Shannon Wright
Candidate in May 14 primary
Republican
Woodring
Age: 57 on day of General Election (Nov. 5)
Occupation: My current occupations are: 1. Ministry and community advocacy and education regarding public education, food insecurity, and economic opportunity 2. Entrepreneur: Author, Publisher; Gourmet Baker; Author of the book “White Folks Guide to Understanding the Black Community and Get Out the Vote”
Education: Undergrad: Virginia State University, Business and Economics
Theological: Mt. Calvary III Deliverance Outreach Ministries International Academy, Church Planting and Ministry Development
Continuing Education and Professional Development: NYU, Conflict Resolution, Peer on Peer Mediation, Interpersonal Negotiations, New Business start-up and Development, University of Minnesota, Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets.
Previous political experience: I have 15+ years of experience with policy analysis with community implications, issue-specific policy advocacy combined with successful strategy and management. I got involved in politics to fight for my children’s education. I know for a fact one of the best paths out of poverty is a good education. After success for our children. I continued to advocate for those in need. I have had the opportunity to consult on state level policy and be a part of HUD Thought Leaders Roundtable for urban solutions.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Baltimore City Mayor to put the charm back in “Charm City”. Last year’s crime statistics in the City of Baltimore was not charming. The growing rate of homelessness in Baltimore City is not charming. The lack of educational and economic opportunities in Baltimore City is not charming. I am running for the office of Baltimore Mayor to put real, viable, and sustainable options and opportunities on the table for all Baltimore residents. Baltimore City and its residents deserve for this city to be a city of inclusion not exclusion and collusion. I am running to bring transparency to government through sound fiscal stewardship and complete and consistent audits. I pledge to empower communities with the resources to redesign their individual communities based on the needs of the residents, and educational opportunities so that all of our children can compete in a global market.
Baltimore’s homicide rate dropped in 2023 for the first time in nearly a decade. How would you maintain that decrease while also focusing on quality of life crimes that make residents feel less safe in their neighborhoods?
We need a mayor with out ethics issues to change the spirit of lawlessness. We must get to the root of the problem then: 1. Require the Baltimore City Police Department to undergo a full certification and accreditation process. 2. Institute a grid block plan for the city. 3. Require officers to re train to use the citation docket to its fullest potential. 4. Institute community policing satellites in community centers around the city and a city-wide restorative justice initiative with all stakeholders at the table with accountability for lawbreakers and leaders.
Pressure is mounting to reduce Baltimore’s property tax rate, which is higher than surrounding jurisdictions. Do you think a reduction is possible and how would you accomplish it?
As Baltimore City Mayor, I would look to see a moratorium on any new or increased taxes as well as lowering property taxes. Taxes are levied as a way for Baltimore to afford the cost of necessary services. Without a complete audit, both performance and fiscal, any financial decisions are nothing more than a guess. If we audit and get rid of waste and if we audit and get rid of fraud, we will be able to reduce the projected budget gap and fund more youth initiatives. The city of Baltimore needs good solid fiscal stewardship, something that hasn’t happened in maybe a good 20 years. We, as the residents of Baltimore, deserve better than that.
How do you assess the performance of Superintendent Sonia Santelises and what do you believe is the mayor’s role in improving city schools?
Superintendent Sontalisise is one of the worst things to happen to Baltimore City Public Schools. It is my sincere hope that when her contract expires this June, it is not renewed. Baltimore City public school decline did not start under its current leadership but the decline increased exponentially on her watch. As Mayor, I would apply significant pressure in the court of public opinion on the board and Superintendent. I would also require, before the cities mandatory funds are released to the schools, that they undergo a full fiscal and performance audit with an actionable plan to get from where they are to where they need to be. I would also inform the members of the board that I will make it my mission to stay in office long enough to see them all removed for dereliction of duty.
Baltimore has been faced with massive increases in school spending under the state’s Blueprint for Education law. A structural deficit is expected in the coming year. How do you propose covering the mounting costs of education and other city spending?
As Baltimore City Mayor, I would tighten the belt. I would do a full fiscal and performance audit of the major service providers to see what’s working and what’s not and move resources to where they can be of better use. I would use the reallocated funds to help cover the anticipated Kirwin costs. I would hold that money as we wait for the final numbers.
Baltimore’s many vacant homes attract crime and decrease the quality of life for city residents who live in their midst. How would you assess the city’s current approach to vacant properties and what would your plan entail?
In terms of neighborhood revitalization in neighborhoods away from the water, you have to fix the neighborhood key indicators, in other words all the issues that help property value maintain or increase. You get crime down, education up, improve transportation access, increase curb appeal, offer incentives to neighborhood businesses and bring in jobs that stay in the community. In terms of Vacants to Value, I have seen very little value. Lastly, it is a sad state of affairs when the city leadership and short sighted policies are the biggest parts of the problem.
Many Baltimoreans rely on public transit to get to work and move around the city. What can the city do to improve access to public transportation?
We need a transportation plan with equity and equal access to all zip codes. The planned State cuts of the city funds from Highway User Revenue (HUR) will make this even more challenging. The bottom line is we need more access to public transportation for those that need it the most to be able to get back and forth to school and work and as Mayor we need to make it happen.
A plan currently calls for the redevelopment of Harborplace into high rise buildings offering a mix of uses including apartments on the waterfront. Do you support this plan and if not, what would you prefer to see in its place?
I do not support a high-rise plan for Harbor Place. I would like to see redevelopment height at or about where it is which is 2 stories for the 2 pavilions. To build high-rises in that foot print would be a slap in the face of those that have invested their dollars both commercial and residential for the view. It would also change the aesthetic feel of the inner harbor.
Editor’s note: Baltimore Sun Media received this candidate’s responses on March 15.
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