Elect Katie McDermott for Ward One Alderwoman
A Trusted Neighbor. A Proven Advocate. Putting Residents First.
Ward One needs a change.
I am running for City Council to ensure that the residents of Ward One have a local government that will see them and hear them.
Our community deserves a trusted advocate on the Annapolis City Council who will prioritize and stand strong for resident interests. A candidate who will put fiscal responsibility, ethics, transparency, and solid public policy fundamentals at the forefront of legislative oversight and action.
Annapolis can reach its potential for all residents if we think differently about how to deliver and pay for services, coordinate improvements and innovations for the benefit all City residents, and protect our maritime and historic heritages.
We can build sensibly and preserve our historic and maritime heritages, but real solutions on parking, short-term rentals, affordable housing, crime, and delivering efficient and ethical government services will require a willingness to take on entrenched interests that for too long have put residents’ interests and quality of life last. 
The way forward is not to overbuild luxury apartments on the pretense of providing affordable housing, allow spot zoning at the City Dock, or allow the iconic Annapolis Harbor to be developed for a 90+-slip marina for yachts. These priorities leave out residents and the critical needs of our community, especially those in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.
I moved to Annapolis in 1986, and have resided in the historic district since 2007. Though a life-long Democrat, I know our Ward has an important diversity of views and firmly believe that all City residents must have a voice in their government. I pledge to represent all residents in Ward One and make decisions in the public interest without favor.
If elected, I will support legislation and initiatives to:
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Ensure ethical and transparent governance
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Refocus city priorities on crime prevention and enforcement in our vulnerable neighborhoods
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Protect neighborhoods from reckless over-development
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Restrict short-term rentals that erode our neighborhoods
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Fix resident parking and improve Hillman Garage access
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Reform public contracting and pursue fiscal responsibility
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Work for new solutions for affordable housing and revitalize public housing
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Advance resiliency and sustainability city-wide
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Ensure city infrastructure and permitting function in a timely and efficient manner
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Strengthen our arts, preservation, and maritime heritage
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Expand voting rights by including all residents in non-partisan primary elections
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Work to make county taxes return efficient and cost effective services to Annapolis residents
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Support our local small business community with policies that make sense and bring residents downtown to shop
Why I Am Running
There is so much that is great about Annapolis and that is why we live here. But, we can do better. My candidacy is motivated by current concerns about resident quality of life issues, including crime, grime, insensible parking policies, over-development, under-performing City services for our most vulnerable residents, fiscal responsibility, ethics and transparency. There is an imbalance in City policies and practices that over-focuses on tourism to the detriment of resident needs and quality of life. There must be a sea change in this imbalance – not just for us, but for the generations to come.
The Essence Of The Job
To me, being your Alderwoman means more than just showing up to vote. It means keeping you informed before votes are taken and explaining consequential developments. It means creating real space for your input and not just input from the special interests. It means understanding and telling you how some legislation is designed to unlevel the playing field for residents. When you have a problem, I’ll be there to help find answers and push for solutions. And, I will respect your voice and your tax dollars and work to make our government transparent and accountable.
We are all neighbors. I would be honored to represent my neighbors as we work together for a better Annapolis.
Katie McDermott: Let’s Move In A New Direction
Democratic Primary – September 16th. Vote for Katie for Ward One