2024 Voter Guide
Compiled by the Baltimore Sun and Summarized by GBC
Sheila Dixon
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/04/11/sheila-dixon/
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?
• Cut the property tax rate. During my administration, we laid the groundwork for a 20% tax cut over the next ten years. We need to resume and build on that policy.
• Increase property taxes for speculators who hold the deeds to the vacants. Increase fines and fees on vacant and abandoned properties through the City Council. Support the passing of HB002 (GBC note: this bill passed during the 2024 legislative session).
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?
• I support the redevelopment and want to see the area progress into a pedestrian friendly area that can serve as an entertainment intersection for Baltimore Harborplace.
• Continued community input throughout the process will be key.
• We need to take a holistic approach and make sure the areas surrounding the redevelopment are positioned to see businesses return as well.
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?
• We need adequate transportation.
• Need the right leadership at City Hall to support the Red Line project.
• Build on alternatives like the Circulator
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?
• Current approach focuses too narrowly on rehabilitating individual properties or those selected by developers, rather than implementing broad community plans aimed at revitalizing entire neighborhoods.
• Need basic amenities like grocery stores, quality schools, parks, and community centers.
• Will establish a Neighborhood Redevelopment Authority to leverage private lenders and subsidies to finance projects, attract grocery stores and other retailers to compliment redevelopment projects, work with the Department of Planning to ensure community priorities are directing the work, and offer homeownership programming for residents.
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?
• People feel scared and powerless in their own neighborhoods.
• We need a data-driven approach to target violent offenders by leveraging tools like the Gun Offender Registry and revitalizing the use of tools like CompStat and CityStat.
• Be a true partner to the States Attorney’s Office in utilizing the citation docket to identify offenders, hold them accountable, and provide them with services.
• Build community trust with law enforcement. Get officers out of their cars and back into communities, create faith-based community partnerships, reinstitute the Community Partnership Division, and ensure a proactive Internal Affairs Division.
