Maryland Morning host Tom Hall has been conducting a series of conversations with people who have announced their intention to run for mayor of Baltimore. There will be 13 Democratic candidates on the April 26th primary ballot. Five candidates have also registered to be on the Republican primary ballot. Three Green Party candidates will be competing in a separate Green Party primary on May 1st. One Libertarian, 2 Independents, and 5 candidates who are Unaffiliated (with any party) will appear on the General Election ballot on November 8th.
Continuing his conversations with mayoral candidates about their visions for Baltimore, Tom speaks with Democrat Patrick Gutierrez, a former Bank of America operations manager who has also worked with the non-profit Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance. Married and the father of two young children, the 43-year-old Taylor Heights resident believes the most important issue facing Baltimore today is its lack of strong leadership, and the inefficiency and lack of accountability he says are rife in city agencies.