Sharon Green Middleton
Middleton in 2023
Vice President of the Baltimore City Council
Assumed office
December 8, 2016
PresidentBernard C. Young
Brandon Scott
Nick Mosby
Preceded byEdward Reisinger
Member of the Baltimore City Council
from the 6th district
Assumed office
February 26, 2007
Preceded byStephanie Rawlings-Blake
Personal details
Born
Sharon Green

(1954-05-01) May 1, 1954 (age 69)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Spouse
Glenard Middleton
​
(m. 1980)​
Children1, and 1 stepchild
EducationMorgan State University (BA)

Sharon Green Middleton (née Green; May 1, 1954) is an American politician who has been a member of the Baltimore City Council since 2007 and its vice president since 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, she briefly served as acting president of the Baltimore City Council following Bernard C. Young's ascension to mayor following the resignation of Catherine Pugh.

Early life and education

Middleton was born in Baltimore on May 1, 1954[1] to mother Martha V. Green (née Martha Virginia McDaniel), a retired telephone operator and day care worker, and father Kennedy Carl Green, a steelworker.[2] She graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education in 1976,[1] afterwards working as a teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools for two decades, afterwards working as a specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Labor until her retirement in 2006.[3][4]

Baltimore City Council

In February 2007, after Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was appointed president of the Baltimore City Council following the election of Sheila Dixon as mayor of Baltimore, Middleton applied to serve the remainder of Rawlings-Blake's term on the Baltimore City Council.[5] The Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee unanimously voted to nominate her to the seat.[3] Middleton's nomination was confirmed by the Baltimore City Council and she was sworn in on February 26, 2007.[1] She ran for and was elected to a full four-term in 2007.[6]

Following the resignation of Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh in April 2019, Middleton temporarily became the acting president of the Baltimore City Council.[7] She served in this position until May 6, 2019, when the Baltimore City Council voted unanimously to elect Brandon Scott as its new president.[8]

Middleton (center left) at the Maryland Association of Counties winter conference, 2019

In December 2019, Middleton was elected president of the Maryland Association of Counties, becoming the lobbying group's first African American from Baltimore to hold the position.[9]

Personal life

Middleton is married to Glenard S. Middleton Sr., who was the leader of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 67 until its merger with AFSCME Local 3 in 2023.[5][10] They have been married since 1980.[4] Together, they have a son and a stepdaughter, both of whom work in Baltimore city government.[11]

Political positions

Crime and policing

In January 2014, Middleton said she supported a proposal that would require one-third of Baltimore's residential liquor stores to close within two years, claiming that it would help fight crime in the city.[12]

In September 2014, following a Baltimore Sun investigation that found that the city of Baltimore had covered the costs for more than 100 police brutality settlements or verdicts since 2011, Middleton called on the Baltimore Police Department to improve its training programs to help officers deal with different personalities on the streets.[13] In September 2019, she opposed a bill that would end the use of "gag orders" in city police misconduct cases.[14]

In May 2022, amid an increase in violent crime in Baltimore, Middleton called for an increase in neighborhood patrolling[15][16] and questioned the effectiveness of community violence intervention programs, including the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE).[17]

Environment

In January 2014, Middleton voted against a bill implementing a 10-cent fee on paper and plastic bags in stores, saying that she instead wanted the city to develop a comprehensive litter control program.[18]

Housing and development

In September 2013, Middleton voted against a proposal to convert Baltimore's old Exelon chemical plant to a waterfront development, citing concerns about safety and criticisms toward subsidies provided to the project.[19]

In September 2016, Middleton voted against a bill that would have required developers receiving tax incentives to build affordable housing units.[20]

In February 2018, Middleton voted for a bill to provide $4 million in tax breaks toward the redevelopment of the Northwood Plaza shopping center.[21]

In June 2019, following a NAACP study that uncovered disparities in water affordability among African Americans in Baltimore, Middleton introduced a bill to reform the process for disputing city water bills and provide financial assistance to certain city residents for water and sewer bills.[22]

In January 2021, Middleton introduced a bill that would require landlords with 10 or more units to offer tenants security deposit payment alternatives.[23][24] After the bill was vetoed by Mayor Brandon Scott,[25] she introduced another bill to create a program providing grants to low-income residents to pay their security deposits,[26] which passed and was signed into law by Mayor Scott.[27]

In January 2022, Middleton proposed using American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding to support Baltimore's existing housing programs, especially the weatherization assistance program, which she claimed weren't "getting the job done".[28]

Labor

In October 2007, amid a dispute between the Baltimore Teachers Union and Baltimore City Public Schools, Middleton introduced a nonbinding resolution supporting the union.[29]

In March 2017, Middleton voted for a bill to raise the minimum wage in Baltimore to $15 an hour.[30]

In December 2020, Middleton voted for a bill to provide job protections to hospitality workers laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the bill was vetoed by Mayor Young, she voted against overriding the mayor's veto.[31]

Social issues

In July 2020, Middleton voted against a bill creating a city-wide referendum on placing a three-term limit on city elected officials.[32]

Transportation

In March 2019, Middleton said she supported the removal of bike lanes along Roland Avenue, saying that her constituents were tired of "experiments".[33] In January 2024, she called for a hearing on the city's bike infrastructure, citing community concerns over bike lanes in certain parts of the city.[34] At the hearing, Middleton claimed that bike lanes were "unfair" to families with cars.[35]

Electoral history

Baltimore City Council District 6 Democratic primary election, 2007[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent) 3,948 54.0
Democratic Liz Smith 2,576 35.2
Democratic Ramona Moore Baker 417 5.7
Democratic Deborah B. Ramsey 372 5.1
Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2007[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent) 3,383 98.6
Write-in 47 1.4
Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2011[38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent) 3,655 98.0
Write-in 73 2.0
Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2016[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent) 13,518 90.4
Green Richard Thomas White Jr. 1,240 8.3
Write-in 190 1.3
Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2020[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent) 13,247 89.9
Republican Michelle Y. Andrews 1,421 9.6
Write-in 74 0.5

References

  1. ^ a b c "Sharon Green Middleton, City Council, Baltimore, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  2. ^ Sun, Baltimore (December 1, 2006). "Martha V. Green, 80". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Fritze, John (February 22, 2007). "Middleton nominated to fill 6th District seat on City Council". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Fritze, John (February 25, 2007). "Newsmaker". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Half-dozen seek 6th District seat". The Baltimore Sun. February 3, 2007. Retrieved January 24, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Jones, Brent (September 13, 2007). "51 votes separate top candidates in council district". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  7. ^ Zorzi, William F. (April 9, 2019). "Baltimore City Lawmakers Join Chorus Calling for Pugh's Resignation". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Kurtz, Josh (May 6, 2019). "Pace of Political Change Accelerating in Baltimore". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Richman, Talia (December 6, 2019). "Baltimore councilwoman to lead Maryland local government association". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  10. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (April 17, 2023). "Two Maryland AFSCME councils vote to merge". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  11. ^ Sullivan, Emily (November 17, 2023). "Your City Council member probably has a side gig. Here's what they're doing". Baltimore Banner. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  12. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (January 13, 2024). "Key councilman says city shouldn't zone longtime liquor stores out of business". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  13. ^ Puente, Mark (September 28, 2014). "Baltimore leaders call for change following investigation into alleged police brutality". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  14. ^ Shen, Fern (September 17, 2019). "Tales of beatings and terror as City Council advances bill to end police misconduct "gag" clauses". Baltimore Brew. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  15. ^ Opilo, Emily (May 19, 2022). "Calling Baltimore's violence 'beyond comprehension,' Council group orders police response plan by budget time". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  16. ^ Fenton, Justin (June 21, 2022). "From 'warriors' to 'guardians': Will the Baltimore Police Department's new approach make a difference?". Baltimore Banner. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Anderson, Jessica; Skene, Lea (May 21, 2022). "Debates spark over Baltimore police protection strategies as rising bloodshed puts neighborhoods on edge". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  18. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (January 27, 2014). "City Council votes down 10-cent bag fee". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  19. ^ Broadwater, Luke (September 9, 2013). "Harbor Point construction could begin next month". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  20. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (September 12, 2016). "Baltimore City Council votes down inclusionary housing proposal". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  21. ^ Broadwater, Luke (February 22, 2018). "Baltimore council committee backs tax break to spur redevelopment of Northwood plaza". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  22. ^ Brown, Brittany (June 15, 2019). "New study urges Baltimore to act against rising water rates that disproportionately affect African Americans". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  23. ^ Opilo, Emily (January 11, 2021). "Baltimore council introduces bill to close eviction loophole, other housing measures in response to COVID-19". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  24. ^ Kim, Sarah Y. (June 29, 2021). "Middleton Sponsoring New Security Deposit Relief Bill". WYPR. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  25. ^ Miller, Hallie (May 17, 2021). "Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott vetoes security deposit alternative bill". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Opilo, Emily (September 20, 2021). "Baltimore City Council passes bill creating security deposit assistance program". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  27. ^ Kim, Sarah Y. (September 23, 2021). "Scott Signs Security Deposit Relief Act Into Law". WYPR. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  28. ^ Opilo, Emily (January 18, 2022). "Proposed Dollar House revival in Baltimore faces opposition from top housing, finance, legal officials". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  29. ^ "City / County Digest". The Baltimore Sun. October 16, 2007. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  30. ^ Broadwater, Luke (March 20, 2017). "Baltimore City Council passes $15 minimum wage bill". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  31. ^ Opilo, Emily (December 7, 2020). "Baltimore City Council overrides mayor's vetoes on job protections for hospitality workers affected by coronavirus pandemic". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  32. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (July 13, 2020). "In contested Baltimore City Council vote, measure to ask voters to approve term limits on elected officials fails". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  33. ^ Knezevich, Alison (March 29, 2019). "Baltimore Mayor Pugh says city will remove Roland Park cycle track, cancels pilot program". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  34. ^ Albert, Jessica (January 22, 2024). "Baltimore's bike infrastructure is slowly becoming safer for bicyclists, pedestrians". WJZ-TV. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  35. ^ Mullan, Dillon (March 7, 2024). "Baltimore officials push safety benefits of bike lanes at City Council hearing Thursday". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  36. ^ "2007 Baltimore City Primary Official Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  37. ^ "2007 Baltimore City General Official Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  38. ^ "Baltimore City General Statements of Votes Cast" (PDF). boe.baltimorecity.gov. November 22, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  39. ^ "2016 Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  40. ^ "2020 Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
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