Will Cunha
Candidate in Nov. 4 general election Unaffiliated Eastport
Age: 37 on day of General Election (Nov. 4)
Occupation: Corporate Cybersecurity
Education: United States Naval Academy – Information Technology, 2011
Carnegie Mellon University – Heinz College – Information Security Policy and Management, 2018
Carnegie Mellon University – Heinz College – Chief Information Security Officer Executive Education, 2024
Previous political experience: None
Why are you running for office?
Since moving to Annapolis, my husband and I have poured our hearts and souls into our community. We’ve renovated a home, opened a small business (Oscar’s Coffee), and faced the unimaginable as a victim of violent crime. These experiences have given me more than a few gray hairs—they’ve ignited a fire and given me a perspective that can’t be taught.
I am running because we need a change. From my time in the Boy Scouts to the Naval Academy, the Navy, and the government, I’ve always felt an unwavering call to serve. This isn’t about me. It’s not about a resume bullet or a retirement hobby. It’s about having a real impact and making our community better for all. It’s about ensuring everyone in Eastport feels like they have a voice and a seat at the table. We’ve been told for too long to accept “that’s the way it is,” but I’m here to ask, “Why?” Every resident of Eastport deserves a voice that will listen, fight for them, and bring a Fresh Perspective to City Council
What issues are important to your ward? How do you plan on addressing them?
Throughout my campaign, I’ve made it my mission to listen first and speak second (if at all). As a homeowner and business owner, I’ve heard fellow neighbors’ frustrations firsthand: the fear of walking down our streets, the continually rising cost of living, and a lack of faith in our City to get things done.
We have a 2016 Eastport Traffic Study gathering dust on a shelf. Our City property tax rate has soared by 40% in 15 years, and how long does it take to get an email or call back from someone at the City?
It’s time for us to demand better. It’s time to implement recommendations we’ve paid for, take control of our budget and not price out our neighbors, and hold our City accountable to answer the phone! As the taxpayers, residents, and business owners who fund our community, we should demand accountability and real results for our investment.
How do you see housing and public transportation development progressing in the next four years?
Eastport’s strength lies in its unique character and diverse history. However, a rising cost of living has priced out fellow neighbors, while strict zoning laws prevent flexible, inclusive development.
Additionally, we’ve fallen behind on critical infrastructure. While the world embraces alternative transportation and environmental resilience, we still lack safe bike lanes, walkable sidewalks, and efficient public transit.
The time is now to change course. We must update our zoning laws to allow for mixed-use development that serves everyone, not just a few. It’s time to invest in safe, efficient transportation options that capitalize on our neighborhood’s walkable and bikeable layout. By focusing on these outcomes, we can ensure Eastport remains a diverse, attractive, and accessible community for generations to come.
Are there decisions/legislation from the previous council that you want to readdress?
While my fellow neighbors and I share deep concerns about the direction and funding of projects such as City Dock or the lack of action regarding basic needs such as safe sidewalks, I’m not here to criticize past decisions or the people who made them.
Instead, my campaign is focused on what’s next. I’ve listened to the challenges our neighbors are facing and am committed to offering practical, results-oriented solutions we can implement together, for the betterment of all of us. We must respect Eastport’s unique character while also challenging the status quo. Instead of accepting “the way it is,” we must ask “why?”
My campaign is about building a better future for everyone, not dwelling on the past.
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.
