Ray Conaway, 24

This middle school teacher is fighting for his city to re-invest in its children. If elected, 24-year-old Ray Conaway could become the youngest council member in Baltimore history.

What was the best piece of advice you received about running for office?

“Anything worth fighting for is a fight worth having.” Someone once told me that when someone votes for you, it’s not just a number that goes in your into your win column. That vote is someone entrusting you with making their quality of life better, their child’s future brighter, and a renewed sense of hope that public service is still about the public, not personal gain.

You’re a young person working for young people. Education and youth are at the core of your platform, and you've previously served as the 10th district youth commissioner. What are the main issues affecting Baltimore youth that you want to see addressed and how do you hope to tackle them?

As a middle school Social Studies teacher and non-profit program manager, I have the true honor of working alongside Baltimore’s young people who come from all walks of life in this city. They’re some of the most resilient, solution-oriented people you’ll ever come across. But they’ve made it clear that they believed they’re being shortchanged when it comes to resources in our city. When I’m representing the 10th district as the next councilperson, I will be fighting to increase funding for our public schools, expand universal pre-k in Baltimore City, strengthen our career technical education programs for high school students, and expand our YouthWorks summer jobs program to make it year-long and afford young people the opportunity to make a honest living all year long, not just five weeks in the summer.

How did you first get civically engaged?

Serving in the SGA in high school and organizing with conflict mediation groups like Safe Street--Cherry Hill (in the 10th district) was my introduction to civic engagement. It was my introduction to the power of community and the true power that lies in the hands of regular, ordinary people who do extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities.

Young candidates are often dismissed because of their lack of experience. What do you think has prepared you the most for this position?

For the past five years, my experience has been advocating and organizing with young people in my district. Working in the non-profit sector has allowed me to understand the landscape of financial manage, fiscal responsibility, community organizing, and civic engagement. Our government needs more organizers and advocates. Teaching advocacy is my profession and being an advocate for my community is my passion. The rebuttal I give to that argument is: age does not translate to leadership or experience because the person who occupies the White House is 73 years old, and they are definitely not a leader in any fashion of the word. End of statement.

“Progress is a process, and as progressives, we make progress happen.”

What perspectives do you think are currently missing on the Baltimore City Council? What perspectives do you hope to bring?

There’s definitely a youth perspective missing from Baltimore City Council. In the last election cycle in 2016, there were younger candidates elected (most in the early 30s to early 40s). As it currently stands, I am the youngest candidate running in the 10th district, and if I win, I will most likely be the youngest person ever elected to the Baltimore City Council. Not only do I bring a truly authentic youth perspective and energy to get the job done, but I bring the skills and experience to activate civic engagement in all residents and involve them in the process to make a true difference through the democratic process. I’m also a lifelong resident of the 10th district, attended elementary school in the district, and previously worked in the district (with young people, of course).

What advice would you give to another young Democrat considering a run for office?

Your voice is needed more than you think. Don’t allow anyone to ever diminish your hopes and aspirations if they’ve never seen your work. Progress is a process, and as progressives, we make progress happen.

 The views expressed in this interview are those of the candidate, and do not reflect the beliefs and views of Ballot Breakers or its staff.