Annapolis Election: Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier Seeks Another Term

ANNAPOLIS, MD — This is part of Patch's candidate profile series. We will post a story with the unedited responses of every candidate that completed our survey.

To learn more about the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, read Patch's preview at this link.

Name

Brooks Schandelmeier

Age (as of Election Day)

31

Position sought (mayor, city council, school board, etc.)

City Council

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

My wife Chelsea

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor Degree in Political Science from St. Mary's College.

Occupation

Annapolis City Council, 2020-Present

American Hospital Association 2017-Present

Former Bartender 2014-2020

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Alderman, Ward 5

Campaign website

https://www.brooksforannapolis.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I've in Annapolis for nearly a decade moved to Annapolis about 10 years ago and just this month I got married and officially started my family here. It’s why I know first hand how difficult it is for young families to get their start in Annapolis due to the high cost of housing. I also know how difficult it is for retired families to age in place. Helping build complete communities for everyone by tackling high housing costs is why I’m running. e.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Generations of bad land use policy have caused our city to be less financially resilient, more environmentally fragile, and more car dependent. I would like provide business’ incentives to reduce their car infrastructure and impervious surface, which exacerbates our storm water flooding, and instead create green space, such as parks or planting trees. I would also like to legalize duplexes on more of the city’s land. Instead of clearing large areas for sprawl, we can gently infill lots that are already developed while increasing our housing stock to help middle income families.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I'm a curious person that is always looking to learn more and incorporate best practices. Even on my own legislation, I am willing to make changes in order to improve it.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

We did a good job trying to balance the needs of public health and small businesses, ESPECIALLY restaurants. Outdoor dining was life line and I’m glad to see it continue in most areas. As someone who works in health care policy helping manage the pandemic was large priority for me. I delivered over 400 masks to small businesses, houses of worship, and charities so they could keep their works and guests safe.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I also care about addressing the digital divide. The pandemic proved that reliable internet is essential for families, especially ones with children, and too many cannot get online from their home.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In January cuts to the USPS caused water bills to be delivered weeks past due. Unfortunately the city also resumed shut offs that month. When someone reached out to me about having their water shut off I leaped into action. We found out what caused the problem, steps forward to ensure her water was reconnected, and prevented other shuts offs from occurring.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never stop learning, expertise now isn't expertise forever.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am working to make sure that Annapolis can thrive in the 21st century as a sustainable place for families.