"I spoke to a transgender student who had been bullied so badly that they thought about taking their own life. They felt like the school system and government had ignored their pain and rendered them invisible," said Cohen.
Read moreLet’s not fight over scraps in the Kirwan Commission education plan
Across Maryland, we have allowed ourselves to be divided when it comes to funding our schools. Urban versus rural. Rich versus poor. Baltimore versus everyone. This zero-sum scramble for resources leaves all of our kids at a disadvantage. Over the past few years, Maryland’s schools have fallen in nationwide rankings. Our economy lags behind neighboring states. And we are not delivering on our potential to lift our most vulnerable citizens out of poverty. We must do better.
Read moreCalls For Barriers Around The Inner Harbor Increase
“When you have multiple deaths from people falling into the water, that just cannot be acceptable,” said councilman Zeke Cohen
Read moreFull-court press by lobbyists on City Council incinerator bill
Focusing on the company’s efforts to kill the bill, Councilman Zeke Cohen says Wheelabrator is violating the lobbying law he pushed through last year by failing to register its City Hall lobbyist.
Read moreRaising Baltimore water rates again? Justify it! →
“A 30% increase over three years without any kind of study to justify it?” Councilman Zeke Cohen said today. “Every single day I hear from my constituents who are right on the margins, saying, ‘If rates go up by 30%, I don’t think I can afford to live in Baltimore any more.’”
Read moreBaltimore City Council members call for independent study of recently announced increase in water rate →
In a statement, councilman Zeke Cohen said the “public deserves an independent evaluation that explains how the rates are set.” Similar studies have taken place in Rockville, Harford County and elsewhere before rate increases
Read moreBaltimore City Council members call for independent study →
“For the public to have faith in our water system, we need transparency and we need accountability,” First District Councilman Zeke Cohen said outside City Hall. “People need to trust that their tax dollars are going to the right place.”
Read moreCity Council Members Push For Independent Study On Water Rate Increase →
Councilman Zeke Cohen and other advocates held a conference Tuesday to ask the DPW to produce an independent rate study before raising water bills.
“This is a moment for transparency in Baltimore,” said Cohen. “The public deserves to know why our bills are increasing and where our tax dollars will go.”
DPW announced that rates would go up by 30 percent between fiscal year 2020 and 2022 and is scheduled to ask the Board of Estimates for the rate increase Wednesday.
Read moreMayor’s choice for Baltimore police commissioner roundly criticized at hearing →
Councilman Zeke Cohen, one of five committee members, said he would vote “no” on Fitzgerald. Cohen said that could change if there were meaningful opportunities for the public to get to know him.
“Our community has some deep concerns about this nominee,” Cohen said. “He needs to be here.”
Read moreCritics of Fitzgerald appointment speak out at public hearing →
Councilman Zeke Cohen
Councilman Cohen Releases Statement →
Councilman Zeke Cohen, a member of the Executive Appointments Committee, released a statement after the hearing, saying in part: "I expect any nominee for this position to consistently engage with the public, present a vision for their leadership and the city and be transparent about their background file and resume. Unfortunately, these qualities have not been reflected in Mr. Fitzgerald's candidacy."
Read moreThis process was embarrassing for this city →
Councilman Zeke Cohen also wondered if Fitzgerald was the right person for the job.
"This process was embarrassing for this city. We are at a moment where we are facing a crisis of violence and a crisis of confidence," Cohen said. "We need the best in the world to come here to Baltimore. We need a process that is clear and transparent. We need someone who is going to come here with a vision, a plan and an ability to both reduce violence and successfully implement our consent decree."
Read moreBaltimore police commissioner nominee withdraws →
Going forward, council members and activists said Monday that Pugh needed to guarantee greater transparency. Councilman Zeke Cohen called for a fresh start.
“My strong recommendation is that we start over with a transparent, community-based process where the voices of people who sat through that hearing are heard, where council members have access to the full vetting file of the candidate and we can get the very best person in the world to come serve our great city,” said Cohen, who sits on the council committee that weighs mayoral appointments.
Read moreResidents encouraged to "Shop Local" in Baltimore
Baltimore City councilman Zeke Cohen is encouraging everyone to get out and shop in Fells Point on Sunday.
This is the first year the councilman issued the "Shop Local challenge." He says its because small businesses rely on community support.
Read more‘Shop Local Challenge’ Encourages Holiday Shoppers To Spend Money At Baltimore Businesses
“It’s just critically important we support the people that support us and make our city so charming. I encourage everyone to bring your friends, bring your uncle, come out and get those holiday gifts,” said Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen.
Zeke Cohen: “We can’t do this anymore. There can’t be other Devontes. We have to end the violence.” →
Cohen said, “We can’t do this anymore. There can’t be other Devontes. We have to end the violence.”
Cohen expressed his sympathy for the family’s loss.
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