In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received.
How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?
TJR: DAILY
What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?
TRJ: Both biking and walking is great exercise....I would have an Annual Biker's Convention to highlight Bikers
Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?
TJR: I believe the current drving laws must be enforced.So bikers can have safe ride on the road.
Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?
TJR: I will focus on meeting with Bikers on a bi month basics. I will call it the Bikers Safety Hearing.We will meet every 3 months to talk about the safety and key performance needed to be put in place to make bikers and biking safe and fun in the city of Baltimore....
The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment?
TJR: Yes I am for a total revamp of the current MTA Routes...I am for the Red Line...I believe our MTA needs better routes to major sites.So people can go to work.
A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?
TJR: If people can have transporation they can count on.Then they can get to work and school faster.They can enjoy their life.They can enjoy what thecity has to offer
What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?
TJR: I want to have an comprehensive housing initiave....House Me...I want to provide housing for young moms,seniors,the disabled and the homesless.I will create jobs through a comprehensive community works programs...I want to create entreprenuers....I want to create business owners...I want to start a microloan program for young people...I want to rebuild the Enoch Pratt Free Library-Hollin-Payson Branch