Baltimore Fishbowl asked candidates running in this year’s election to share their views on the three most important challenges facing Baltimore and the region, and solutions they support to make progress. We asked candidates to submit a video answering that question, so you can hear their ideas and goals in their own words. Tim Adams, the mayor of Bowie, is running for comptroller, and named demanding more from the city school system, redevelopment and transportation, and equitable procurement as the three most important issues he would address as comptroller.
Transcript
Baltimore’s a large part of the economic, cultural, and civic soul of this great state. And it’s one of America’s truly great cities. But let’s be candid, Baltimore is hurting right now. It needs leaders who are willing to do more than just talk about his problems. It needs leaders who know what’s at stake, and who will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to bring about real change.
Baltimore is now being devastated by murder and violent crime. A city in which people are afraid to leave their homes, get out of their cars and enjoy an evening out is a city that cannot survive. And whether the Annapolis politicians care to admit it or not, we cannot solve this crisis without addressing the chronic joblessness, homelessness and poverty that exists throughout the city.
As Maryland’s next Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer, I will work aggressively to create a stronger economy that works for children and families in every corner of our city.
Demand better from the school system
First, I pledge to use my deciding vote on the Board of Public Works to demand better from the school system. It’s unacceptable. It’s immoral to see children in the United States attending schools with mold and without working AC heat, windows or even clean running tap water. You may have my word that I will hold North Avenue accountable for the condition of the schools they already have before writing more checks.
Redevelopment and transportation
I will be a fierce advocate for the redevelopment not only a State Center, but other neighborhoods across the city, as well as places like Upton, Brooklyn, Park Heights, Mondawmin, Harford, Road, and so many others. This economy is doing just fine for some people. But to be honest, it’s leaving many more Baltimoreans behind. As your next Comptroller, I will use my deciding vote on the Board of Public Works to support the construction of the Red Line and, and an MTA bus network that actually provides people with a dependable and comfortable ride to wherever they need to go. We cannot have a vibrant economy without the ability to connect kids with schools, people with jobs and tourist destinations.
Equitable procurement practices
Finally, I promise to use my procurement expertise to ensure that all Maryland businesses have a fair chance to earn state contracts. No longer will minorities businesses, be left out. Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise laws can’t be ignored, dismissed and circumvented. They will be strictly enforced from day one. By providing equal access to equity, we can and will create both the generational wealth and a core of civic entrepreneurs that are essential to vibrant cities. This isn’t just rhetoric. I have a proven record of real results, both in the private sector and in the government. And I cannot wait to put my values and experience to work as your next comptroller. Maryland, let’s roll, now.
Biographical information
Name: Tim Adams
Age: 62
Political Party: Democrat Professional Background: Adams is the founder, president and Chief Executive Officer of Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH). Headquartered in Upper Marlboro, SA-TECH provides specialized services to the national security sector. SA-TECH has been recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 10 leading minority-owned companies in the Greater Washington region. He was sworn in as mayor of Bowie in November 2019, becoming the first African American to be elected mayor in the 138-year history of the City. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University and his M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. He received a Doctorate of Business from Bowie State University in 2017, and is a lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
