’t or why they can advocate for an issue and the Councilperson votes against it. There are also issues with charter related concerns, campaign donations, and transparency that has caused a major mistrust. I feel like my first term will be spent rebuilding that trust and repairing issues that have arisen. My other big focus will be a review of community plans and establishing changes to them or creating new plans. Many areas in District 6 are on the verge of crashing due to overdevelopment or due to a lack of investment. I want to meet with communities and establish what the needs are and how I as the County Councilwoman can help create the best communities in Baltimore County.