Annapolis Election: Alderwoman Elly Tierney 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.

Editor's Note: Alderwoman Eleanor M. Tierney, who is seeking re-election in Ward 1, told Patch she was unable to complete our written questionnaire because she broke her wrist and is recovering from surgery. She gave Patch permission to post excerpts from her campaign website. The text below is a direct quote from ellyforwardone.com, where more information is posted.

ABOUT ELLY

Elly Tierney has been a downtown Annapolis resident and business owner since 2011 when she and her husband relocated from Washington DC. They recently moved to Park Place after a decade of running a successful Bed and Breakfast out of their residence in the center of the historic district of Annapolis.

In Elly’s first term she has consistently evaluated issues before the City Council through her professional perspective as a Civil Engineer and her career experience spent in commercial construction. She applies her understanding not only of building, but of an aging city's physical needs and the multi-prong approach it takes to address them. Issues such as flooding, as-built deterioration, and sustainability of the downtown area, compounded with limited funds have been addressed in her four-year tenure. She believes that protecting Ward One historical fabric is not incompatible with economic possibilities for a more livable and vibrant downtown. "Last year’s partnership between Historic Annapolis and the Mayor has set us on the right path with a solution for flood control elevating City Dock to withstand generations of rising sea level. Within the same plan Annapolis will gain a welcoming green space for all, not just a paved parking lot. The aging Hillman garage is finally being addressed with a design for a new garage that includes opportunities for future adaptive reuse."

Ward One residents consistently give Elly high praise for her email blasts, which are sent 4 to 8 times each month, informing constituents of city council agendas (with added explanations and insights), pending legislation, notices from the Office of Emergency Management, and other information that will affect the residents. These notices have exemplified her slogan “Ward One Alderwoman – Your Advocate, Your Voice, Your Neighbor”. Elly continually strives to be available for her community and to meet her goal to serve and inform and respond to her constituents.

LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

Elly’s legislative achievements have aligned with her objective of minimizing code language where necessary and distilling it to enforceable code. She also currently serves on the Housing, Environmental and Transportation Committee.

Her sponsored legislation addresses the following issues:

• Improving Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MDPU)
• Ensuring sidewalk safety, as per ADA requirements
• Establishing department performance measures
• Establishing an Affordable Housing Task Force
• Addressing vacant properties and storefronts
• Enabling legislation for establishing Recovery Zones during the pandemic
• Annual cap on liquor license fees to promote outdoor events
• Optimizing parking revenues to support transportation budget
• Establishing an Office of Emergency Management
• Addressing short term rental legislation in Conservation Zones
• Racial Injustice – Apology for Annapolis lynching of Henry Davis
• Environmental initiatives-no net loss and stormwater revisions

Legislation that has been drafted to be introduced in the future includes:

• Establishing a resiliency authority vehicle to secure funding for the City Dock project
• Introducing a leasing agreement allowing for Market Place outdoor dining to continue
• Increasing the existing sprinkler revolving fund to incentivize Main Street commercial buildings to be fully protected within 5 years
• Repeal the Urban Renewal legislation in the City Code
• 2022 Budget Ordinance which has transformed our budgeting process and reporting

Elly has been an untiring steward for Annapolis’ Historic District, focusing on downtown livability and a community that welcomes visitors. “I recognize that residents are the livelihood of Annapolis. They supported downtown businesses and restaurants through the pandemic shutdown, and provide the environment that attracts tourists and residents alike.”

Looking to the future, her goals are to ensure City Code aligns with the Comprehensive Plan, focus on Smart Growth, improve storm water measures, and redevelop Harbor House and other city projects. She is fiscally focused, and plans to use the new budget process to monitor spending, with the goal of avoiding tax increases.

"I am excited about the future of Annapolis. This administration has established the groundwork to move forward with big plans: City Dock revitalization, addressing sea level rise, and completing a comprehensive plan that we will use to move forward. I want to be a part of that."

“Most importantly, I look forward to maintaining my engagement with the residents of Ward One, keeping them informed and involved in the processes of government, as the City Council strives to meet their needs and plan for the future of our community.”