2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 17

Community Partner: City Hall – Councilman Zeke Cohen
Intern: Kelsey Ko
Site Supervisor: Michael Castagnola
•
•
•
•
Conducted policy research on the relationship between state and local government,
and how Baltimore can adopt changes to its taxation legislation
Maintained office media and communications by taking photos, filming/editing video
footage, managing social media, drafting press releases, and making press calls to
media outlets
Fielded calls/complaints from the District’s constituents, and solved their problems as
a liaison between government departments and the community
Attended City Council meetings and hearings regarding local legislation, as well as
events in the community
"People see glitz and glamor in politics, that’s no secret. Thanks to shows like House of Cards and The West Wing, people envision constant intrigue, drama,
and rubbing shoulders with powerful decision makers and legislators. But what has made my time with District 1’s office so sp ecial is its down-to-earth,
passionate people who aren’t afraid to push the envelope. Every day I’ve spent with “Team Cohen,” the staff has talked about our city of Baltimore with
love, with concern, and with hope. In this way, I think that my experience in Zeke’s office has embodied the spirit of CIIP. Whether we’re responding to calls
from constituents worried about sidewalk repairs, or we’re debating innovative policy solutions to crime and violence in Baltimore, I feel incredibly lucky to
say that no one I work with forgets the humanity or history of those who live in this city. We’ve had countless conversations about how lead paint,
development, racism, and the justice system has long marginalized people of color in Baltimore. I’ve come to understand how d ifficult it is to be a politician
for a city that has so much to offer, but also so far to go. During my time here, I have been a jack of all trades. I’ve been a photographer, a researcher, a
saleswoman, a public relations coordinator, a customer service rep, a testifier in court, and when I’m attending hearings and meetings, a civically engaged
Balti more resident. Because guess what? Sometimes politics isn’t sexy. Sometimes you have wear all the hats — that’s especially true in local government,
when you’re right in the heart of a city and there’s an endless number of things to do. As someone who loves being constantly busy, I’ve loved every
moment here at the District 1 office. I’ll miss the pizza parties, the jokes, the laughter, and maybe even the long commutes on the Circulator. It’s amazing
that in just a short eight weeks, I can now put faces, names, people, and personalities behind those who run our city. I know that in our current political
climate, so many people have felt disappointed with government. Yet each day I’ve had the privilege to work with these people in District 1 — whose
empathy, passion, and sheer love for this city overflows our tiny little office in City Hall — I’ve felt that the future of Baltimore looks brighter and brighter."
-Kelsey
17