Baltimore Voters Weigh In On What They Expect From Next Mayor
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—So what do the residents of Baltimore want the next mayor to do?
Adam May talked to dozens of voters.
They all had a similar message: make Baltimore better.
No matter who wins the Democratic primary for mayor of Baltimore, political scientist Dr. Lester Spence from Johns Hopkins says voters crave an open ear.
"People need to have a sense that their issues matter and that they have a venue to politically articulate and get the government to respond to those issues," Spence said.
And we found plenty of opinions.
What did voters say the next mayor to be focused on?
"Tax reduction for properties," said one man. "We need to attract new business to Baltimore."
"Jobs, the economy," said another. "That's basically it."
One Baltimore resident said he wants the next mayor to "create more jobs if it's possible."
Lowering property taxes is a top concern for one voter. "And cleaning up the city," she added.
A common response: "Other cities are more enjoyable, cleaner streets and public transportation system," said one man.
"We need our roads done," said another. "The streets are terrible."
Voters have a long wish list for a city struggling economically, like most of the country. But Spence says residents still need to see improvements.
"Baltimore has a lot more work to do if it wants to be a world-class city," Spence said.
A lot of other voters WJZ talked to brought up improving education. Surprisingly, public safety was barely mentioned.
