As Annapolis’ filing deadline closes in, a stay-at-home dad is the first to file in the Ward 6 City Council race, looking to replace DaJuan Gay.
“It’s a matter of being present, being in the community, being somebody that can be called upon to help residents,” said Craig Cussimanio, 54, who is running for office for the first time. “I’m big on talking to people every day, all day. I’ve got the time.”
Cussimanio was volunteering with Food Fridays, Annapolis’ food insecurity program, when he met now-Ward 2 Alderman Karma O’Neill. He volunteered with O’Neill’s first campaign in 2021, and her relationships with her constituents inspired him to run.
“I think Craig is an ideal candidate for city council based on his love of community, willingness to listen and learn and his desire to give back,” O’Neill said in a statement. “He is passionate about helping people, as seen in his five years of volunteering for the Food Fridays program — not only delivering food but being responsive to people’s individual needs.”
Ward 6 Alderman DaJuan Gay, the youngest alderman elected in Annapolis history, confirmed Thursday that he is not seeking reelection. Gay drew attention during his time on the council when warrants were issued for him after he failed to appear in court for traffic violations in 2019 and again in June.
He said he is stepping back to focus on finishing his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which has been in progress since before he was elected in 2019, and will continue to work to provide resources to residents of Ward 6 in a personal capacity.
Gay has not decided whether he will make endorsements, but said in a statement said he believes Cussimanio would be “more than willing to listen to the concerns of Ward 6 residents.”
“I have a ton of respect for DaJuan’s work for the city, specifically what he’s done for Ward 6. I’m just hoping to build on his work by bringing my skills and focus and dedication as a stay-at-home dad,” Cussimanio said.
Cussimanio lives with his wife, Kate Wagner, in Eastport. His two adult children are in college. Wagner, who was born and raised in Annapolis, works as a communications professional and is helping with Cussimanio’s campaign.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Cussimanio initially moved to Annapolis in the 1990s. His family later relocated several times for his digital communications work, from Belgium to San Francisco, before deciding to focus on raising his children. They returned and settled in Annapolis in 2020.
Ward 6 is unusual in that it is almost entirely residential.
“We don’t have a lot of large business interests or large development interests, and it really kind of brings you back to those meat-and-potato issues that are so important,” he said.
In his campaign announcement, Cussimanio said he will prioritize safety, affordability and “unity for all.”
Affordability and public safety, he said, also mean ensuring residents have access to basic services and necessities, like access to grocery stores. Many Ward 6 residents report shopping for food at Walgreens, and Cussimanio wants the city to make the nearest grocery stores safely accessible by foot.
“Let’s get the daily needs covered, and then we can talk about bigger needs,” he said.
Currently, no Democrat or Republican has filed to run for the Ward 6 seat. If the July 28 filing deadline passes, the Republican Central Committee could nominate a candidate.
Cussimanio said being unopposed won’t change his plans between now and the primary Sept. 16 or the general election Nov. 4.
“What I need to do now — and I’ve already started — is try to get to every single door in the ward, regardless of party affiliation,” he said.
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