Andy Zipay
Candidate in May 14 primary
Republican
East Rosemont
Age: 42 on day of General Election (Nov. 5)
Occupation: Social Worker
Education: Bachelors in Social Work from UMBC
Previous political experience: Baltimore City Republican Central Committee
Why are you running for office?
To give voters a choice and if elected, to be an agent of change. We need people that look at things differently on the Council. Out city needs help on a host of issues. I am a conservative. I am into getting results. I am not interested in being the council for 20 years. I want to get things done that improve the city and see results.
What are the most pressing issues in your district, and how would you address them?
Crime, especially lower-level crime is most pressing issue. People need to feel safe. We need to hire more police officers. We need city functions to come back, like weekly recycling pickups. We need to do better fixing our side roads. And we need to initiate and invest in bringing new stores and markets to the area. I want to see exciting new things to open in my district. I want us to be open for business and make the market friendly to new entrepreneurs.
Baltimore’s homicide rate dropped in 2023 for the first time in nearly a decade. What do you believe is the council’s role in overseeing the police department and what would be your approach?
Homicides have dropped but lower-level crimes have increased. We cannot let this continue. We must increase our police force.
What do you believe is the council’s role in facilitating responsible development in the city?
It is huge. We need to promote lower taxes and welcome business opportunities into the city whenever possible.
Is the current structure of the City Council, and the balance of power between the mayor and council members, appropriate, and why or why not? If you would seek to change it, what would your model look like?
I think the current number of City Council members is fine. I would not increase it or lower it. I do believe the City Council should have more oversight on the Mayor.
What are the most important issues the council has dealt with in the last four years? Name several smart decisions and several not-so-smart choices members have made.
I cannot recall any good things honestly. It seems like they are always playing catch up and react only when the public becomes upset about something.
What weaknesses do you see in the delivery of city services? What can be done to improve response time and resident satisfaction?
We need improvement of the delivery of city services, like recycling and trash pickups. We need to spend money wisely and remember that it’s the people’s money. They pay taxes so that services happen correctly. This would be one of my top priorities. I will always remember that the revenue we have is mostly from the taxpayer and it should be treated preciously.
Editor’s note: Baltimore Sun Media received this candidate’s responses on March 1.
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