Challenger to incumbent Joe Budge (D) and candidate Larry Claussen (R)

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Elly Tierney fell in love with Annapolis while living and working in Washington, D.C. After a thirty-year career as a civil engineer, she was able to move here and open a bed and breakfast in the Historic District, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

 

Tierney holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and construction management and studied architecture and historic preservation. She is challenging incumbent Joe Budge because she loves Annapolis and believes that “Annapolis can do better.” She also believes that she can do a better job as alderman because she can draw on her professional expertise to help deal with critical issues such as budgeting, improving infrastructure, improving and implementing the city dock plan, and addressing sea rise. Tierney believes we must attack and fix our infrastructure before we address beautification issues.

 

One of Tierney’s key issues is improving Main Street economically by attracting a mix of businesses to benefit residents and visitors and standing up to landlords who set rents so high that many businesses cannot afford to be downtown. She wants to be business-friendly, not development-friendly. She believes that as a small B&B owner in the Historic District, she is able to see Annapolis through the eyes of both visitors and downtown residents. She also believes her experience as president of the Ward One Residents Association for three years to be invaluable in helping her understand the issues that residents deem important.

 

Tierney disagrees with some of Alderman Budge’s actions and representation style. She criticizes the “botched process and decision” on the old recreation center redevelopment, Budge’s reluctance to take stands on issues in other wards, and “his support of the change into the maritime business” zoning to facilitate the development of the Fawcett property. She also says she applauds Budge for notifying residents about the agendas for upcoming meetings and seeking their participation and comment, but that he provides little time to comment. Tierney believes the Ward 1 alderman should seek out community input, talk to residents, and survey businesses, and she intends to have “open-office” hours when residents can meet her in places such as 49 West to talk about their concerns.

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