2024 Voter Guide
Compiled by the Baltimore Sun and Summarized by GBC
Bob Wallacehttps://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/04/11/robert-bob-wallace/
Category: Taxes
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?
• My goal is to cut Baltimore City’s property tax rate by half within seven years
• This involves gradual, manageable reductions to make our city’s investment climate competitive with surrounding counties.
• It is designed to benefit homeowners, renters, and local businesses by reducing their financial burden and encouraging growth and prosperity throughout the city.
• We need to broaden our tax base and stimulate investment.
Category: Harborplace
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?
• Expresses opposition to the current Harborplace redevelopment plan.
• It should focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and community benefit.
• It should prioritize mixed-use spaces that blend affordable housing, local businesses, and green spaces, encouraging community engagement and economic diversity.
• It should enhance Baltimore’s waterfront while respecting its heritage, providing public access, and bolstering the city’s resilience against climate change.
Category: Transportation
Many Bal�moreans rely on public transit to get to work and move around the city. What can the city do to improve access to public transporta�on?
• The transportation focus should be reliability, accessibility, and connectivity.
• We need to invest in infrastructure improvements, expand service hours, and increase the frequency of buses and trains.
• I will work with state and federal partners to secure funding and support innovative solutions like on-demand transit services.
• We need to create a comprehensive, user-friendly system that reduces commute times, connects underserved communities, and promotes a sustainable, economically vibrant Baltimore.
Category: Vacant Housing
Bal�more’s many vacant homes atract 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 proper�es and what would your plan entail?
• I propose aggressive redevelopment ini�a�ves, will incen�vize private investment, and leverage federal and state funds to rehabilitate these proper�es for residen�al and commercial use.
• We need to streamline the process for acquiring and repurposing vacant proper�es, ensuring they become assets to their communi�es rather than liabili�es.
Category: Public Safety
Bal�more’s homicide rate dropped in 2023 for the first �me 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?
• I propose a holistic approach of prevention, intercession, and enforcement.
• I will form strategic partnerships to introduce innovative solutions, rebuild trust between the police and communities, and incentivize police officers to live within the communities they serve.
• We should address the root causes of violence with expanded mental health and addiction resources and provide meaningful alternatives for youth.