Michael L. Dye
Candidate in Nov. 4 general election Unaffiliated Heritage Community
Age: 60 on day of General Election (Nov. 4)
Occupation: Engineer
Education: MSEE, University of Virginia 1990 (also BSEE, University of Virginia, 1987)
Previous political experience: Former member and chair of County Human Relations Commission, former Annapolis Republican official and member of two election code task force committees, former board member of Heritage Community where I live, and other volunteer work with local community organizations
Why are you running for office?
I believe citizen engagement in Annapolis has been hurt by political polarization emanating from DC and nationwide, and I wish our elections were non-partisan here. As a single party controls City Hall that may be unlikely, but I am now an Unaffiliated (Independent) candidate offering voters in Ward 3 a choice and an alternate voice on the City Council. My approach to getting nominated by petition is the same that I will bring to office: direct and equal engagement of all voters.
What worries me most here in Annapolis is that our city budget keeps growing — now around $200 million. We need to be more disciplined in how we spend, freeing resources for initiatives involving public safety, housing, transportation, stormwater management, and programs for our youth. And we need to be consistent in how we apply city rules.
I have maintained good relations on both sides of the political aisle and plan to bring that attitude to city government.
What issues are important to your ward? How do you plan on addressing them?
Housing/rental costs, traffic, crime (in some areas), environment/stormwater projects, and job opportunities (now that federal options are shrinking) are some topics. There are many aspects of these that are beyond our control, but we must be careful of our spending, debt, and liabilities to leave some flexibility in our budgeting to address these concerns.
How do you see housing and public transportation development progressing in the next four years?
Public resistance to more building is intensified because Annapolis is situated on a peninsula that constrains traffic flow and presents environmental restrictions. At the same time there will be continued pressure for new residential development with increased emphasis on infill development and adaptive reuse projects as land becomes scarcer. I do expect zoning battles, and that requires careful monitoring and transparent conversations from our Council. I also foresee modifications to the MPDU program and a continued focus on affordable housing preservation.
As for public transportation, regional coordination will become increasingly important, and Annapolis will have to make transportation more efficient and reduce the costs that portion of the city budget absorbs.
Are there decisions/legislation from the previous council that you want to readdress?
(no comment at this time)
View all candidates for Annapolis City Council View other races
The Capital Gazette’s voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. Any questions or feedback can be emailed to elections@baltsun.com, or read more about the questionnaire process.
