Challenger to incumbent Fred Paone (R)

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Kurt Riegel says he is running for alderman of Ward 2 in order to bring to the City Council the knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, and energy necessary to achieve his goals for Annapolis. He defines those goals as being responsibility, vitality, and mobility.  He says the city has the responsibility of nurturing its financial health through operating efficiencies, broadened and equitable revenue sources, and sound management practices, while giving appropriate priority to public safety. Vitality is critical to Annapolis being a place where residents love to live and outsiders want to visit. The city must foster successful businesses, recreational amenities, attractive public spaces, a healthy environment, vitality in the arts, and close cooperation with its schools and colleges. Mobility is critical because business and community vitality depends on a transportation system that serves all local citizens. Our transportation system needs disciplined attention to all of its components—streets, parking, public transit, and safe pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle paths. Imagination and care will improve and balance a transportation system that serves us better.

 

Riegel has been a member of the West Annapolis Civic Association board, working to improve his neighborhood and better connect its residents, and has participated enthusiastically in the many activities that make Ward 2 and Annapolis a wonderful place to live. He intends to promote the business district in West Annapolis, including expanding public transportation into West Annapolis from downtown for the benefit of residents and tourists.

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Riegel's environmental activities and accomplishments, professional and civic, are the essence of who he is as a candidate. They span decades and include: president of the Severn River Association, member of the Severn River Commission, and member of the Annapolis Environmental Commission.  Riegel pushed hard for the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), the No Net Loss of Forest amendment to the FCA, stormwater legislation, work for preservation of forest in large proposed developments like Crystal Spring and Reserve at Quiet Waters, and much more.

 

Without criticizing his opponent, Riegel said that he feels he can better serve the people of Ward 2, that he has some excellent ideas for Annapolis, and that he wants to be more active rather than reactive on the City Council.