Annapolis Election: Newcomer Karma O'Neill Runs For City Council

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

Karma O'Neill

Age (as of Election Day)

51

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

Ward 2 Alderwoman

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband, Sean O'Neill, Children, Carter O'Neill, Jillian O'Neill

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

BA in English

Occupation

Event Planner - 15+ years experience. I have owned my own business, KO Events, since 2009

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

First time political candidate

Campaign website

voteforkarma.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I would like to give back to the communty that has given me so much. I am a people person and a helper. When I see problems I look for solutions or new ways of doing things to make positive change. After serving on various boards and commissions in Annapolis I would like to take the next step and be elected Alderwoman for Ward 2 - a position of greater potential to help a larger population.

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

Our most pressing issue is safety of our streets. We all should feel safe in our homes and on our streets. One area we need to focus on is opportunities for our youth. Keeping children and young adults engaged helps the entire community. I plan to introduce ordinances that create after school programs and athletic leagues for our youth. Working with the police department I want to see the creation of new and enhanced Neighborhood Watch programs, community organizations and more cross-community involvement to move closer to the vision of OneAnnapolis.

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

I have lived and worked in Annapolis for more than 25 years - my opponent has been in the city about 4 years. I have many connections and personal relationships, which I feel can be leveraged for finding solutions to some of the issues our city faces. I want to focus on the parts of Annapolis that are great, the reason people choose to live here, while my opponent focuses on the negative.

For instance, my opponent focuses on Annapolis taxes being too expensive - my focus is showing value for our tax dollar. For a city, Annapolis residents pay less in taxes than Ellicott City, Rockville, or Alexandria yet we have many of the same, and in some cases more benefits. I focus on collaboration and community involvement rather than believing I can do it myself. There are many issues in Annapolis that can be solved by better involving the residents, giving them a voice, and seeking shared ideas to bring the community together.

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

n/a

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

Our city did a great job with the Coronavirus response. Officials acted fast, opening up doors for restaurants and retailers to stay in business. The ever-changing dynamics of the virus made it challenging, but our local officials adapted quickly.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Communication, Connection and Collaboration - I plan to increase communication within my Ward, giving voice to all residents by posting regular newsletters, hosting Town Halls throughout the year and using social media to distribute information. I want to connect our residents by enhancing Neighborhood Watch programs, community organizations and sharing information about City services and opportunities. By collaborating, we can be stronger. I am planning a Committee of Communities, bringing together groups from all over the Ward to share experiences, ideas and processes for change.

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

Much of my past work has centered around bringing people together. I am a people person who encourages leadership and am able to relate to people on a personal level. For instance, as president of the Maryland Seafood Festival, I brought together hundreds of volunteers each year to stage a three-day festival. I helped manage every part of the festival including sourcing vendors, securing rentals, working to secure sponsors and ensure our budget was adhered to. I have also served on my children's school PTA boards - working with people from various backgrounds to enhance opportunities for our children. Everyday in my work as an event planner I am tasked with creating itineraries, adhering to budgets, and managing people and expectations.
I believe these experiences will serve me well on the council as city politics are really about the people and doing what is best for our communities.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

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

I want to be the next Alderwoman for Ward 2 because I believe Annapolis is poised for positive change. Working together we can create safer, more connected communities in all parts of our ward, enhance our everyday lives by looking at safer ways for people to walk, bike and drive in our city, slowing traffic so our children are safe on our neighborhood streets, bring back a strong sense of community and belonging, and get to know and understand our neighbors better for the benefit of all.

You can count on me to listen, to learn, and to put in the hard work necessary to improve the quality of life for all Ward 2 residents.