Annapolis alderman candidates face off in crowded forum

Several of Annapolis’ alderman candidates gathered at First Baptist Church Tuesday for a crowded forum hosted by the Caucus of African American Leaders.

The forum was a logistical challenge for the caucus. With just two hours to question the 14 candidates who attended, the forum was split into two separate panels to accommodate the timing.

The church was nearly full at the start of the event, with a few people wearing buttons and T-shirts supporting their preferred candidate.

The official list of candidates was released Tuesday, with 21 candidates for City Council and 3 for mayor.

Experts in various city issues, including City Dock, wealth disparity, affordable housing, business growth and public safety — wrote the questions, and Chanel Compton Johnson, executive director of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, moderated.

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Candidates on both panels were asked if they would support keeping Police Chief Ed Jackson, who faced a vote of no confidence from the Annapolis Police Union last year. Only Gunzburger said he would not.

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Huntley said his priority is cutting through red tape and getting the project done. He […] argued the most important part of the project is that it be a space the community can enjoy.

The second panel was made up of candidates from the remaining wards, none of which have more than three candidates: Karma O’Neill, an incumbent seeking reelection in Ward 2; Ken Vincent, a Republican running in Ward 2; Debbie Odum, a Democrat running in Ward 3; Keanuú Smith-Brown, a Democrat running in Ward 3; Mike Dye, an Independent running in Ward 3; Coren Eve Markell, a Democrat running in Ward 4; Craig Cussimanio, a Democrat running in Ward 6; Diesha Contee, a Democrat running in Ward 6; Frank Thorp, a Democrat running in Ward 8.

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Source: https://www.capitalgazette.com/2025/08/13/annapolis-alderman-candidates-face-off-in-crowded-forum/