Politics & Government

Patch Readers Have Last Say on Parthemos Residency

Patch readers respond to whether or not Deputy Mayor Kaliope Parthemos should live in Baltimore city.

This is what Patch readers had to say about whether or not Deputy Mayor Kaliop Parthemos should live in the city. Earlier this week it came to light that Parthemos lived in Baltimore County.

I believe she, and all city government executives, should live in Baltimore.
How else can one effectively serve the residents with empathy and genuine understanding? Not to mention contributing to the economic vitality of your employer, which is a publicly funded entity? No brainer in my view.

I agree with Jamey 100%. Not only that but they and others in positions of power should be required to walk through depressed areas of the city to actually see how the "People" they govern are forced to live. If they came face to face with the reality of "life in Baltimore" maybe they would make some decisions based on what the "People" need instead of what the "Government" wants. Just my 2 cents. I know the city needs it !

Find out what's happening in North Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Make them all live in the city. Cops and firefighters too! Here is an interesting breakdown by department.

http://data.baltimorecity.gov/Government/Baltimore-City-Employee-Residency-by-Agency/b2y4-vd6j

Find out what's happening in North Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I agree with everyone on this one. I remember one of the neighborhood liaisons under Dixon (who I will not name) lived in Overlea, Baltimore County. What stake did she have in any community?

YES!!! How can she be the Deputy Mayor of Economic Development for the City of Baltimore living in Baltimore County!! She has no vested interest.

I think these folks know full well how horribe city living has become, partially b/c they themselves are responsible for it. There's a good reason why they don't/won't live in the city. Perhaps they should be made to live in the depressed neighborhood and vacant buildings they are (mostly) responsible for.

Are you serious?! This represents a total lack of buy-in on Parthemos' end as well as on her boss, the Mayor. It's mercenary. Shame on the Mayor.

Pretty Ridiculous that she doesn't live in the city. How can you claim to have the best interests of a place you don't choose to live in. I don't think all teachers, firefighters and Police Officers should have to live in the city, but all of their bosses and administrators should have to as well as every single upper level position in this city. We pay taxes to support these peoples jobs, and they contribute very little back to the city. If you showed up the Under Armour wearing Nikes I'm guessing it wouldn't be tolerated.

I think it is only right that our city leaders live in the city. There is always the possibility of divided allegiances, as well as conflict of interest. B'lieve Baltimore!

Via Facebook

Dennis McIver If Rikki Spector can't be bothered to live in her district, why should Parthemos?

But seriously... Yes. If you are a Deputy Mayor of our neighborhoods but can't be bothered to live in one of them... that says something. Very disappointing overall, but I'm coming to expect that from City Hall.

Ellen Nathalia Kalb How can anyone understand our issues, advocate for us, and truly represent us if they don't live here? What does the d/mayor think of our taxes? How can she possibly make decisions on the issues? (Worse, how does she think she can?) Just from a corporate entity view? That is insufficient. What do we need to do to change the city charter?

Via Twitter

@bosconet 

The should live in the City or be in the process of moving here or looking for a new job.

jillpcarter 

 In a word "YES"


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from North Baltimore