ABERDEEN, MD — Hunter Baker has entered the race for Harford County Council District E. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.
Below you will find Baker's responses, verbatim:
Name: Hunter Baker
Age: 32
Hometown: Aberdeen
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Email Address: hunterbaker4md@gmail.com
Website: www.hunterbaker.org
Facebook: @Hunter Baker for County Council District "E"
Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.
My previous political experience stems from online political commentary and being an Associate Member of the Harford County Democratic Central Committee. It helps me stay on top of political issues and maintain a media presence, which allows me to better connect with my constituents.
What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?
The single most important issue facing a majority of District "E" voters is housing and development. They go hand in hand. People need more affordable housing, but are tired of perceived overdevelopment. Getting the community engaged in the decision-making process should be a key focus for community planning. We need to plan smart, build green, and create walkable, safe neighborhoods with nearby transit infrastructure and green spaces. We also need green fields and environmental protection. Where, when, and how we grow should be a very public discussion.
How do you differ from other candidates running against you?
The incumbent, Jessica Boyle-Tsottles, is not a strong representative of the district and does not take firm stances on many issues. She often forgets important affairs happening in the district and sends her aide to go to meetings she can't be bothered to attend herself. She also takes significant campaign contributions from developers.
Her opponent, Douglas Philips, while promising to be more present and beholden to the community, does not represent the community well. He is very conservative and far more partisan than Jessica Boyle-Tsottles has been.
How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?
My professional experience has been as a nonpublic special education teacher. It has taught me a great deal about patience, empathy, and communication. I work with vulnerable populations who often fall through the cracks of the system. I am also a strong supporter of our local schools, and my background in education gives me insight as to what it's like in the classroom and what families with children experience. When our schools ask for money in their budget, I'll understand that they actually need it. I also teach classes like history and government, so I understand civic engagement well.
What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If that is you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished?
Councilwoman Boyle-Tsottles, as stated, has many areas to improve upon. I would be a stronger advocate for my constituents, a friend to the city of Aberdeen, a steward of the environment, a fighter for working-class people, and not someone bought by developers. While she does resist voting along party lines sometimes, my progressive vision for the county is what is required to support our most vulnerable residents.
How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?
Our schools need better funding to hire and retain talented teachers, bolster programs, give our young people extra things to do, and build additional schools where necessary. If we invest in our schools and teachers, we will see dividends when it comes to test scores and education outcomes. With multiple years of underbudgeting for HCPS, hundreds of teacher positions have been lost, and that is unacceptable.
How do you feel about crime in your area and what steps can be taken to reduce it?
Often, crime is a result of socio-economic conditions. Mental health stressors and drug use tie into how much people are struggling to get by every day. If people don't need to worry about how they're feeding their families or paying rent, crime rates will go down. In the meantime, working with local law enforcement to prioritize mental health and support for unhoused residents is crucial in de-escalating people in crisis. Our police should be members of the community and positive role models, not a group to be avoided or to be afraid of.
What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward?
Business is booming in Aberdeen, and downtown is undergoing a bit of a renaissance. There is a lot of room to grow in District E, but while growth can be good, I would want to get significant community engagement on additional development, especially if it will impact traffic patterns and local infrastructure that is already strained in some places.
How do you feel about transportation options in the area and what, if anything, should be improved upon?
I do support expanding local transit to further connect people with work opportunities and critical infrastructure. I'd like to see expanded bus routes, expanded hours, new bus stops, and the integration of microtransit.
What else would you like voters to know about you?
-Master of Public Policy from American Public University
-Wrote a thesis paper on affordable housing
-Family has lived in the community since the 1700s
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