We believe democracy works best when candidates for public office give voters a comprehensive vision for the future. That is why the Maryland Public Policy Institute asked each candidate for Mayor of the City of Baltimore to complete the questionnaire below. Our goal is to help voters in Baltimore determine which candidate is best qualified to unleash an economic renaissance in the city.

Only one candidate – State Senator Catherine E. Pugh – did not complete the questionnaire.

We thank all participating candidates for sharing their respective visions for a stronger Baltimore economy and invite all Maryland citizens to review their responses. The stakes have never been higher in Baltimore and we hope these responses help voters make a more informed decision about our great city’s future.

1. Do you plan to cut Baltimore’s property tax rate? If so, how much and when?

2. Would you support selling some city-owned facilities (e.g., parking garages, hotel, etc.) to raise funds for other public purposes?

3. Do you support expansion of charter schools or voucher programs to expand access to high-quality education for Baltimore’s poorer residents?

4. How would you reform the city’s public housing authority to assure that embarrassing events like the recent “sex for repairs” scandal do not occur again?

5. Would you support an increase in the city’s minimum wage to a level higher than that specified by the state or federal governments? If so, to what rate?

6. As mayor, will you support TIF’s, PILOT’s, or specialized and exclusive tax breaks on behalf of individuals or LLC’s that have made donations to your mayoral campaign?

7. Will you continue Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s efforts to reduce or eliminate the so-called “minor privilege fees” paid by Baltimore businesses?

8. Would you require each city agency perform an annual financial audit?