Frank Thorp
Candidate in Nov. 4 general election Democratic Eastport
Age: 66 on day of General Election (Nov. 4)
Occupation: Communications and Non-profit leader
Education: BA in Operations Analysis from USNA; Masters in Public Affairs and Broadcast Journalism from American University ; Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies from Naval War College
Previous political experience: None
Why are you running for office?
I grew up in, and love, Eastport and Annapolis. I understand our issues. After a successful career serving in the Navy for 28 years and leading at the highest levels of the military and then the non-profit sector, I now have the time to use my experience, full time, to improving our community and making a difference in the lives of residents.
What issues are important to your ward? How do you plan on addressing them?
I am running to be the new voice for Ward 8 for three main reasons:
Public Safety: I have a plan to address parking, traffic, sidewalks and crime. Many recommendations in the five Eastport transit studies haven’t been addressed. I will go road by road and meet with the residents and city staff to address these recommendations and determine and put in place solutions to improve getting around in Eastport. There are too many gaps and utility-poles in our sidewalks – we must make walking in Eastport safer. Through Aug. 20, major crime recorded on the Annapolis Homicide & Gun Violence Dashboard had risen 50% year-over-year . We must provide resources to the Police, Community Services, Recreation & Parks as well as effective non-profits to both prevent and solve crime.
Spending: We need to overhaul our budget process, stop the massive increase in property taxes and prioritize spending.
Customer service: The city staff must be more responsive and we must fix the permitting process.. Let’s create standards for how long it takes to get a response.
How do you see housing and public transportation development progressing in the next four years?
In Ward 8, we have two major housing initiatives that I will work to have completed as soon as possible: the Tyler Avenue Complete Community which will provide mixed-use and mixed income housing to Annapolis and the Community Neighborhood Initiative which will replace Harbour House and Eastport Terrace with one-for-one replacements plus mixed used and mixed income housing.
Public transportation must be looked at in completely new ways that will increase its use by being more convenient and accessible, as well as being less expensive or free.
Are there decisions/legislation from the previous council that you want to readdress?
The City Dock plan will carry over into the new administration. I support completing as soon as possible the sea level rise resilience part of the project. The remainder of the project, including the Maritime Welcome Center, should be reviewed to ensure it is best for the residents and consistent with historic preservation and the city’s code.
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.
