AFSCME LOCAL 3399 2022 CITY COUNCIL ENDORSEMENTS
AFSCME Local 3399 represents more than 90 City of Takoma Park employees working across most city departments. We endorsed candidates in the city election to support local candidates who are committed to racial equity, fair wages, and respect for city employees. We sent a questionnaire on these issues to the candidates and received replies from 14 of the 18 candidates which are included below.
Three out of four of the City Council candidates who we endorsed were elected. We look forward to working with the mayor and all Councilmembers to support progressive values and fair treatment for city employees.
Endorsements
Mayor - Seth Grimes
Ward 1 - Shana Fulcher - Elected
Ward 3 - Alex Hadden
Ward 5 - Cara Honzak - Elected
Ward 6 - Jason Small - Elected
Wards 2 and 4 - No endorsements
Candidate Questionnaire
1. What role should a Councilmember (mayor) play in advocating for city employees about fair wages, safe working conditions, and other issues? If you're an incumbent, how does your record illustrate your answer to this question?
MAYOR
Seth Grimes
The mayor and council members should play an active role in advocating fair wages, safe working conditions, and other considerations of concern to city employees. My record shows that I will do just this. Here are three advocacy examples: 1) In 2007, I organized community support for a Takoma Park living-wage policy; 2) in 2018 I was an active supporter of a $15/hour Montgomery County minimum wage; 3) in November 2021, I advocated an extra cost-of-living pay increase for city employees.
Talisha Searcy
The City is only as strong as its workforce. The Council is responsible for ensuring that compensation packages with the City’s two unions and non-unionized staff strike a balance between providing staff with fair compensation and the resources needed to do their job and the City budget. While on Council, I supported the recent 6.4 percent pay adjustment as recommended in our recent wage study. I also supported providing hazard pay compensation during the pandemic and the end of year bonus for all employees in light of growing inflation in the country.
Jarrett K. Smith
In my 10+ years as a city councilmember, the council has always been an advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and career development for city employees. Takoma Park City Council has always invested in its workforce. As Councilmembers, we are typically asked to be hands off when it comes to personnel. The City Manager is responsible for all aspects of city personnel management. However, I am and will always be for the employee. I have demonstrated this as a Councilmember and I will do the same as Mayor.
WARD 1
Shana Fulcher
I look forward to working with city employees and hope to be an ally for AFSCME. As a council woman, I will talk to everyone involved to make a plan to address these issues as quickly as possible. How a city treats its employees must reflect that city’s values. Takoma Park residents see themselves as progressives who advocate for people at a disadvantage and ensuring these rights is a perfect platform for them to take action. I’m not an incumbent so I do not have a record to draw from. I did choose to have all of my media printed in unionized shops. Even though I can get it done cheaper elsewhere, it isn’t congruent with my values to print where employees are unable to negotiate as a united workforce.
Elizabeth F. Wallace
Per the City Charter, Article 4, Section 401, the responsibility of the city council is to pass ordinances "for the protection and promotion of the health, safety, comfort, convenience, welfare, and happiness of the residents of and visitors in the City." And per 401 b 23 To protect and preserve the health of the City and its inhabitants; to prevent and remove all nuisances; to inspect, regulate, and abate all building structures, or places which cause or may cause unsanitary conditions or conditions detrimental to health; but nothing herein shall be construed to affect in any manner any of the powers and duties of the State Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, the County Board of Health, or any public general or local law relating to the subject of health." However, you might have noticed it mentions 'inhabitants' and 'visitors', but does not specifically state "employees of the city." If it has not been construed to include employees in the past, I'd like to suggest to the council that we amend the Charter to do so.
WARD 2
Cindy Dyballa
Workplace safety and fair wages for all city staff ought to be a given in our city. City staff-management-council relations with all city employees is a three-way partnership, not a question of us vs them advocacy (outside of formal union contract negotiations and individual personnel decisions). I believe my approach to these issues and employees, and my votes to support wage increases, speak to my commitment.
WARD 3
Mimi Diez
My role as ward 3 city council would be to ensure that best management practices are adopted and followed for safe working environments, funding for trainings, funding for over time and making Takoma Park a competitive place to work by making salaries attractive.
Randy Gibson
The degree to which the Council has a role in these issues is unfamiliar to me. I have not previously run for or held a Council position. However, I consider good working conditions and fair wages for city employees a necessary and good practice.
Alex Hadden
As a civil servant myself, who benefits from union representation, I am strongly in favor of fair wages and a safe working environment for City employees. I believe Ward 3 residents are supportive of fair wages and safe working conditions for City staff, as well. The City Manager and City Council are accountable to City residents and their priorities. The City Council should endeavor to solicit broad community feedback on the City Manager’s recommended budget, in order to raise awareness of the trade-offs inherent in balancing City revenues and expenses. Ward 3 residents consistently express concern about rising property tax rates, which are the primary funding base for the City. In the near-term, as Councilmember, I will be in a position to solicit broad Ward 3 feedback on which trade-offs should be made to keep the budget in check, while maintaining service quality and supporting City employees. As Councilmember, where possible, I will advocate for ARPA funds to be used in a manner that supports City employees and improves our City. In the long-term, the City needs to focus on double taxation issues with the County, in order to alleviate budget pressures and improve the budget environment.
WARD 4
Terry Seamens
I, honestly, am struggling with these questions myself. I think my record demonstrates my commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions and good resolutions for other employee issues. I advocate for city employees in Council debates, however, I will strive to find other ways to advocate for them outside of Council meetings while staying within the bounds of legal advise provided by the City Attorney.
WARD 5
A. J. Campbell
I would take an activist stance on behalf of the City employees. My parents were union workers who would not have been able to have the life they did and the pensions they live on now without their union work. One of the issues I have observed is that the city hires many external consultants at high fees. I would like to see more of the exercise brought in-house. I want more money invested in staff enrichment and training than we currently do.
Cara Honzak
As I am running for a City Council position (vs. Mayor), I believe that it is vital for City Council members to actively pay attention to and seek to address any work safety issues or other employee issues that arise. If the City Manager does not adequately or efficiently address work safety issues, then the Council must immediately step in to identify ways to solve the problems as quickly as possible and enable and compel the City to act. In the case of fair wages, the City Council sets the budget and determines how funds will be acquired, and thus, it is the City Council that must determine how fair wages can be achieved. They must also compile the pieces- including any necessary legal structures to enable, motivate and compel the City government to implement a fair wage structure.
WARD 6
Ambroise Agosse
The councilmember should conduct frequent surveys with all Takoma Park-based business owner, Takoma Park office itself, employer, and employees to develop a solution. The city council should be self and independent surveyor for residents, employers and employees to establish policies. Councilmember should also be a good source of advises and information and finally police to protect. The way I treat my family member at home and my employees at work is a great record that illustrate my response.
Jason Small
I was a town administrator for nearly 4 full years, and dealing with a reluctant council concerning wages was a constant issue. I believe that the government requires that front facing or front line staff be happy. It is important because it is a democracy. Municipal workers are often maligned, but I came away from my experience knowing how hard people work. Serving the community was a big part of my motivation. Respecting the workers has to be a priority for elected officials. Staff turnover can result in the loss of institutional knowledge, and people who devote themselves to working in public service deserve to plan careers and futures also. Takoma Park should be setting the market concerning local municipalities of similar size, and I would hope that the amount of data available to make these decisions can be used to dispel negative myths about the work of municipal employees.
2. What actions would you take to ensure racial and economic equity for all city employees?
MAYOR
Seth Grimes
Mandating data collection and reporting that looks at pay, position, gender, race, and other characteristics -- with privacy protections and possibly via hire of an independent expert consultant -- would be a step to ensuring fair treatment and equity. Periodic review of grievance and disciplinary policy could be another desirable step. But importantly, in addition I would solicit AFSCME 3399's, UFCW Local 400, and non-union employees' input into steps the city should take in this area.
Talisha Searcy
It is important that our staff receive equal pay for equal work regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. As mayor, I will work closely with the City Manager to ensure that we are reviewing our hiring and retention practices through a racial equity lens. In addition, we want our staff to be able to live, work, and play in the City of Takoma Park; therefore, we need to make sure that staff can access local opportunities, such as housing, to benefit from the services they so dutifully provide on a daily basis.
Jarrett K. Smith
Our city has a racial equity framework in place that was voted and passed. As Mayor, I will use data to assist in any decision that City Council is allowed to participate in with respect to staff. However, city personnel management is only the responsibility of the City Manager.
WARD 1
Shana Fulcher
I will advocate to provide professional development to help lower paid employees rise through the ranks. We have the data that shows economic inequality but now we need to come up with a plan that raises lower incomes to fix inequities. For management positions the City should always conduct interviews until there are viable diverse candidates to select from.
Elizabeth F. Wallace
The City Council passed a resolution in 2017 to to Systematically and Deliberately Apply a Racial Equity Lens in Decision-Making". I would make sure that I would adhere to using that lens in all my decision making and would appreciate it being called to my attention if I miss the mark. I don't yet know what "lens" our city uses, however, if tools are still missing, this manual might be helpful. I would, as this suggests, champion not just equity in our hiring, promotions, contracting and services, but also the importance of collaborations outside our city in education, criminal justice, environmental justice, etc. Just like AFSCME is not just the members here in Takoma Park, alliances with like minded organizations and cities nationwide, and globally would help achieve our goal. Foremost, I would suggest that we work directly with AFSCME to make sure your voices and suggestions are listened to, discussed with you. When we realize we have common values, we can build a solid foundation on which equity can stand. Help us create that model of listening and learning and then help the city council build more throughout the city.
WARD 2
Cindy Dyballa
Racial equity for city employees as well as residents is a priority goal in our city. Which actions best promote this goal should be discussed by all parties--staff, management and council. It may also be a topic for formal negotiation with city unions.
WARD 3
Mimi Diez
I would vote in favor of measure that help attract and retain great employees; that job descriptions are inclusive and appealing to women and people with diverse backgrounds.
Randy Gibson
I support the City of Takoma Park Racial Equity Initiative goals. Furthermore, I would like to see more clearly how racial and economic equity strategies aimed at meeting these goals have impacted city employees.
Alex Hadden
Ensuring fair wages to City employees is a great place to start for better equity. I think Mayor Stewart and the City Council have made a concerted effort to improve racial equity considerations in City governance. I will wholly support the advancement of the racial equity framework on the City Council, including incorporating and expanding the City's racial equity framework to appropriately address union and City staff concerns around municipal operations.
WARD 4
Terry Seamens
Racial and economic equity for all city employees is a high priority for me. Wage surveys provide some insight into how fair we are, but are not foolproof. Open communications and good judgment can help the Council to further evaluate our relative success in being fair and equitable.
WARD 5
A. J. Campbell
I would always be someone who listens to staff first. I would have an open-door policy when it comes to problems or issues. If there are signs of inequities, I will work tirelessly to ensure the issues are resolved.
Cara Honzak
As a new candidate to the City Council, I seek to learn as much as possible from studies that have already been done across Takoma Park government on how we might improve racial and economic equity. I have started reading intensively about how other progressive cities, governments at other scales, non profits and corporations have tried to tackle these issues. I would like to talk to employees from each department across the City what changes they would like to see in their particular departments that they feel would make the biggest difference in achieving equity. I would then take it upon myself to move these ideas forward as rapidly, yet as thoughtfully as possible, mobilizing other Council members and management staff to get on board and holding them accountable to making progress.
WARD 6
Ambroise Agosse
As mentioned earlier, frequent surveys of workers is the key to determining the actions needed to ensure racial and economic equity. It is very important to me to be fair and transparent. There is no steady action that solve this matter as it is dynamic.
Jason Small
I think ensuring that city employees have the right to have their grievances or concerns addressed with clearly outlined policies and prompt resolution of issues is the most important thing. Economically I would seek to ensure that the city allocate a fair assessment of the value of all work. I worked previously in a majority Black town. It was clear to me what resumes we saw and did not see. I am a long time advocate for equity and opportunity. I have worked in this area professionally for members of Congress, the Poverty and Race Research Action Council, and the United way of the National Capitol Area.
3. What steps would you take to improve morale and communication between city employees, union leaders, the city manager, and the City Council?
MAYOR
Seth Grimes
The best way to improve city-employee morale is to ensure competitive pay and benefits and excellent working conditions and that employees know that city elected officials and management respect, value, and trust them. The mayor and council can and should ensure both a fair grievance process and a positive listening process so that city employees and union leaders can communicate freely and productively.
Talisha Searcy
While the Council cannot be directly involved in staffing decisions, it is important to ensure that all employees including union leaders have an opportunity to engage with Council. Staff should feel that there is a means to communicate with the City Council. As mayor, I will seek out opportunities to have Council, City staff, and the City Manager engage more. To accomplish this, I will seek out team building and collaboration strengthening engagements to improve morale and build relationships that will help strengthen our delivery of City services.
Jarrett K. Smith
As mayor I would create a budget committee that would include members of both unions, the city manager, and the City Council. This will help level the understanding of the the City's fiscal position and ensure everyone is working in unison within the money the city has access to, without going into debt, "borrowing" from our reserves, etc. Governing is about the distribution of wealth and resources. As Mayor, I will be committed to open communication and honesty.
WARD 1
Shana Fulcher
I will talk with everyone about short term and long term goals. If we aren’t able to meet all of the city employee’s needs now, what does the road map look like on how we will meet their needs quickly?
Elizabeth F. Wallace
There are many models of communication that I've worked with in the past. Sociocracy and Braver Angels civil discourse debate are two. Perhaps the first step is to get out of the city, together, get to know each other as just people, not adversaries and see what we learn to go forward. Maybe not even talk business. It's possible the current dais/podium or around the board room table methods perhaps have connotations and history that don't serve us. We need to dispense with and start dialog fresh.
WARD 2
Cindy Dyballa
Morale of all city union and non-union employees, and communication among union leaders, city management, and the city council outside of formal negotiations, are keys to a successful community. We've all lost touch with the spirit behind support of our city workers that was prevalent during the early days of the pandemic. As a council member, I've already stated the importance of strengthening these, and have supported practical steps to do so and to open three-way communication outside of formal union negotiations.
WARD 3
Mimi Diez
I’m a great facilitator and while I don’t know the background on current morale and communications challenges in the city, I would work to ensure we identify opportunities for improvement for our employees and for the city.
Randy Gibson
I understand from an independent report on the City website that Union members morale is poor and that they feel their work is not valued. I further read that there is no common vision among the parties to achieve priorities. If accurate, this is unacceptable but I am not familiar with what role the Council can play. If elected, I would try to find out.
Alex Hadden
Asking City staff what resources or changes they need to be more effective at their missions is a great place to start. City Staff should be a meaningful part of the budgeting process, assisting the City Manager identify areas where there could be improved and more efficient service delivery, and where resources could be reallocated or cut. City employees have on-the-ground, practical understanding of how the City’s services can be improved and more efficient within budget constraints. City staff need to feel that their voice is heard, rather than be imposed upon from a top-down budget process. I will personally welcome communication from City staff on how to improve morale and better understand their concerns, starting with my campaign at alexforward3.com.
WARD 4
Terry Seamens
Good communications is key in establishing and maintaining good relations between these groups. I will continue to support open discussions between each of the groups mentioned. An outside look at the relationships between these groups can provide some insight in how we can improve morale and communication.
WARD 5
A. J. Campbell
It is no secret that there are significant conflicts between the City Manager, union, staff, and Council. The City has twenty-five open jobs, and I don’t think that is without reason. I am on the outside and not privy to all the details, so it is hard to know where to start. I feel like the City Manager wants to clean the house after Ludlow’s tenure and reset to strict adherence to rules and procedures. I believe the staff feels like they are trying to cope with the new leadership style but are having trouble adapting as fast as Mr. Fox would like. I think the issues create an unequal distribution of management oversight, with some getting overmanned and some getting little or none. When this level of conflict happens in an organization, it tends to be because a lack of trust combined with high vacancies makes workers fearful of keeping their jobs. Management, in response, becomes fearful that they can get the work product they need to be deemed successful. Stress levels rise in the organization, and people start updating their resumes. First, we need to acknowledge that there are problems. Second, we need to start a 3-4 panel group representing management, union, and council to meet on a set schedule to begin the arduous process of deconflicting issues as they arise.
Cara Honzak
I look forward to learning more about current challenges in morale and communication, what has been tried already and the extent of positive impact, and what challenges remain. I am not yet in a position to name specific steps. I welcome extensive dialogue with AFSCME Local 3399 and others across the City to learn what is needed. As a first step however, I would strongly encourage all of my fellow City Council members (should I be fortunate to join the Council) to adopt an attitude of collaboration, trust building, maximum transparency, and positive, participatory communication. Trust across Takoma Park has broken down severely over the last few years and it is incumbent on every member of the new City Council (and Mayor) to do all in our power to build it back up again.
WARD 6
Ambroise Agosse
We will establish a routine meeting that includes all parties and/or their representatives. I will keep the lines of communication open between the workers and me so that they know I am here for them. I will encourage the city manager to do the same, and will include the city manager on my communication with the workers. I want to be transparent and keep everyone in the loop. With regard to morale, I will ask the city workers what kinds of efforts can be made to let them know they are appreciated. I do not want my gratitude for what they do to feel superficial. I want them to know that they are appreciated.
Jason Small
I would expect that the City Manager have a realistic assessment of the sophistication of our workforce. We live in a place we call the "peoples republic." That must mean more than just being a nuclear free zone. Resentments pile on each other if you ignore obvious things, and in a municipality like this I do think we should be fair and generous. Many people living here work in government and politics in other places. We should not be hypocrites when it comes to running our own.
4. What role should the the Councilmembers (mayor) take in overseeing the actions of the city manager?
MAYOR
Seth Grimes
The mayor and city council collectively oversee the city manager and may inquire into all city activities and determine those activities via the city budget and directives issued by resolution and public processes. The council determines policy including labor policy and awards contracts above a certain dollar threshold including labor contracts. The mayor and city council must discharge these duties diligently. To look at an instance earlier this year: It is clear that city council input in a city administration rejection of a city employee’s request for six days of telework would have resulted in a less fraught relationship and would have saved tens of thousands of dollars in city legal expenses.
Talisha Searcy
The mayor does not have autonomous management responsibility of the city manager. However, the Council (including mayor) are responsible for establishing the city manager’s performance plan and evaluating their performance, including any bonuses or salary increases. The Council and mayor are also responsible for managing the budget and establishing city priorities, which allows for indirect oversight of staffing and programmatic decision making.
Jarrett K. Smith
The City Council hires the city manager and works with him or her on successfully developing a budget and implementing council priorities in line with the city's needs. The City Council hires a city manager to run the city's day-to-day operation as well as city personnel. The City Council serves as strategists, advisors, and the employer of the city manager. City Council is not involved in day-to-day city operation.
WARD 1
Shana Fulcher
This is complicated because we are bound by the city charter and what it permits council members to oversee. I hope that the city manager will appreciate that the elected officials advocate for the residents of the city and will work with the council even when it’s not absolutely required.
Elizabeth F. Wallace
So far my understanding of what actions the council members can take in overseeing the city manager has been created by conversations with current and past members. They most often gave the impression, to me, that it was not their purview but that of the city manager. However, this section, 4.08.010 Legislative findings and purpose, reads: In enacting this chapter, the Mayor and Council recognize that joint decisionmaking by government and public employees in matters affecting wages and working conditions increases responsiveness, communication and efficiency. The City recognizes its responsibility to provide orderly procedures for the participation by its employees and their representatives in the formulation of personnel policies, the fair and considerate treatment of employees and the resolution of questions and controversies with respect to the terms and conditions of employment, while simultaneously ensuring that the public, welfare, health and safety are maintained. That being said, I would make sure that we have clarification on this so that we are can all act accordingly on a daily basis.
WARD 2
Cindy Dyballa
The city manager is responsible for day to day operations and budget, as outlined in our city charter. The city manager is also responsible to and works for the city council. The council as a body has a clear role in overseeing how the city manager manages city policies, operations, budget and priorities. But the city charter specifically grants the city manager authority over individual personnel actions.
WARD 3
Mimi Diez
While the city council is responsible for creating policy it is important to collaborate with city manager and their staff on implementation. Obviously the city can’t function through micro managing the operations or responsibilities of the city manager. I intend to use my role as a collaborative one and be a liaison between my constituents and how we can improve city services and operations.
Randy Gibson
The Council must take its responsibilities with regard to oversight of the city manager very seriously. Project based budgeting should be undertaken so that full costs are clear and performance can be tracked and the city manager held accountable.
Alex Hadden
The City Manager’s role is crucial to service excellence in our community and should be held to the highest standard. As such, the City Council should hold the City Manager accountable to managing the City’s resources in line with City ordinances and budget. If the City Manager is not adequately filling their role, the City Council should endeavor to identify shortcomings and pursue a swift resolution under its authorities.
WARD 4
Terry Seamens
Setting policy and overseeing the city manager are the two main responsibilities of the Council. The City Manager answers to the Council. The City Charter defines this relationship.
WARD 5
A. J. Campbell
Ideally, the council members and city manager should work together to create the best solution for Takoma Park. I would start by instituting employee reviews of the City Manager and all downline Directors. The city council should use the information to evaluate the City Manager. I have worked in places that use a two-way evaluation method, which was transformative.
Cara Honzak
The City Council needs to be able to constructively partner with the City Manager (and vice versa), but also ensure that there is accountability and transparency from the City itself (and the City Manager) to the citizens of Takoma Park and the City staff. In an ideal world, the City Council regularly communicates with the City Manager-using his/her/their time efficiently by collaborating with one another and the Mayor- and determines the best strategies on how to support the City Manager in achieving strategic goals set out by the City- through good governance and policy. Oversight can be achieved through positive leadership practices of the Mayor, high levels of organization across the City Council, and then promotion, and when necessary, mandating through policy levers, high levels of transparency in budgeting and accounting of results. Council members should be advocates for their constituencies whose voices shape the way that the City Manager proceeds on any given issue.
WARD 6
Ambroise Agosse
The councilmembers should take independent surveys on the city manager’s work and have suggestion box to get feedback and ideas from residents. I will use this feedback when I meet with the city manager to discuss the work he is doing for our city.
Jason Small
This is a balancing act. Part of the reason that the city manager exists is to ensure that politics does not enter certain parts of the day to day operation of a municipality. There are "good governance" reasons for this, but it can be a source of confusion and frustration to residents and workers. That being said, we cannot continue to operate a government where the City Manager is not given the proper share of blame to go with the position's responsibility. It is a dream to work in government with these resources available to you and a responsive citizenry. I think I would be able to get to the heart of a lot of these issues, and I am not scared to require better conduct or best practices if they are not being used.
5. A recent wage study found large wage disparities for employees at the low end of the pay scale who are mostly people of color. Do you support addressing wage disparities by raising city employee salaries to the median salary levels for neighboring cities and counties? The current City Council has only raised salaries for 14 police supervisors based on the wage study, but not for any other city employees facing wage disparities.
MAYOR
Seth Grimes
I would support adjusting employee salaries to meet or exceed the median salary levels for neighboring cities and counties.
Talisha Searcy
While on council, I voted in favor of raising the salaries for the 14 police supervisors based on the wage study, because this classification group was determined to be “consistently approximately two grades (10%) too low”. For other positions, the wage study recommended that the city conduct a reclassification study. A reclassification project would entail a systematic review of all job descriptions; review and updating, if necessary, of class specifications; systematic evaluation of all jobs; grade assignment assessment, and the calibration of jobs to the pay structure. As mayor, I would support a reclassification study to better understand and address wage disparities to ensure staff are compensated appropriately within their grade based on their years of experience, roles and responsibilities, and skills.
Jarrett K. Smith
I have always supported right sizing employee compensation. To the extent that only a few salaries have been adjusted based on this study, indicates there is more work that needs to be done regarding compensation in the city of Takoma Park. As Mayor, I will be vigilant where equity is concerned with respect to compensation. The Mid-Atlantic is a very expensive part of the country to live, and fair compensation must be part of that discussion when hiring, increasing wages, and promotions are concerned.
WARD 1
Shana Fulcher
Yes. As I stated above, fixing these wage gaps should be a priority. We should not take on new projects and new employees without being in good standing with the employees we already have.
Elizabeth F. Wallace
I prefer having all the information in detail in a spreadsheet so I can see the numbers myself. If the numbers show the disparities, then we must act to rectify that. It helps me to see things objectively. I for one, am very grateful that city employees took care of us during COVID. In fact, in the very beginning, I told the then city manager in a city council meeting that we needed to have protections for our workers first and foremost. I still stand by that.
WARD 2
Cindy Dyballa
This study compared the city's pay structure for positions (not individual employees) to similar communities. The city council adopted an across the board 6.4% wage increase for all city positions, as the study recommended. Council members, including me, asked about apparent disparities in some of the lower positions, and agreed there's a need to address this issue with the recommended reclassification review of job descriptions. It may also be time to take a look at the current "living wage" policy for lower-paid employees.
WARD 3
Mimi Diez
Yes.
Randy Gibson
Wage disparities among any city employees should be addressed. Fair and competitive salaries should be a business norm for the City.
Alex Hadden
I support wage studies as a mechanism to understand and benchmark comparable pay scales. The City has made concerted efforts in recent years to address wage and staff issues within the operations of the Takoma Park Police Department. It is reasonable and fair to focus attention on our City employees, who also are key members of our community.
WARD 4
Terry Seamens
I strongly support ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all city employees. The Council raised the police supervisors first, because we had good data on those positions. A wage study on the other positions will guide the Council in any future wage adjustment. Again, as a Councilmember, I will strongly support adjusting salaries to ensure they are fair and equitable.
WARD 5
A. J. Campbell
I understood that the lowest-paid employees were the Rec staff, mostly POC. If the proposal is to raise their wages to comparable levels in other jurisdictions, then yes, that makes sense. If we consider raising the salary for newer police officers, I want to harmonize with other jurisdictions.
Cara Honzak
I absolutely believe that employees of the City of Takoma Park deserve pay that is equitable and comparable to similar jobs that they could take in neighboring cities and counties. The City should regularly assess wage disparities across its staff and as compared to neighboring regions, and dive deeply into any notable disparities related to race or gender in particular. Those employees who have provided unwavering services throughout the pandemic, deserve -at a minimum- to have this issue prioritized. I will commit to approaching this issue with this attitude in mind, and fully weighing the viability of raising employee salaries. At the same time, I imagine that the City of Takoma Park may be struggling to keep up with the salaries of the many larger (and wealthier) cities and counties in surrounding areas. The TP City government will need to get as creative as possible to find ways to value and compensate our employees as they deserve while also being able to balance our budget, and in a time of fiscal uncertainty.
WARD 6
Ambroise Agosse
Yes, I support addressing wage disparities for all the city employees. It is unfair to only give significant wage increases to members of the police force. All city employees work for the city of Takoma Park, and all deserve to be treated in a fair and equitable manner especially when it comes to compensation.
Jason Small
I would support doing this even while advocating for a budget that would then stick to the Constant Yield Rate distributed by the state to municipalities. It is an offense of all the original bedroom communities of the District of Columbia. I do not think this city should pretend it doesn't have some of these issues. They even present themselves between the wards.
6. The city doesn't provide any paid family medical leave for city employees. Do you support up to 12 weeks of paid family medical leave for city employees?
MAYOR
Seth Grimes
Yes. I have been working on this issue since 2015 and am responsible for getting it on the council's agenda last month. Further, I support including AFSCME 3399 in discussions toward formulation of the city's policy.
Talisha Searcy
As mayor, I will support aligning our paid family medical leave policy with the forthcoming state regulations under the Time to Care Act of 2022.
Jarrett K. Smith
I support the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the same manner as the County and State.
WARD 1
Shana Fulcher
Yes. I have friends who have been forced to take leave from their positions to take care of their families and I want to support city employees that need to do the same.
Elizabeth F. Wallace
Maryland passed the Time to Care Act this year and it covers local government employees so it looks to me like Takoma Park must do so. Enacted April 9, Maryland’s Time to Care Act (TTCA) (2022 Ch. 48, SB 275) establishes a paid family and medical leave (PFML) insurance program, with contributions starting Oct. 1, 2023. Contribution rates are to be determined. Starting in 2025, covered employees may take up to 12 weeks of leave in a rolling 12 months, with an additional 12 weeks possible if the employee experiences a serious health condition and needs to bond with a new child. The program will provide up to 90% of average weekly wages (subject to an initial $50 minimum and $1,000 maximum, adjusted annually thereafter). Covered employers must participate in the state program or comply with an approved private plan (insured, self-insured or a combination). TTCA leave is in addition to the state’s existing sick and safe leave under the Healthy Working Families Act, effective since 2018. For more details, see “Roundup: State accrued paid leave mandates”. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questions. I look forward to the possibility of working on the council and collaborating on solutions so we can all learn and work together for a safe, equitable, and supportive place of work and city.
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Cindy Dyballa
Family leave is an important city employee benefit. The city council just heard a presentation on the new state requirements, and the more generous county program, for paid family leave. And we just directed staff to give us options for implementing a city program, their employer costs, and possible employee contributions (as envisioned by the state system).
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Mimi Diez
Yes.
Randy Gibson
The compensation and benefits package for city employees must be fair and competitive. Paid family medical should be considered in this context.
Alex Hadden
My understanding was the State of Maryland recently made progress on expanding PFML benefits. I support PFML for full-time City employees, in accordance with recent or future state law.
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Terry Seamens
Many jurisdictions across the country are beginning to provide paid family medical leave. I am interested in evaluating doing so in Takoma Park. It seems like a good idea. Still, I need more information before I can say I absolutely support paid family medical leave and for how long.
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A. J. Campbell
Yes. I also support a work-from-home plan and a hoteling program (work from home or office, or just come in for meetings) for staff.
Cara Honzak
I do. I have intimate experience with FMLA issues having had 3 births while working at various large non profits over the last 15 years, based in and around the DC area. While what I received was often inadequate (I think 6 months should be the norm), I also think the resolution of how to pay for FMLA leave and the temporary employees that may be needed to cover services while someone is out are key questions that the City needs to resolve. A city the size of Takoma Park must make sure that it can pay for anything that the City decides to fund and consider what tradeoffs would be needed to make this happen. It might also be prudent to consider what measures should be taken by the City prior to the implementation of the new State FMLA law that was passed earlier this year. Starting on Jan. 1, 2025 paid benefits will be available via the State of Maryland, utilizing the kind of mechanisms that should be available across the country but as yet are only found in about 10 states--a shared state level fund that is supported through taxes and enables the State to provide an essential level of benefit.
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Ambroise Agosse
Yes, I do. As long employees can do their work with great outcome, actions will be taken to provide them necessary support to take care of themselves and to their families.
Jason Small
I think that government should model the best of what's available. I also think we likely have the budgetary size to do this. If I am successful at getting on the council I would hope others have the guts to say yes to this philosophy. So I support paid leave. The length and amount is where good government happens.