Contested Races For Alderman

Five Annapolis wards have contested races for alderman this year. (Wards 1, 2 and 4 are uncontested.) We asked the candidates to tell us in their own words why they thought they were the best person for the job:

WARD 3

Classie Gillis Hoyle (D)

I am the best person to represent Ward 3 on the City Council because I am accessible and responsive to constituents. I will bring experience and continuity to the next administration on issues such as financial management, city growth, economic stability, intergovernmental relations and transportation/traffic improvement.

I have been a member of the finance committee for eight years and chairwoman for three. During my tenure, the city has held down the tax rate, while maintaining public services and all public employees. The city's reserve fund is above 15%, which helped maintain a solid AA+ Bond rating.

Scott Bowling (R)

I believe it is time for a change in the City of Annapolis and I believe the citizens of Ward 3 deserve better. I will bring a fresh perspective and a common-sense approach as I fight for the issues and residents of Ward 3. The current administration has approved bloated budgets, been forced to borrow money to pay the bills, and become side-tracked by special interests from meeting the real needs of the citizens of Annapolis. As the next alderman for Ward 3, I will make sure that the people have a voice at the table and are part of the policy-making process.

WARD 5

Mathew Silverman (D)

I am the best candidate for alderman in Ward 5 of Annapolis City because of my sound financial background, fiscal responsibility, and over 13 years of public safety experience. I have spent five years as a firefighter and eight years as a police officer. I know exactly what it takes to create a safe and secure community. As a police officer, I have worked for and with the community. I have seen first hand what safety needs Annapolis has. I have a bachelor's in administration of justice and I am a master's candidate, with one class remaining, in criminal justice.

James M. Conley (R)

In Ward 5 and the city we face a crossroads with the mismanagement of City Hall in the last eight years. As one of the "reform" candidates, I believe I have the best skills to lead Ward 5 and they are as follows: 100% for the tax cap and will make it my first legislative priority (my opponent does not believe in the tax cap, sounds like business as usual). I believe we should have a manager/council form of government to eliminate cronyism. I devote countless community service hours to PAL, as a certified youth football coach, certified volunteer at St. Mary's Schools; appointed to Anne Arundel Workforce Development Board in 2008, reappointed 2009.