(Updated-8/22/2017) Whether you believe the next state senator should have senatorial experience or a fresh pair of eyes to address the many issues facing Baltimore, the choices leave little to be desired—but the topics of concern are many.
Whoever is elected to the seat formerly held by Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh will have to hit the ground running to make progress for the 40th District, which faces myriad challenges.
“Food deserts, the opioid crisis, transportation, youth development, community safety, liquor store operations, prostitution, financial literacy—these were just a few of the things community members checked off as ‘important,’” said Sen. Barbara Robinson, who was selected to replace Pugh after her ascension to the Office of the Mayor.
Prior to being appointed to take over Pugh’s Senate seat in December, 2016, Robinson developed a lengthy career in politics and community service. The author and entrepreneur was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2007 to 2016. During that time, she served as deputy majority whip, sat on the Appropriations Committee, and served as chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (2014-2016).
Sen. Barbara Robinson and Antonio L. Hayes. (Courtesy Photos)
“The way the city is now, we don’t need ‘on the job training,’” said Robinson, when asked why Baltimore should choose her over other candidates who might be younger. “We need someone who is experienced. I’ve worked across the aisle. I understand what needs to be done and who I need to work with. I’ve been a watchdog for the money and I know what should be coming to Baltimore.”
Robinson said she believes in breaking down barriers and being a bridge to those who will come after her. And though the day hasn’t come yet, the 79-year-old says she looks forward to a time when she can hand off her work to younger, trained, legislative candidates.
At 39, Antonio L. Hayes is one of those candidates.
Though he’s never held the title of “senator” before, Hayes has been a member of the House of Delegates since January 2015 and his work in the community precedes him.
Hayes was a legislative aide to former Delegate Salima Siler Marriott for two years before serving as director of legislative affairs for the Baltimore City Council president from 2003-2006. Afterwards, he became assistant deputy mayor of administration for Baltimore City from 2007-2010.
In the Maryland House of Delegates Hayes has served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee and the Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. His own experience in a family ravaged by drugs spurred him to get the Hope Act passed, which has bolstered resources to fight opioid addiction.
“As early as 14 I’ve been doing the work in the community. I’m not a stranger to providing results and leadership for the community I’m from,” said Hayes, who grew up in West Baltimore’s Penn-North community.
“Some people may say I’m ‘new’ but I kind of reject that given my vast experience. I’m new to the legislature but I’m not new to community activism,” Hayes told the AFRO. “Out of the eight bills I introduced, six of them became law.”
When asked what he would do if given the chance to serve Baltimore as a state senator, Hayes said that he would like to see tuition-free colleges in Baltimore, do more to provide mental health services along with additional resources and work towards “giving people the access to quality careers at a wage that doesn’t force them to work two and three jobs just to make ends meet.”
“Education was my passport,” said Hayes. “But one of the biggest obstacles for students matriculating through college is the cost. When you talk about poverty and unemployment, the passport to transcending all of those things is access to quality education.”
