Two sitting members of the Baltimore City Council, Rochelle “Rikki” Spector and Robert Curran, announced they do not intend to seek another council term, each citing personal reasons. The City Council elections are in November 2016, with the primary approaching soon in April.
Councilmember Spector took her seat in 1977, and in her 38 years of service has become the longest serving county elected official in Maryland. She has served as the City’s representative on the MACo Board of Directors and Legislative Committee for many years, and served as MACo President in 1995.
Current MACo President John Barr said, “Rikki has been everywhere for MACo. She has seen it all and been a great leader for us, and a friend to me.”
“There is no substitute for experience, and Rikki Spector has really been that voice for us,” said MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson. “She has done so much for the City and for MACo, and she’s always been there for her colleagues in local government.”
Councilmember Curran represents a longstanding family presence in City government, himself serving since 1995.
From coverage in the Baltimore Sun:
Robert W. Curran, who was first elected in 1995, and Rochelle “Rikki” Spector, first elected in 1977, will leave office when this term ends in December. With six of 15 council members not seeking re-election, more than 100 years of experience will leave City Hall next year.
It will be the first time in six decades that a member of Curran’s family won’t be on the Democrat primary ballot for council, which will be held April 26. The Democratic primary has long determined Baltimore elections. All 15 council members are Democrats.
“Twenty years is a good run,” said Curran, 65, who represents the council’s 3rd District in Northeast Baltimore. “I feel like I’ve done positive things for the district over the years. I am at peace with it.”
Spector, called the “dean of the City Council,” represents the council’s 5th District in Northwest Baltimore.
“I work nine days a week,” Spector, 79, said. “My effectiveness and my networking will be beneficial to the city whether I am in the seat or not in the seat. I will continue to serve. It’s a calling.”
