Good evening everyone.
I'm Jason and over the next
hour, we will hear from the top 
Democratic contend in the 
2020 race for Baltimore city 
mayor.
normal circumstances, 
would all in the same room 
together, but nothing is normal 
these days.
we are doing this virtually 
using the Zoom.
Our questions tonight from 
journalists here atbal-TV 11, 
news radio and f 101.5 along 
with Maryland public television.
in of the time 
but can't control things like 
video quality and connection 
speeds.
did the candidates to 
leave their mic unmuteed for the
length of the debate and as you 
will soon see, that led to some 
candid moments.
 Democratic candidates are 
Sheila Dixon, former under
undersecretary of the treasury 
for domestic finance  Miller
Miller.
council president 
Brandon Scott, former spokesman 
for the battle lore County 
Police Department T.J. Smith
deputy Attorney General 
of Maryland and current battle 
lore city mayor Jack.
 more note we geted.
did not edit any of the 
candidates response to ours or 
their final 
statements
said it and you are going 
to it and we hope enjoy 
tonight's debate.
 first question comes from TV 
anchor Deb Weiner.
>>  response to the 
coronavirus pandemic has been 
the greatest test of modern 
political leadership.
recovery phase may prove to 
be an even bigger challenge with
some argue that decisions 
made by America'ss will 
have generational consequences.
Knowing that all cityies may not
survive, what is your over
overall plan to grow the local 
economy and save small business
businesses while reducing the in
inequality that the pandemic has
shown a shone a bright light.
Thank you the.
 up on this round is 
Brandon.
Scott.
know that COVID-19 a 
public health pandemic the 
economic fallout we haven't in a
lifetime.
we can see my leadership 
throughout this process gives 
people the idea what have 
would do as mayor of Baltimore 
making sure we have the racial 
and zip code debater and also 
being the first in the race to 
put out plan that about we can 
deal with COVID now 
and after COVID-19 pandemic 
ended.
 do we to do?
to invest making sure we a 
robust workforce 
development program that focuses
in on people who lost their, 
making sure the city is 
ready, getting a commission on 
how we can come out of it and in
infrastructure 
programming that we, invest
investing in small business, 
in particular in neighborhoods 
that are hit the most and make 
sure we uplifting city 
government making it as 
effective and efficient as 
possible as we move forward in 
the future.
>> Sheila Dixon.
next.
>>  the.
a trying time and do I to take a
moment to commend 
the mayor as well as the 
governor for enlightening and 
keeping us apprised on this 
pandemic.You, we haveed 
challenges even before the 
pandemic, violent crime in our 
city it relates to health 
disparityies, as relate 
increasing opportunities so 
businesses within city, 
particularly small businesses 
and we are going to have 
really step up in an aggressive 
way so have a plan on my web 
set that talks about the 
recovery after COVID and so we 
are going to increase and 
enhance recovery plan for small 
businesses by provideing loans 
and grants and opportunities.
 have to work the medical 
institutions to deal with the 
pandemic and in the future 
for those individuals faceing 
illness and we've got to 
work cohesively to do.
to crow eight a COVID-19 
hot line that provides mental 
health services for our 
residents because when we come 
out of, is not going to 
be the same.
We are going have to tighten up 
city government, streamline city
government and we are to 
have to do in an effect itch 
and efficient way.
>>  Miller, you are up next
>> .
 think the most important thing 
to make sure have the 
public health safety net in 
place as we plan for economic 
recovery.
need a fiscal plan for 
city that will get us through 
the next couple of years 
are going to be difficult the 
city when we turn 
lights back on.
think we need to build bridges 
our budget stabilization 
reserve.
 also think that we need to tap 
the federal aid that is out 
there from the federal 
government, the treasury, the 
federal reserves, the municipal 
liquidity facility.
That what can help us get 
across this difficult period 
the city.
Some specific ideas I have right
would be to use the 
opportunity to come back strong
stronger a city, to end 
digital divide city bying 
internet access to 
everyone, including for tele
telemedicine.And I think we be 
working 
with the state to declare a 
public transit fare holiday for 
the rest of 2020.
>>  your time.
>> Thank for this 
important.
 1918, the difference in the 
approach in Philadelphia and St.
Louis became a textbook 
illustration of what why 
leadership matters in the middle
of public health crises.
 did it terribly, 
St. Louis did it well.
 make sure Baltimore is an of to
to a 
global pandemic
We outlined a three horizon plan
from recovery and 
prosperity.
The first fades is disaster 
relief.
 matter.
$250 million in immediate 
stimulus to make sure that our, 
are right 
now, are having their heating 
and air conditioning units 
prepareed, that our streets 
are sparse right are having 
repairs an renovations done.
second phase, 6-18 months 
we are to cut property tax
taxes in half, starting 
immediately over the course of 
10 years and then invest in 10 
specific industries. long-term 
have pledgeed 
to launch a next generation new.
 double A bond rateing is not 
some trophy to be bragged.
an asset to be used and now 
is time to use.
>>  next up is mayor Jack 
young.
Thank you for 
opportunity.
I'm doing everything that these 
candidates are talking about.
 have a COVID-19 recovery team 
in place
We a COVID-19 small business 
task force that's in place right
.
 have a partnership with 
Goldman Sachs for 10 million for
forgiveable loans and as 
mayor of the City of Baltimore, 
we did a $5 million grant for 
small business.And if you look 
what I'm 
doing right now for COVID-19, 
everything that I'm doing, we 
are leading around the country.
 are calling Baltimore to 
find out what doing and 
how we are getting done.
was just citeed on CNN this 
morning for great work I'm 
doing.
 White House is already 
commenting on great I'm 
doing during this COVID-19 
pandemic
 I'm doing everything that 
these candidates are talking 
about.
doing it.
 need just and 
what I'm doing.
>> , thank you.
finally T.J. Smith.
>>  one of the things that we 
are to have to do is a 
post mort post mortem on our 
COVID-19 response
 not to aspersions but 
to understand it a pandemic 
something we nevered.I give the 
mayor credit for 
staying in the trenches under 
these circumstances.
, we can look and were we to be 
doing 
outreach to the homeless 
community sooner?
 we supposed to be doing out
outreach to communities of color
were going to be greatly 
impacted this COVID sooner?So we
have to look at that, 
understanding that going 
to have additional waves of this
in the future and ensuring that 
we have a better capacity to do 
with it
We to look at the job 
opportunities that could 
 to really push the 
federal government for 
jobs
to get into more serviceed job 
market but also as 
we are produceing more PPE, how 
can brought moreians who found 
themselves a , get 
some of the jobs massing 
PPE for residents and businesses
in and around the state.Thank 
you.
 number 2.
comes from wbl radio, he the 
next question
>> Baltimore continues lose 
population while most American
ies are gaining population.
 mayor what you do to 
entice people to move into 
Baltimore as well as keep 
families that are here from 
leaving
>> Sheila Dixon, you are first
>> , first of all, we have 
to retain the that we 
have so have to address the in 
this city.
It has been outrage us for the 
last five years that crime has 
been of control, even this we 
should 
not have had-- we have 
been able reduce crime and 
haven't.
to get more foot police 
out on the streets.We have to 
with our state 
MTA police school.
number one.
 two is education.
ing behind our 
kids right now.
not open for the 
rest of the remaining season.We 
to create-- I want ex
extend the school to provide 
safe havens for young  and 
adult.
to deal with the 
divisional divide as as regards 
technology.
 put $23 million into 
laptops and tablets well as 
internet service for our kids 
because this not going to be 
over
Then we are going have have 
testing at our schools for our 
kids why people leave the city
 crime and education 
are two main reasons.
>> .
Miller
>> I center to agree the two top
issues are crime and education
 third one, would add ises.
That's the thing hear a 
lot from people who leave the 
city
With a crime issues in Baltimore
Baltimore, have to attack 
those with same urgency we 
are bringing to the coronavirus
I would work with police 
commissioner Harrison to reduce 
violent crime and restore trust 
ining by resolveing the 
consent decree.
we need to make 
Kerwin commission recommendation
recommendations real.
 will find the money in the 
budget to the education 
reforms we need in Baltimore.
 mayor needs to take account
accountability for educational 
outcomes.
 finally our tax structure is 
uncompetitive, inequitable andly
distrust by the public
public.
 to raise income in the 
City of Baltimore, make us more 
reliant on income tax revenue, 
reliant on property tax 
revenues.
bring those rates 
down for Baltimore to make it 
attractive to live here.
Mr. Vignarajah.
>>  now we expect families 
to pay twice much in property 
taxes for their children to have
a higher chance of getting shot 
on the to school you 
can't drink water out of the 
water foundation.
 and can't work as a 
way to to keep families here
here.
can't work as a to 
recruit Tam list.
to talk about 
hope, crime an education let 
me talk specifically about 
property tax.
Washington post just did a 
profile of Baltimore and 
our campaign and our approach to
cutting property taxes was 
potential game changeer.
 put out a to cut 
property taxes in half over the 
course of 10 years.
Brandon said that ours 
the first strategy had ever 
seen that was both visionary and
actionable and find it ironic 
that other people  talk cutting 
taxes or 
more from incomees.
 Miller gave donations to 
Mitch McConnell the year 
he dramatically reduced taxes on
the wealthiest in our 
country. is not the approach 
that 
Baltimore needs.
needs a responsible 
reduction in  tax to 
complement improvements in 
school and addressing crime.
>>  to  Jack young.
>>  again.
plan is to continue to use 
the neighborhood investment 
impact fund for the houseing 
trust to rebuild 
neighborhoods that haven't seen,
you know, any development in 
decades and we have to 
sure that we give more resources
to our schools.
 that's why I created the 
mayor's Office of The Children 
and family success because in 
order to reduce crime in the 
city to make city really 
attractive to outsideers, we 
to make sure we connect the dots
that's causing all of the.
 to work with social.
to work with the 
Department of Juvenile justice.
We have to make that we 
strengthen family by
touching every agency that has 
anything do with children and 
families because that's how we 
are to reduce crime.
Bringing fathers back into 
lives of their children and sure
we have the best 
educational system in the entire
country.
>> T.J. Smith.
>> Confidence, crime and 
education.
want to confidence in the.
 don't want to see 
continue course of corruption 
that we've seen over the last 10
years.
 agencyies have to get better, 
our government to get better
better.
when that confidence can be 
built, are going to be 
more likely to want to be 
of the change.
the confidence 
shook in Baltimore.
we rebuild the and 
we truly attack the crime 
problem that have, and we 
have to attack it on a 
short-term basis and a long-term
because we want sustain.
to do my years as 
mayor and I it off to 
the next mayor, I want them to 
be to build upon better 
gains than what we have.That's 
what we have do and we to hold 
the educational 
system in dollarsable
The money comes into this 
city the money that is 
in our city has to be used 
appropriately to get the outcome
outcomes that are expected and 
that will build and 
keep residents here and grow 
more residents to come.
>>  get last word.
Listen, crime number one.
a disease that has been 
ravageing our city the entire 
time have been alive and no 
mayor has full dressed it
to do that.
ing violent offenders, 
removeing the flow of illegal 
guns in the city and what we 
know across the country 
and doing the tough work of 
investing in people ands that 
have been 
forgotten like park heights 
where I grew.Believeing that 
education has not 
beened a mayor in 
Baltimore in my lifetime.
 different would my life and 
life my friends if we 
were fully invest education 
when I was Cade.
 more of my friends 
would be alive and not in jail 
or not on.We have to change 
investing 
in our young people and invest
investing (Inaudible).
ly we have to have a 
functioning government that 
roots out corruptibility and 
builds a better structure for 
Baltimore.
.
Mary Miller if would you 
like to rebut, there a 
direct comment made toward you.
 have 10 seconds or we 
can move.
Sure, he reference a 
political froms.
Ircertainly don't support Mitch 
McConnell nor do I approve of 
President Trump's recent tax 
cuts
I would not the income 
rate in Baltimore.
would raise the base of income 
in the city by creating jobs 
here
 up first with this first 
question.
 Jeff Salkin from Maryland 
public television.
We just passed the five-year 
anniversary of the arrest and 
death of Freddy gray
-part question
 does that mean you on a 
personal level.
 2:  How would you rate 
city's in terms of 
reform the police department?How
can we do?
>> This is two parter so you 
are to get an extra 15 
seconds here.
We'll begin with Ms. Miller.
>> 
Well I'm sorry to say don't 
feel that made much 
progress in Baltimore since 
tragic loss Freddy gray five 
years ago.
 I the streets of west 
Baltimore and the 
neighborhood where that happened
happened, people tell me nothing
hased
And they express their deep 
frustration with the city for 
not changing the lives the 
reality of their neighborhood
They're food deserts.
 don't have good public 
transportation.
 very few of good 
jobs in the neighborhood the 
houseing stock decaying. is 
reallying that we 
can't make progress and I think 
elected leaders to own to.It has
been a very long five. to 
changing the culture of 
policeing, I the consent 
decree really does give us the 
blueprint and the road map to 
change the the community and 
police interact
would to see urgency 
brought to that.
I am eager to with police 
commissioner Harrison to see how
we can implement the consent 
decree more rapidly, to restore 
trust in the police in Baltimore
and improve our violent crime 
outcomes.
>> Inequity has persisted in 
this city in so many ways in so 
manys and I'm going 
to a quick story
 a if federal 
hill N. Riverside Park there was
a vigil Monday night.The mayor 
was. council president was there
.
camera from every news 
station.
reporter from every paper 
and they lament the death of 
this promising young man killed 
at the age of 26.
problem  on September 27, 2018, 
he 
the only 25 or 26-year-old.
There oneed earlier 
that morning and one killed 
later that night.
Tuesday night after that night 
vigil,  a 
vigil in the park.The mayor 
there.
's attorney wasn't 
there
council president wasn't 
there.
There were 11 of us lamenting 
the death of a young black man 
killed in the park that tale 
of two vigils tells you all that
you to know.
 the murder of a young 
black in one neighborhood 
and the murder of a young white 
in another neighborhood so 
differently do you think 
is to happen when it 
to schools the digital divide, 
to the tax base, to inequities 
that have pervadeed our city for
s?
City politicians have had their 
chance.
ed about this.
They've the platitudes and 
soundbites but hased.
They haven't led
., thank you.
To mayor Jack young
If you want to respond, you can.
>> , number one you know 
Freddy gray's death touched all 
of us.Just like Freddy gray was 
murder
murdered, I had three nephews 
that were murdered
knows the feeling unless 
you it yourself with your 
immediate family.
We done a.
said nothing has happened.
 this death of Freddy, there has
been the consent 
decree which I put.
There are bodys on police 
officers now I push for 
and got passed through the 
council.We are doing everything 
that we 
can.
We are moving development into 
areas of the city the 
council president said in park 
heights in east, 
Jordan heights. mean have 
development going 
all over the City of  
in the same neighborhood.
why the neighborhood 
impact investment fund was 
created along the 
affordable housing trust fund.
 we are doing everything human
humanly possible.
I also to go back to 
creating the's Office of 
Children and family success to 
sure that our kids are 
engaged, in programs and we are 
touching each 
that touched the of our 
children including our school 
system.
>> T., you are next
>>  I'll say that 2015 was 
a missed opportunity and lost 
opportunity because next thing 
you, corruption became the 
headline again.
 it be the police 
department or through city 
government, that the 
focal point opposed to the 
reforms necessary in the 
communities
ed the satellite truck
trucksed there and it 
looked like Hollywood studios in
west Baltimore and that went on 
several months and then 
everyone left it was to 
go back decay and and that has 
been.
 murders then continueed.
they continue to rise in the 
same communities that they have 
always in.
 until we specifically 
on the specific areas that 
continuously have the problems, 
we are to continue to 
the same problems.
consent decree is 
that is necessary to push 
forward reforms.
 a great comparison of having 
decree versus not, have 
been three mayors thus far that 
have been place the 
consent decree and five police 
commissioners.
 standard remains the.
it speaks about the lack of 
continuity that city has had 
that you to have this 
vehicle in order to ensure 
reforms are put in place in 
order to the police 
department really into the 21st
21st century police department
department.
>>  Scott.
.
>> , this is very 
for.
 week before the it took off, 
was pen with my 
(Inaudible) talking about how-- 
and understanding that since 
that tragic death of Mr. Gray 
a lot has changeed but still too
much has not changeed in 
Baltimore.
Think about the corruption 
that came, thinking about that 
we a mayor that we pushed to 
make sure he signed the consent 
decree.
my equity 
legislation that will the 
next mayor to operate through a 
equity so they won't 
an to invest capital 
dollars in these black Baltimore
neighborhoods in east and west 
Baltimore that have been under
underinvested in on purpose.
 of stuff happened but 
I also know the frustration of 
my position as a council person
You need a mayor who will 
those.
mayor who understands that crime
has to be reduced 
starting in those neighborhoods
 need a mayor that 
understands that have reform 
bail system not be 
corrupt and you also have to 
understand that have to 
believe in the consent decree 
and make sure the 
department does it and know 
every other city that one 
has reduced violent crime while 
implement and Baltimore will 
be next do that under 
leadership.
Thank you, sir.
. nothing really has changeed
.
Nothing but buzz words.
had the foundations come up 
with a for the 
administration.
 I'm this race is 
when you create infrastructures 
that are, you build on 
those.You don't throw them away.
 is.
You need consistency.
 administration put plan in 
place when we were reducing 
crime, were getting illegal 
guns off street, were or 
dealing with drug addiction, 
working with ex-offenders before
coming out, strengthening 
with their families.
 about duplications.We had 
children youth and family 
that already exists
a quasi city non-profit 
that could go after grants.
whole community could be 
totally different today if 
emphasis were in there. why when
we on 
heights at Pennsylvania 
avenue to create new home 
ownership through opportunities 
where I went during Freddy 
gray riots,ed up my sleeves
sleeves. wasn't in public but I 
into that community to see 
how could I to organize to 
get elected officials to 
work for because we have to 
empower people to realize that 
we work for them.
other way around.
 they have a voice
have to beed 
and so why I put most of 
my emphasis during that and 
I will put that of time in I 
become mayor again.
>>  to keep moving.
number 4.
 one from 11 news eye 
teal investigator Jane miller.
>>  have seen some reduction 
in gun violence during the, a 
problem 
we all know that has been very 
difficult to  many 
years.
What is the one thing you would,
beyond focusing on violent 
offenders which every mayor 
promises do, the one thing would
do beyond that to 
bring about sustained reduction 
in gun violence?
Reminder going back to our 
one minute standard here and 
we'll start with Mr. Vigaraja
Mr. Vignarajah.
I was a city prosecutor 
deputy Attorney General of 
Maryland. have spent my career 
fighting.We can do this before
 had murders below 200 in 2011 
and 2012.
do it without mass 
incarceration, mandatory minimum
minimums or cash bail or zero 
tolerance.
outline a 20 point plan that 
pledge to do things have 
never been done in the city.
 wiretaps the 12 deadly 
neighborhoods that account for 
26% of the murders.
programs for low 
offenders to apprenticeships and
jobs in a holistic way to get 
the they need.
elected a prosecutor in 
as mayor.
went down
 elect a prosecutor as, went.
 elect a 
prosecutor as mayor, crime went 
down.
 strategies were used 
in each.
 having someone who cares 
about this issue that knows the 
issue better than anyone else is
critical to turning around this 
be.
Mayor Jack young.Well, you know,
just as a 
systemic cross generational 
problem.We have to continue 
invest in 
our youth and building our 
communities and robust job train
facilityies that are key 
to helping us reduce crime in 
Baltimore and we need connect 
the dots between social service,
the school system and job train
training figure out how we 
can heal our families.That's why
I go back to the and family 
success 
which was totally different from
what mayor Dixon alluded to.
a failure.That's why was inned 
the 
previous two mayors
I think we have made some 
progress.
 have microzones in those 
communities where of the 
crime being committed
We are setting up  
intelligence centers.
have to we are getting 
funding to do more so have 
real time to track 
the crimes are and we are 
working with our fellow estate 
partners and one thing did
was a regional gun statuesing 
that data-- stat and using the 
data.
 the guns are coming from 
outside Baltimore.
We are doing those things 
and job trawning we are doing-- 
it is really making a difference
what we are doing.
 hear you sir but got to 
keep.
 Smith, sir.
, I wish there were one 
answer but a multifacet
multifaceted answer because 
have look at the long-term 
strategyies the short-term to 
keep people safe.
strategies of 
invest a world class 
educational system that shrinks 
the of who want 
go into.
 have graduate 
college or career ready. if  not
happening, 
that's more opportunity for 
crime.
But also having a relationship 
with the governor nord in 
order do the walls 
treatment and train.
critical.
 are less likely to re
reoffend and commit crimes if 
they leave prison with job.
has to happen.
 have to focus on here 
and now actually hold guners 
accountable an 
interdiction, gun interdiction. 
have to climb the ladder of 
gun interdiction and go 
the people bringing the guns 
into Baltimore because 
not being manufactureed
one gun shop in the 
City of Baltimore.
not being stolen from 
gun shops or's homes.
being brought into the 
city
>> Brandon Scott.Thank you.
 all know this is a deep issue 
so a few things that we are to 
talk about quickly and 
one thing I'm very passionate 
about because I have been the 
victim of gun violence in 
Baltimore.
different when it's aimed you.
We know we know small group of 
people and another small 
of people and Baltimore has 
failed implement because 
it's not just about Jason bring
bringing B.P.I (Inaudible) but 
giving the 
to change their life.Also about 
timely intelligence 
anding.
 the police 
department has a bad job 
over recent years not share 
the information quickly enough 
and people.
is also about doing the tough 
work, understanding that gun 
traffickers are just as 
as the peopleing the 
trigger.
We know if we pass a law adding 
gun traffickers and straw 
purchases the but we 
also know we can invest in re
reentry a different way by the 
office and 
development into the prison, 
working with labors, 
working with oures to 
train those for the jobs 
in our neighborhoods when they 
return.
>>  moving.
>>One we have to with gun 
registry which I created.
registered those 
individuals who had illegal guns
but not only do we that 
information we went and we 
visit them.
We and visit them through 
parole and probation and other 
organization and we on the 
door ask what are you?You need a
plan.We to create that 
opportunity when were able to 
take those who were 
on parole and probation and 
assist them finding a path.
, this is a holistic 
approach and encourage 
you to on my website diction 
son for Baltimore.com.
to with our 
education system and the drug 
addiction that impacts our 
families.
also have to look ating 
those guns.
with mayor Bloomberg 
from New York down 95 tracking 
down Virginia.We to make sure 
our police 
department is equipped to have 
the expertise to track those 
illegal guns.
 should not be talking about 
this issue today.
If we had kept a in 
places that was working and 
successful in this city.Thank 
you.
 going go to Ms. Miller 
now.
>> .
I need a rebuttal mayor young.
>> 
There is a of good ideas 
that have been expressed here.
 think that we need a leader in 
City Hall can bring people 
together and put the best agency
agencies and best work in place 
here
 don't need a prosecutor in 
the mayor's seat
 need who can, 
collaborate and collaborate 
across all the parties that 
touch crime in Baltimore. gun 
trafficking point, I 
think that we do a better 
job working with federal 
agencies that can help us.
 not just Baltimore's 
problem.
 bigger than Baltimore.
talked to former U.S. 
Attorneys who think there could 
be a better relationship with 
the city
also think we to work on 
our deescalation program.
put more support behind 
safe streets.
Work with the communityies to 
develop community policeing 
plans
plans.
with, you, our 
partners that have a that trusts
we are 
doing right to reduce 
violent crime
 everyone in on this and 
I always say we don't have a 
crime problem, have an 
opportunity in Baltimore 
and we to make those 
investments.
>>  go back to miss Dixon.
15 seconds if you to to the.
Children and family was 
very successful.
It was quasi city agency and 
non-profit where it go and 
seek out grant and opportunity
opportunities there a 
number of successful programs 
that came out of that.
 see part of the challenge 
that we face in the city is 
politics.
the ideas of family 
strength did not from 
a particular mayor or whatever 
then people to it 
away instead of building on it. 
got to get away from the 
politics and look at where we 
are successful and build on that
that.
 just wanted to add.
>>  number 5.
 have a rebuttal.
>>  to come up next 
here, mayor. get in there.
>> I to rebut right now.
>>  but we to get 
going sir.
>> .
My children family success isly 
different from what the 
mayor alluded to.
 then the mayor alludeed to 
something about things that were
working to reduce.
I'm paying for her gun trace 
task force right now that I 
could use that money to spend 
somewhere else.
We are going keep going.Question
number 5.You will be up with 
this 
one
question from 
Clarence Mitchell, iv, host of 
the c 4 show on wbal radio.
In 1977, Maryland 
legislature and I a member 
then want to create the 
public schools partnership.The 
academic performance of 
Baltimore public city schools 
has been abysmal.
if you are elected 
mayor work harder than previous 
mayors since 1997 to improve 
academic performance plus 
improve the ce vocational 
education program?
As a-- I have both children 
in Baltimore public city schools
I know how it to 
make sure that we the best 
educational system in the 
country.
that's I was the first 
out of the gate that said 
fully support commission to 
make sure we get the 
make sure have 
state-of-the-art 21st century 
schools make sure have, music 
and physical 
education and all the 
things that our kids need in our
school system.
 think that once we get the 
investment into the and 
as mayor, I've mades 
in the school system.
$34 million leverage $
$400 million in new school 
construction.
sure that bridge and 
continue to do bridge the 
curve but right now with the, 
I'm still committed to  funding 
the commission and funding our 
school system 
because our school system is the
length reducing-- is the 
to reducing crime in the City of
Baltimore.
T.J. Smith.
 have to have collaborative 
relationship and a vision with 
the Baltimore city.
mom has been teaching here 
for 36 years and I'veed 
her over my lifetime give her 
all to young people
to make sure the are getting 
into the 
classroom and are not getting 
caught up in a bureaucratic 
process.
 is what is key to long-term 
sustainable reductions in crime 
in the Baltimore.
we also have to look at 
opportunityies that are unique 
to 
Baltimore.I look at all the 
houseing 
in our city and say imagine the 
opportunity if we grow our 
trade programs of kids re
rebuilding this city, where they
can start in middle school, and 
learning the art
 they get to high school, 
they're actually applying the 
art that they've learned.We to 
be more create 
about what we are doing and how 
wearied indicating our young 
people.
really focusing on the 
outcomes with the accountability
wrapped in and be able to get 
the road and reset if 
necessary.
And do the Kerwin 
recommendations.And I think that
the state 
General Assembly is going to 
override the veto so get 
moving with that.
T. thanks.
Brandon Scott
>> .
was in seventh grade when the 
city state partnershiped 
so I personally as the only 
graduate of the public schools 
(Inaudible) how it to 
to those, you, air 
condition
.
Phone ring ring ring.
Mr. Scott, hold.
Mr. Mayor if you could mute 
your phoneI just did.
>> --
You know I'm running 
the city.I hear you sir but I 
you 
to hold.
Brandon we are to reset go with 
the question.
>> , Jason.
 in seventh grade this 
city-state partnership was 
created and know personally 
how it is as the only graduate 
of the Baltimore city public in 
this race from this 
millenia, how it to go to 
those schools with no heat and 
no, how it is to not have 
the materials you need, how is 
to not have a teacher 
a whole semester in your 
classroom.We have not had a in 
lifetime that has owned in 
Baltimore city 
public schools
I'm going to be.
going to be a partner with 
the school system each and every
day making sure we fully fund 
the Kerwin commission because 
it's embarrassing that we have 
not putting more, again in 
the of our young people 
instead of invest into their 
failures.Understanding as a 
trade 
graduate that C.T.E. education 
has to be matched with the jobs 
and opportunity.
 can't we do that?
know what the jobs are.
 know what the businesses are
I will be a as a mayor 
showing people that can be 
done to create a new way forward
for our young people that will 
bring a better out if Baltimore.
>> Sheila Dixon.
would have to first 
disagree with Brandon on not a 
mayor committed to schools 
because as a teacher, why 
I into public and I got into 
public life.
I never looked that 
partnership as schools being 
separate from Baltimore city.
 a-- during a recession, I 
was to increase the budget 
in Baltimore city.I started the 
whole effort 
community schools because I knew
if we put money into the 
schools anded at what was 
needed base on the needs of the 
children, that was going to help
enhance those schools.
 my drive for the city 
successful is because of my 
desire and love for Baltimore 
city schools.
Bill was an intern for 
me we sent him to 
Baltimore city schools to set up
there.We monitored.
We made sure the when the 
schools wereable for 
every penny, when we had the $
$50 million deficit and had 
to go to rateing agency, to 
go into the rainy day fund and 
show them plan of action so 
not only in the past but now I 
to work with schools 
because I know how important 
they are.
as relates to trade...
We have to move forward.
I to  fair on the.
 to the go with Miller now.
>> .
Baltimore needs to have more 
skin in the game on education.
 line.We do not make this a 
priority 
in our budget. think last year 
spending on 
public education was about 14% 
of the.
 and I are growth 
graduate of public education 
and we know what good public 
education looks like.
 think it is almost the highest 
moral obligation of a city to 
educate it's children.
mayor should have a 
stronger working relationship 
the school's C.E.O. and 
should own the educational 
outcomes in Baltimore.
 look at the proposed
2021 
budget.
poor they have not 
change over in Baltimore.
It's time to chawng that.
 support the Kerwin commission 
recommendations
 also think we to spend 
more on the physical facilityies
of our schools rntle and include
invest in trauma informed 
education for the people who 
teach children.
 want to start bying 
mayor young for his phone going 
off.
is to bust outing. are very 
serious issues.
Education has been the 
foundation of my life.
parents are city 
schoolteachers mom taught at 
polyat Morgan.
 dad taught at Ed mon son and 
Douglas and southern.
 from Edison monson height
heights to Harvard Law School.
I clerked to the U.S. and came 
back here to 
devote myself to service because
education made that and 
here the thing Jason.
on this virtual stage 
agrees.
We all in Kerwin.
 all believe our schools need 
to be cathedrals.
 all believe need more 
financial literacy and more 
trauma specials and mores
all believe you have to 
able to drink water out 69 water
fun to ans the heatand air 
conditioning ought to.
problem is the folks 
responsible have not 
getting  done.
 want politics as usual you 
think things fine 
going in the right direction, 
please don't vote for me
 going to disappoint.
to rewrite the 
script have a leader that 
gets it done>> Thank you.
Our final question from 
Deb.
>> As Baltimore emerges from the
public health crisis, faith and 
in local authority will be 
paramount.
But Baltimore residents have 
weathered a storm of corruption 
that has its former mayor headed
to federal.
 can you guarantee the 
citizens of Baltimore when it 
comes to your own moral compass 
and Code of Ethics?
>> Deb, thank you
to Brandon first
first.
>> Thank you Jason.
. have only served you make 
our city.
Day when I wake up.
do  knowing I have to do 
that in the most ethical way.
 have done that in my.
 now we are reforming city 
government.
 a better.
Just as we just saw last year 
(Inaudible) chawnging how 
have a board ethics under 
Department of Legislative moving
to the Inspector General so it 
can do investigations.
things that will weaken power 
mayor but that's best thing for 
Baltimore 
because this is not about 
Brandon.
 about how Baltimoreian can 
believe in government.
 that have the structure can 
move us together as we 
repair ours each 
and every and showing a new 
Baltimore thating 
bought and will also the best 
interest of Baltimoreians first.
She'll heal you are mects.
Sheila Dixon you are nextI have 
been very transparent 
with the public.
my taxes,ing my 
campaign finance numbers 
whenever I have been asked.
 my commitment to this 
campaign to work three times 
harder than anybody else to be 
transparent.
, I made a mistake I 
have to with that.
 know that I have to 
the trust back from the public.
 I work very hard for past 10 
years, regaining the public 
trust and I know the more 
that do, that can accomplish 
it.
But also I just to say
this.
know, we have to make sure 
that whatever on in city 
government, the citizens to 
know whether or not it's 
something that we to 
or not to give you an example.
Through this coronavirus, you, 
there were contracts that 
stopped
 have notified thosees and said 
because of 
the coronavirus we are not 
to do business.
 of give people run 
around. have straight and 
honest and forthright and 
what going to do.
>> Thank you.
To Mary Miller.
>> Would I start saying that 
I went two very rigorous 
Senate dirmation-- confirm 
processes to take two in 
the Obama administration where 
our personal life,es 
finance were scrubbed 
thoroughly I approveed by 
both parties unanimously.
 would I bring that level ofor 
to Baltimore city.
 need to do more on financial 
disclosure for elected officials
officials.
don't that ethics board 
is set uply.
have elected officials 
appointing very people that 
would then be investigateing 
them
them.
And then not giving them 
sufficient budget.
 appreciate you have moveed the 
ethics to the independent 
auditor's office but there is 
still not budget there for 
people.
I believe in full transparency 
on my own finances, on myes.
making sure that no mayor 
ever holds business dealings 
while in office.
 will be very independent.
I'm not beholden to,s, special 
interests or 
large donors.
>> Now to Mr. ignarajh.
We were first to release 
our federal and state tax 
within a week after nounsing
It was meant to a new era 
of unprecedentedded transparency
transparency.
So many of our opponents have 
allegations of ethics violations
violations, campaign finance 
violation, pension fraud, tax 
fraud.
ty end of the day, we are all 
public servants, we are all 
people good faith so I 
to take a step back and talk 
about  really distinguishes 
us
 proud that I've devoteed my 
life to public service as a.I 
know the subsubject crime 
better than anybody else
 somebodys that's a 
liability more than an asset, 
then don't vote me.
here is the philosophical 
difference Jason.
There is mayor that once says 
if a dies the park, me I. was 
about leadership 
taking responsibility F. crime 
go on my, 
blame me
the schools don't get better, 
blame.
If the pot holes get fill or 
trash not pick up
up, the mayor because 
that's the person taking 
responsibility. what leaders do.
, sir to mayor Jack 
young now.
>> ,I hate corruption,.
dedicate to continuing to 
increase transparency in 
government, which value. I have 
championed my entire 
career.
ments I've 
made the body cameras making 
sure that all our council 
hearings are televiseed so  
citizens can see who is the 
decisions about 
things that go on in their 
community.
 having audits of every agency.
 mayor referenceed contract.
 looking at every contract 
because I to make sure 
there is no duplication in 
contracts.
 a contract has ended its life 
life cycle and we renewing 
just renew.
the things I'm looking 
at to find out where the 
cailingses are, where 
we can combine contracts to get 
a better bang for our buck and 
where we can include of 
young people to work on some of 
the contracts and have them 
train so that they can the 
workforce of the future on 
of these major contract that 
the in City of Baltimore.
Mr. Mayor, T.J. now.
Thank you again, Jason.And I 
want to lead by honor 
integrity.
I've had entire 
career
have been in law enforcement 
for a of years and 
has never been a single broach 
of enat thing at this or 
ethics there.
 been a hidden camera crew 
follow me around.
 hadn't been other videos 
that I have been subject to. are
other candidates 
have with that.
I haven't plis use-- misuseed 
the 
public trust I have tried as 
transparent as I possibly 
can, with the disparageing 
stuff that along with 
being a political.
have above that 
because we much 
problems in the city.And my 
transparent, think, 
has shone the I've to are years 
and been 
through vigorous background 
checks as well
I just to move forward 
with this city showing a 
different light, shineing a 
light on the city and 
it goes to the I said 
earlier.
Confidence in city government 
and confidence in your 
leadership that they're going to
the right thing.
T.J. thank you.We'll move on to 
closing 
statements.
 Sheila Dixon you are up 
first.
>> Can I rebut.
If you can do 10 seconds
>> First he stateed he 
the to share hises.
 shared five years ofes in 
2018 and miss Miller's, yes, we 
moved the board 
of ethics and will fund it
(Inaudible).
Thank you for being brief.
, you are with 
closing statement.
Thank you for this 
opportunity to speak before the 
on wbal and let me begin 
by saying that, I you know, one 
things you are to 
hear a lot commitments and 
promises and things have 
or not done but no one has the 
track record of reducing crime, 
beebl to reduce police 
departments overtime budget, to 
be able to put money into 
schools create community 
schools within our.
able to clean up this city 
in a that had never done 
before.
 green the city by creating 
and enhanceing tree canopy, to 
be 
able look at our water and 
waste system that we have a 
consent decree and increase 
the water bills by double digits
digits, but to also look how 
we it responsibly.
I'm here because I am
committed to city.
this city
 know what it takes the 
kind of leader to bring people 
together, all walks of life to 
this city 
forward.
should not be looking 10 
years from now and be 
about the same issues we create 
the infrastructure 
that needed to build on our 
success.
>> Dixon,.
Miller.
.
 wbal for hosting this.
is a city on the brink
brink.
could break very good 
from or break very bad.We the 
opportunity to come 
back stronger but come 
back differently.
Even before this crisis nearly 
one in four city were in poverty
.
more are barely surviveing 
paycheck to paycheck.
I to attack raceism and 
invest people ands that have 
been 
intentionally left behind.
We are frustrateed with 
lack progress we've made in 
Baltimore nearly three 
of voters don't trust elect 
officials and they want change.
We can't be the City of Good 
intentions.
 to.
manageed large organizations 
and budgets, built strong teams,
manageed through crises and most
importantly I've gotten things.
I'm the only candidate with the 
independent experience, 
integrity and to make  better.
 only have one future and we to 
get that right.
>> .
move to Mr. Vignraja.
You know, Jason, Baltimore is 
a City of Stories.
 of industry and 
innovation, of music and, 
of break can records and shape
ing nation.
 these days we are more 
story of perpetual mourning, of 
shatter the wrong records, 
making the wrong headlines, 
waste and wasteed opportunity
But that have to be our 
story.Baltimore gave my family 
our 
story, the story of hard work.It
was the story of gratitude 
and faith, the of a across an 
ocean, of 
parents who worked hard as 
teachers every day, of children 
whoed big, of lives devote
devoted to public public service
and giving back, as prosecutor
prosecutor, as a public servant 
every in city.
This election with your vote, 
you get to decide what story we 
next.And if you believe we still
great stories to write, 
then this just my campaign
campaign. your campaign,.
write the greatest chapter 
in Baltimore history and let's 
do it together.
>> ,.
Jack young
>> Thank you Jason, thank you 
to wbal for this forum.
 know we areing 
trying in the city and I 
remain hope about moving the 
city forward. go to bed every 
and wake 
up every morning to 
figure out what I can do to make
this city a better place for all
of Baltimore citizens.If you 
want someone who can 
sweet you, I'm not that 
person.
 if you want honest 
transparency and a who  puts 
people of 
Baltimore first, then have 
provideed honest government and 
quality constituent service my 
entire career.
know when they call me, 
I'm going to get things done. 
don't how I it done.
 get it done and about 
how we pay it later.
 change takes place with the 
people
 message is simple.I will reduce
crime, will 
clean out streets our 
streets and give our children 
and grandchildren a safe 
to learn and.
That's what all about and 
I'm glad to know that just 
every candidate has really 
appreciate what I've been doing 
so.
thank you all for your 
confidence in me leading the 
city I'll to lead 
the city and make you.
T.J. Smith.
Thank you wbal and Jason for 
putting on a professional forum 
and thank you, mayor young.All I
want to do support 
right now and that's the right 
thing do.
 thank everyone who is 
involved this.
 plan is to call all 
people who are this call 
this Zoom right now once have 
our election and I'm elected 
mayor and bring those ideas 
together because everyone has 
different visions of getting 
where we need to be.
 don't all agree.
, I'm the least funded 
candidate in this race. I first 
got this and 
some of my advisors said who can
you call to get a $6,000 
donation from, don't roll like 
that
 have a black book that 
deep that can I make those types
of phones.
not an asset of corporations
 not an asset of big money.
I'm blue collar worker, I have 
been all life and I'm a 
regular person who the 
opportunity to work at the top 
of three governments that's 
why was leading in the polls 
because I think the people see 
that we need a non-politician to
make bold decisions and lead our
city board and ethically.Thank 
you.
I got to get moving.
Scott.
 up.
>>  wal and Jason for 
allowing me  about my 
favorite subject,, the 
only place I've called hope.
story is Baltimore ear story.
I grew in park heights  
neighborhood forgotten by any 
city it was 
preakness. my first shooting 
before I 
was 10 years and that's what 
pushed into public service.
why you saw me lead the 
300 man march because knew 
had to.
 why I of courseing 
to changes for our public safety
system to make sure that we are 
impacting the people at that 
time we to remove from our 
neighborhood for committing 
violence not everybody 
because I liveed through zero 
tolerance.
That's I believe in funding 
the schools and make every child
no matter into a 20 first 
century education us I know it's
different for me.
 why I've dedicateed my to 
building better system 
of stilgt, fighting for 
in transparency, passing laws 
and I'm frustrateed like 
everyian because I'm 
tired waiting on mayor to 
implement plan.I to do it myself
but most 
importantly do it with you the 
citizen of more to show 
that a new way forward 
for our city.
, we have to geting.
 Scott, everybody, 
luck you all.
 joining us here on 
wbal
>> .Thank you.
to get to work
>> And we to thank you for 
joining us for debate 
tonight if you missed any of the
debate, watch it in its on the w
bal-TV mobile 
app website.
 had cut one question 
for.
 hear that question 
and all the candidates responses
that's on our website and as 
well
er Maryland's 
election is less three 
weeks away.Most of us will be 
voteing by 
mail to the pandemic. you have 
already receiveed 
your ballot you may have
noticed something is.The state 
board of election say
saying that all ballot will 
have April 28 printed at the
top.
 the original date of 
the primary election which was 
later push back to June 2.
told there was not 
time to reprint all of those 
ballot so yes, your ballot 
the wrong date bus that does not
impact your ballot being counted
Remember and this is very.
must both sign and print 
your name on the ballot and on 
the postage paid return envelope
when you mail in the ballot
If do not follow these 
stepts exactly, your ballot 
not beed.
 ballots must beed or 
postmarked June 2.
 for watch from us here at wbal-
TV, good 
night
