PROPOSED CUTS TO THE CIRCULATOR

I am disheartened by the recommendation to cut service to the Charm City Circulator, especially the elimination of the Banner Route. The Circulator has been a shining example of how public transportation should work with reliable, safe, and clean service. It has been wildly successful and has converted many car-reliant residents into regular Circulator riders.  

While I firmly believe that eliminating these routes is short-sighted, I recognize the budget constraints and the lack of support in increasing the parking tax to fully fund the Circulator’s operations. Given that the system was to be funded on parking taxes and not on general funds, it is clear that either new funding source needs to be identified if parking tax rates cannot be increased. Read more

COSTELLO’S CHARTER AMENDMENT ON AUDIT REFORM

Through audit reform, our City government has a unique opportunity to further reduce property taxes and improve the quality and scope of City services. That is why I am asking your support for Ballot Question I (“aye”, not “one”) when you go to the election booth in November.

As you may know, prior to joining the City Council, I was an Auditor with the US Government Accountability Office. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the benefits to be gained through effective performance and financial auditing.  Read more

BALTIMORE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CITYWIDE ZIKA PLAN

Attached please find the Health Department’s Citywide Zika plan along with two informational sheets about the Zika virus.  The Citywide plan summarizes the Health Department’s strategy, developed in coordination with over 20 city agencies as well as our state and federal partners, to ensure a strong response to the threat of Zika.

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