Politics & Government

Ramos Officially Announces Council Bid

Odette Ramos, if elected, would be the first Hispanic member of the Baltimore City Council.

Odette Ramos, wearing a black dress suit and an orange scarf that matched her campaign stickers, chatted with supporters at the corner of East Lafayette and Barclay streets on Thursday afternoon.

A small multiracial audience had gathered at the corner, in front of a recently completed mural in the Greenmount West community, to stand with Ramos as she officially announced her campaign for Baltimore City Council in District 12.

Ramos, 38, a small business owner and community activist, said her decision to run came down to where she thought she could do the most good.

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“Can I make a bigger mark by pushing from the outside or do better from the inside?” Ramos asked rhetorically.

If elected, Ramos, of Puerto Rican descent, would make history by becoming the first Hispanic elected to the Baltimore City Council.

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Although this is her first time running for office, Ramos already has the support of some prominent Baltimore politicians.

Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, D-District 14, was on hand to back Ramos. According to Ramos’ website, she worked as a volunteer for Clarke’s 1995 mayoral campaign.

Clarke praised Ramos’ energy and said she would be a good match for the district because of her experience with grassroots activism.

“She would be such a great addition to the Baltimore City Council,” Clarke said.

Del. Mary Washington, D-District 43, also voiced her support of Ramos at the event.

“I’m happy to join the hundreds and thousands of people that will get behind Odette Ramos,” Washington said.

Currently Councilman Carl Stokes represents District 12. He was appointed to the seat after the district’s former council member, Bernard C. “Jack” Young, was selected by the council to become council president following a shake-up of city leadership positions after former Mayor Sheila Dixon resigned. 

It’s unknown whether Stokes, who previously served on the council, will run for election in District 12. But some observers believe he is contemplating a run for mayor, the position he sought in 1999 when Martin O’Malley won the post.


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