Annapolis Election: Newcomer Rock Toews 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

Rock Toews

Age (as of Election Day)

54

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

Ward 8 Alderman

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married 26 years, two children in their early 20s.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration--Accounting

Occupation

Small business owner--bookstore. 26 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Appointed to Historic Preservation Commission

Campaign website

https://www.rocktoews.org/

Why are you seeking elective office?

To serve the community that has been so good to me for 31 years. I believe my perspective as both a small businessman with a shop on Main Street and a homeowner in the City is a perspective we need on the City Council.

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

There are a number of important and pressing issues facing the City but development has wide ranging impacts, affecting everything from traffic and parking to adequate police and fire coverage. I don't oppose development but we are a mostly built environment already. We need smart, balanced development that is sensitive to our infrastructure and capacity. There is a disconcerting sense that some projects get special treatment from the City or that Code requirements might be less strictly applied. I would fight to ensure that the City Code is applied equally and consistently to all and that the process and outcomes are predictable. That kind of a stable and predictable environment is necessary for both the community and developers to have faith in the process.

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

Small business experience, which brings a variety of skills ranging from true fiscal responsibility to the necessity of being accessible and responsive.

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?

I think the local response was reasonable.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Let's get the police department fully staffed to our budgeted number of officers. I will look for opportunities to improve public water access in Ward 8, particularly when properties change hands or are redeveloped. I would like to see us move to non-partisan elections in the City. We need to improve accountability and transparency within City government. I will work to protect our maritime zoning districts.

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

Longtime homeowner and small business owner. Have served on the City's Historic Preservation Commission; the Board of the Charles Carroll House; the Annapolis Lincoln Bicentennial Commission; the Board of the Mitchell Gallery at St. John's College; The City Dock Action Committee; and more.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You can learn something from anyone.

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

I'm more of a listener than talker, and am able to work with just about anyone. Of course I have opinions but I'm not afraid to change my mind if new information or perspectives warrant it. I'd like to see us find our way back to a place where it's okay to disagree sometimes.