Annapolis Election: Newcomer Scott Gibson 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

Scott Gibson

Age (as of Election Day)

39

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

Alderman - Ward 2

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I live in Admiral Heights with my wife Marion and yellow lab Hattie.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, 2013. Master of Governmental Administration, University of Pennsylvania, 2006. Bachelor of Arts, Mount Saint Mary's University, 2004. Later served on the adjunct faculty of Mount Saint Mary's teaching Political Science 101 as well as State and Local Government from 2007- 2019.

Occupation

Chief Strategy Officer at Melwood, a $100MM+ Social Enterprise supporting people with disabilities. Prior to that, more than 15 years of public policy and public administration experience in state and local government.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Twice appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to the Community Health Resources Commission (2017 and 2021), which manages the State's investment in healthcare access and equity. Asked by Mayor Gavin Buckley to serve on the Public Works Maintenance Facility Task Force, where I chaired the Finance Subcommittee. President of the Admiral Heights Improvement Association from 2018-2021. Served in the cabinet of Harford County Executive David R. Craig from 2007- 2013, where I served as a counselor to the County Executive, advising on policy, the County's budget, financial management and intergovernmental relations. Served in various roles in State Government from 2002 through 2007 including Deputy Director of the State Racing Commission and Legislative Staff to Maryland State Senators Hooper and Colburn.

Campaign website

www.scott-gibson.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I've never been one to sit on the sidelines or back down from a challenge.

When I reached out to Public Works about speeding along Cedar Park Road, I was shocked they responded by denying the problem.

I remember thinking this isn’t how government is supposed to work. So, I pushed back. I formed Walkable Ward Two and a petition for sidewalks. I refused to accept the status quo. And now, that sidewalk is in the capital improvement plan.

That’s when I decided the best way to serve my community was to run for alderman.
We share a common vision for our community. We want to feel safe in our homes. We want positive programming for our children. We want walkable communities. We want an economy that supports family sustaining jobs.

But our City faces challenges that threaten achieving that vision, and our leaders are not treating them with the seriousness they deserve.

We face a structural deficit that hinders investing in priorities, yet there was discussion of universal basic income.

Murder has increased over the past three years, yet 20% of our police positions are unfilled.
I’m running for alderman, because we need leaders focused on delivering good public service and common-sense solutions.

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

I have been focused on the city’s projected structural deficit, which threatens our ability to invest in our priorities. We simply won’t reach our goals if we don’t have the resources to fund them.

If running a large nonprofit has taught me anything, it is to never be afraid of re-inventing how you operate, particularly if it means delivering your mission better or for less. We must focus on finding efficiencies to free up funds for investing in priorities. Merging sewer services with the county reduced overhead and lowered costs while not affecting the quality of service. We should look to replicate the lessons learned and benefits gained in other areas of our operations.

The city can’t keep going back to the taxpayer hoping for more – especially when our tax rates are 35% higher than surrounding areas - and it is irresponsible to hold out hope that someone else – be it the General Assembly or Congress – will come along and pay our bills.

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

Experience. With nearly two decades of public service - both in the halls of government and at the helm of one of the region’s largest nonprofits and employers - I know what it takes to bring people together, find solutions, cut red tape, and get things done.

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

Ward Two is an open seat.

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 to COVID-19 was good. While the City's efforts did a lot to preserve the restaurant industry, we likely could have done more to protect our small business retail.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Public Safety. Our town just experienced its fifth murder this year, and it is a stark reminder that we are not yet One Annapolis. It is not OK, for our leaders to say that “Annapolis is a safe community” simply because violent crime is mostly concentrated in a small number of communities. Annapolis isn’t safe until every neighborhood is safe.

It is unacceptable to allow one in five police positions to go unfilled. Understaffing affects the size of patrols and hinders our ability to switch to a community policing model focused on developing relationships with community members and building trust.

Our efforts to stem the rise in violent crime must go beyond fully staffing the police department and include investing in youth programming and expanding workforce development. That is why I have been so focused on the city’s projected structural deficit, which threatens these priorities. We simply won’t reach our goals if we don’t have the resources to fund them.

Tax Relief. A stronger, more connected Annapolis means addressing affordable housing. Expanding the Homestead Tax Credit must be part of the affordable housing conversation if we value affordable home ownership. This tax credit is narrowly focused on primary residences with a single goal: helping homeowners deal with large assessment increases so they are less likely to be taxed out of their homes. It promotes long-term ownership and is particularly helpful at controlling property tax costs for retirees who have spent decades paying for their home.

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

Twice recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland's brightest up-and-coming leaders.

For decades, Admiral Heights residents have been concerned about speeding and lack of sidewalks along Cedar Park Road. When I reached out to Public Works about speeding along Cedar Park Road, I was shocked they responded by denying the problem.

I remember thinking this isn’t how government is supposed to work. So, I pushed back. I formed Walkable Ward Two and a petition for sidewalks. I refused to accept the status quo. And now, that sidewalk is in the capital improvement plan.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You have two ears and one mouth; use them in that ratio.

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

If I am elected, I am going to tackle the tough issues because I want a stronger community for all of us. I am going to work as hard as I can to make sure that, no matter where you live in Annapolis, you live in a community where you and your family feel safe, where there is opportunity, and where you feel connected.

Voting for me is voting for a stronger, more connected Annapolis. But more than anything, it is voting for someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves, do the hard work, ask the tough questions, and challenge the status quo. I humbly ask for your vote.