Politics & Government

Clarke's Attempts to Amend Budget Fail

Last ditch attempt to alter $2.8 billion operating budget vote fails.

Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke failed to tack budget-cutting amendments back on to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s proposed during a City Council hearing on Monday. 

Clarke made three motions to add amendments on to the budget the council’s Committee of the Whole had approved last week, and on a subsequent vote. Supporters of the amendments argued the cuts allowed Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake the ability to fully fund priorities, such as after school programs and prevent the closure of three firehouses.

"These are not random amendments," Clarke said.

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But the amendments were all defeated by a 9-6 vote with Councilman Carl Stokes and Councilman Bill Henry joining Clarke as the lawmakers from North Baltimore to vote against the mayor.

Councilwoman Rochelle “Rikki” Spector and Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton maintained their opposition to the amendments and voted in the majority.

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Councilman Nick Mosby, who had initially voted for the amendments , again voted not to alter the mayor’s proposed budget.

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