Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s FY13 budget passed June 21 on a 9-6 vote without the proposed 30 amendments to fund youth jobs, after school activities and recreation, inciting a passionate discussion by proponents of the amendments who say they hope to revisit the budget on Monday.
“I would like for us to go offline, not in hiding, just long enough to talk to each other to find balance in what amendments people could live with and what they couldn’t,” said Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke (D-District 14).
Although the city council voted unanimously in April in favor of doubling funding for youth jobs, providing $1.7 million for summer programs and $4.7 million for after-school activities, members are concerned that other budget needs aren’t neglected.
“I’ve asked members of my community to go out, and call, and write and email the mayor asking her to commit to whatever we may do that is to move the money around to be able to address the needs of the fire department and the recreation centers and those other areas that have been addressed by everyone and that are causes of concern,” said Councilman James B. Kraft (D-District 1), who explained this concern caused him to vote against the amendments.
Members of Safe and Sound Campaign Youth Ambassadors rallied in front of city hall for four hours before the meeting asking council members how they were going to vote and to indicate by placing their photo on a hand-letter poster to indicating whether they were for or against the proposals. City Council President Jack Young, Councilman Bill Henry (D-District) and Clarke said they support the proposed amendments.
“To close any rec centers without a new rec centers being built, I think is a terrible mistake. I can understand the mayor wanting to build new rec centers, but you keep the rec centers open until you build the rec centers… This is the people’s plan,” said Young.
Tyrone Barnwell, 28, lead organizer for the Safe and Sound Campaign, was exposed to the arts like modern dance and football and baseball leagues in rec centers.
“It taught me basic people skills- how to get along with people and work in a group and team building. It was absolutely important in my life,” said Barnwell. He hopes his two children can have similar experiences in recreation centers.
Organizers with Safe and Sound Campaign Youth Ambassadors have talked to 2,500 Baltimore city residents who are in support of the amendments. The ambassadors said their next step is to hold council members accountable for their change in vote.
“We are going to also hit the streets and let folks know your council member did not pass this. This was not priority to your council member,” said Barnwell.
