In an electoral decision closely watched by residents and political enthusiasts alike, Baltimore City voters voiced their unwavering stance yesterday, decisively rejecting a measure to significantly reduce the number of seats on the city council from 14 to eight. As reported by CBS News Baltimore, more than 60% of voters cast their ballots against Question H, favoring the preservation of broad representation over a leaner governance structure.
Supporters of the current system, like Baltimore City Council President-elect Zeke Cohen, warned that cutting council members could cause chaos at City Hall. Many, including the group Baltimore for Democracy, shared concerns that fewer representatives would reduce community voices and weaken the city’s representation.
The initiative, backed by People for Elected Accountability and Civic Engagement (P.E.A.C.E.), failed to garner the necessary votes, with preliminary results showcasing only 37.42% support. Jovani Patterson, chairperson of P.E.A.C.E., expressed his disappointment but remained proud of the dialogue sparked by the measure. “While we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, I’m incredibly proud of everyone who joined us in pushing for a more accountable and efficient government in Baltimore,” Patterson stated, as reported by FOX Baltimore.
The opposition did not sit quietly on the sidelines; a committee named “Stop Sinclair” became actively involved after Question H had been placed on the ballot. This committee, coincidentally sharing an address with a political consulting firm connected to Mayor Brandon Scott’s campaign, also garnered criticism from Patterson. In his words, they were “actually misleading the public using the name Sinclair,” which was about Sinclair, Inc.’s executive chairman David Smith’s support for the P.E.A.C.E.-backed measure. These contentions were exemplified in the issuance of cease-and-desist letters in response to alleged misrepresentations on the part of Stop Sinclair, as outlined in a statement provided by Sinclair Inc.’s general counsel and detailed by FOX Baltimore.
According to FOX Baltimore, despite the setback, P.E.A.C.E. and Patterson have pledged to continue their advocacy for government reform in Baltimore. Patterson stated, “Though Question H didn’t pass, our fight for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and real change isn’t over,” emphasizing the ongoing dedication to the cause of a reformed civic landscape.
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