Annapolis Election: Newcomer Monica Manthey 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

Monica Manthey

Age (as of Election Day)

51

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

Alderwoman Ward 5

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Widowed

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

BA in Communications

Occupation

20 years in the Federal Contractors Space - Furniture Fixtures and Equipment

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

no

Campaign website

monicaforward5.con

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a public servant looking to make a difference in my local community!

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

CRIME/SAFETY - We need to fully fund our police force and get them the support they need to service us in our community!! We need to recruit from other places to get new talent. They need to have the support of our elected officials in getting them fully funded. I will work hard with the city council to get them the funding they need by reevaluating the budget and reappropriating funds accordingly.

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

I believe in fully funding our police - merging some services with the county - reducing our bloated city government - Non Partisan elections -

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

They all gave themselves a 31% raise during the pandemic and have allowed the bloated city budget to get to $152M while facing a structural deficit.

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

The impact to small business with the closing down, mask mandate, partially open process has been devastating. I would NOT have restricted them as harsh as we did here in Annapolis and Maryland. We need to do whatever we can to support small business.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We need to infuse this city with efficient thinking and reduce overspending. You deserve a city government that serves you not itself.

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

I have managed complex projects as well as co owned a business with my late husband that focused on LEAN principals and helping Veterans get their care faster. Balancing a budget, communicating well within a team, and working through complexity is where I shine. I have held various leadership positions in the past that have more than prepared me to serve in this capacity.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

If you continue to do what you have always done and expect different results, that is the definition of insanity. Be Brave! Chose courage over comfort!

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

I gravitate to leadership positions that serve a bigger purpose. I am resilient and few things can throw me off my game. Difficult decisions need to be made in a swift time frame for us all to be at our best as the Future is Faster than you think