Harry Huntley chosen by committee to finish Tierney’s Annapolis City Council term

Harry Huntley will finish Elly Tierney’s term as an Annapolis city alderman representing Ward 1.

The Annapolis Democratic Central Committee chose the 26-year-old, who was treasurer and represented Ward 1 interests for the organization, during a four-hour virtual meeting Tuesday night.

The committee considered five candidates, among them former Gov. Larry Hogan official Ron Gunzburger, along with Genevieve Torri, Tom Sells and Tom Krieck. Huntley, whose supporters include Mayor Gavin Buckley, prevailed due his energy and knowledge of the area. He will be sworn in on Sept. 9 when the council reconvenes following the August recess.

“I am grateful and honored to be selected as the next Ward 1 alderman,” Huntley said via text. “Starting on Sept. 9, I will hit the ground running, spend the fourteen months working tirelessly to support Ward 1, and run right through the tape to earn every residents’ vote next November.”

The night began with opening statements from each of the five candidates followed by questions facilitated by Josh Falk, the central committee’s president. Topics included whether candidates intend to run in 2025; the U.S. Senate race in Maryland; environmental issues facing the city; legislation to address city transportation; public water access; and decreasing taxes.

After several rounds of questions, seven of the 9 voting members agreed on Huntley. Henry Green, Ward 5’s member on the central committee, voted for Gunzburger while Kurt Reigel, the organization’s member at large, abstained.

For some, like Fish Stark, the Ward 1 alternate for the central committee, it was clear that Huntley was the best fit for the position. During his remarks, Stark said his decision came down to Huntley’s support from the City Council and the race between former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan and Democratic nominee Angela Alsobrooks.

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Six of eight council members, including Tierney and Buckley, neither of whom is seeking reelection, sent letters supporting Huntley. In addition to Buckley and Tierney, supporters of Huntley included Democratic council members Brooks Schandelmeier, of Ward 5; Karma O’Neill, of Ward 2; DaJuan Gay, of Ward 6; Shelia Finlayson, of Ward 4; and Rob Savidge, of Ward 7.

“When somebody has six of the eight members of the Board of Aldermen and the mayor, it shows you can get a lot of stuff done,” Stark said.

https://www.capitalgazette.com/2024/09/04/harry-huntley-finish-tierneys-council/