Sharon Green Middleton

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Sharon Green Middleton

| image = Sharon Green Middleton (2023).jpg

| caption = Middleton in 2023

| birth_name = Sharon Green

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1954|5|1}}

| birth_place = Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| education = Morgan State University (BA)

| spouse = {{marriage|Glenard Middleton|1980|2024|end=died}}

| children = 1, and 1 stepchild

|office2 = Member of the Baltimore City Council
from the 6th district

|term_start2 = February 26, 2007

|term_end2 =

|predecessor2 = Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

|successor2 =

|office1 = Vice President of the Baltimore City Council

|president1 = Bernard C. Young
Brandon Scott
Nick Mosby

|term_start1 = December 8, 2016

|term_end1 =

|predecessor1 = Edward Reisinger

|successor1 =

}}

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 to mother Martha V. Green (née Martha Virginia McDaniel), a retired telephone operator and day care worker, and father Kennedy Carl Green, a steelworker.{{cite news |last1=Sun |first1=Baltimore |title=Martha V. Green, 80 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/12/01/martha-v-green-80/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 1, 2006}} She graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education in 1976,{{cite web |title=Sharon Green Middleton, City Council, Baltimore, Maryland |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/36loc/bcity/leg/html/msa14765.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=January 24, 2024}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Newsmaker |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2007/02/25/newsmaker-65/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 25, 2007}}

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. The Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee unanimously voted to nominate her to the seat.{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Middleton nominated to fill 6th District seat on City Council |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2007/02/22/middleton-nominated-to-fill-6th-district-seat-on-city-council/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 22, 2007}} Middleton's nomination was confirmed by the Baltimore City Council and she was sworn in on February 26, 2007. She ran for and was elected to a full four-term in 2007.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Brent |title=51 votes separate top candidates in council district |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2007/09/13/51-votes-separate-top-candidates-in-council-district/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 13, 2007}}

Following the resignation of Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh in April 2019, Middleton temporarily became the acting president of the Baltimore City Council.{{cite news |last1=Zorzi |first1=William F. |title=Baltimore City Lawmakers Join Chorus Calling for Pugh's Resignation |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/04/09/baltimore-city-lawmakers-join-chorus-calling-for-pughs-resignation/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 9, 2019}} She served in this position until May 6, 2019, when the Baltimore City Council voted unanimously to elect Brandon Scott as its new president.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Pace of Political Change Accelerating in Baltimore |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/05/06/pace-of-political-change-accelerating-in-baltimore/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 6, 2019}}

File:MACo Winter Conference (46551686732).jpg

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.{{cite news |last1=Richman |first1=Talia |title=Baltimore councilwoman to lead Maryland local government association |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/12/06/baltimore-councilwoman-to-lead-maryland-local-government-association/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 6, 2019}}

Personal life

Middleton was 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.{{cite news |title=Half-dozen seek 6th District seat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-half-dozen-seek-6th-di/154286332/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 3, 2007 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Two Maryland AFSCME councils vote to merge |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/04/17/two-maryland-afscme-councils-vote-to-merge/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 17, 2023}} They were married from 1980 until his death on November 7, 2024.{{cite web |title=Glenard S. Middleton Sr. - View Obituary & Service Information |url=https://www.marchfh.com/obituaries/Glenard-Middleton/#!/TributeWall |publisher=March Funeral Homes |access-date=November 12, 2024 |language=en}} Together, they had a son and a stepdaughter, both of whom work in Baltimore city government as of November 2023.{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Your City Council member probably has a side gig. Here's what they're doing. |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-city-council-income-disclosure-2CN2MCILJBBCRIKDRENKCUMFPI/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=November 17, 2023 |language=en}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=Key councilman says city shouldn't zone longtime liquor stores out of business |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2014/01/13/key-councilman-says-city-shouldnt-zone-longtime-liquor-stores-out-of-business/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 13, 2024}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Puente |first1=Mark |title=Baltimore leaders call for change following investigation into alleged police brutality |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2014/09/28/baltimore-leaders-call-for-change-following-investigation-into-alleged-police-brutality/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 28, 2014}} In September 2019, she opposed a bill that would end the use of "gag orders" in city police misconduct cases.{{cite news |last1=Shen |first1=Fern |title=Tales of beatings and terror as City Council advances bill to end police misconduct "gag" clauses |url=https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2019/09/17/tales-of-beatings-and-terror-as-city-council-advances-bill-to-end-police-misconduct-gag-clauses/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=September 17, 2019 |language=en-us}}

In May 2022, amid an increase in violent crime in Baltimore, Middleton called for an increase in neighborhood patrolling{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Calling Baltimore's violence 'beyond comprehension,' Council group orders police response plan by budget time |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2022/05/19/calling-baltimores-violence-beyond-comprehension-council-group-orders-police-response-plan-by-budget-time/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 19, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Fenton |first1=Justin |title=From 'warriors' to 'guardians': Will the Baltimore Police Department's new approach make a difference? |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/featured/from-warriors-to-guardians-will-the-baltimore-police-departments-new-approach-make-a-difference-I5CDHZ3SCJDIRJIQTRTUIMOTCQ/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=June 21, 2022 |language=en}} and questioned the effectiveness of community violence intervention programs, including the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE).{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Jessica |last2=Skene |first2=Lea |title=Debates spark over Baltimore police protection strategies as rising bloodshed puts neighborhoods on edge |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2022/05/21/debates-spark-over-baltimore-police-protection-strategies-as-rising-bloodshed-puts-neighborhoods-on-edge/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 21, 2022}}

= 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.{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=City Council votes down 10-cent bag fee |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2014/01/27/city-council-votes-down-10-cent-bag-fee/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 27, 2014}}

= 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.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Harbor Point construction could begin next month |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2013/09/09/harbor-point-construction-could-begin-next-month/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 9, 2013}}

In September 2016, Middleton voted against a bill that would have required developers receiving tax incentives to build affordable housing units.{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=Baltimore City Council votes down inclusionary housing proposal |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2016/09/12/baltimore-city-council-votes-down-inclusionary-housing-proposal/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 12, 2016}}

In February 2018, Middleton voted for a bill to provide $4 million in tax breaks toward the redevelopment of the Northwood Plaza shopping center.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Baltimore council committee backs tax break to spur redevelopment of Northwood plaza |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/02/22/baltimore-council-committee-backs-tax-break-to-spur-redevelopment-of-northwood-plaza/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 22, 2018}}

In June 2019, following an 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.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Brittany |title=New study urges Baltimore to act against rising water rates that disproportionately affect African Americans |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/06/15/new-study-urges-baltimore-to-act-against-rising-water-rates-that-disproportionately-affect-african-americans/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 15, 2019}}

In January 2021, Middleton introduced a bill that would require landlords with 10 or more units to offer tenants security deposit payment alternatives.{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Baltimore council introduces bill to close eviction loophole, other housing measures in response to COVID-19 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/01/11/baltimore-council-introduces-bill-to-close-eviction-loophole-other-housing-measures-in-response-to-covid-19/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 11, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Sarah Y. |title=Middleton Sponsoring New Security Deposit Relief Bill |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2021-06-29/middleton-sponsoring-new-security-deposit-relief-bill |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=WYPR |date=June 29, 2021 |language=en}} After the bill was vetoed by Mayor Brandon Scott,{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Hallie |title=Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott vetoes security deposit alternative bill |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/05/17/baltimore-mayor-brandon-scott-vetoes-security-deposit-alternative-bill/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 17, 2021}} she introduced another bill to create a program providing grants to low-income residents to pay their security deposits,{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Baltimore City Council passes bill creating security deposit assistance program |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/09/20/baltimore-city-council-passes-bill-creating-security-deposit-assistance-program/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 20, 2021}} which passed and was signed into law by Mayor Scott.{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Sarah Y. |title=Scott Signs Security Deposit Relief Act Into Law |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2021-09-23/scott-signs-security-deposit-relief-act-into-law |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=WYPR |date=September 23, 2021 |language=en}}

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".{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Proposed Dollar House revival in Baltimore faces opposition from top housing, finance, legal officials |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2022/01/18/proposed-dollar-house-revival-in-baltimore-faces-opposition-from-top-housing-finance-legal-officials/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 18, 2022}}

= 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.{{cite news |title=City / County Digest |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2007/10/16/city-county-digest-88/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 16, 2007}}

In March 2017, Middleton voted for a bill to raise the minimum wage in Baltimore to $15 an hour.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Baltimore City Council passes $15 minimum wage bill |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2017/03/20/baltimore-city-council-passes-15-minimum-wage-bill/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 20, 2017}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Baltimore City Council overrides mayor's vetoes on job protections for hospitality workers affected by coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/12/07/baltimore-city-council-overrides-mayors-vetoes-on-job-protections-for-hospitality-workers-affected-by-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 7, 2020}}

= 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.{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=In contested Baltimore City Council vote, measure to ask voters to approve term limits on elected officials fails |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/07/13/in-contested-baltimore-city-council-vote-measure-to-ask-voters-to-approve-term-limits-on-elected-officials-fails/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 13, 2020}}

= Transportation =

In March 2019, Middleton said she supported the removal of bike lanes along Roland Avenue, saying that her constituents were tired of "experiments".{{cite news |last1=Knezevich |first1=Alison |title=Baltimore Mayor Pugh says city will remove Roland Park cycle track, cancels pilot program |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/03/29/baltimore-mayor-pugh-says-city-will-remove-roland-park-cycle-track-cancels-pilot-program/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 29, 2019}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Albert |first1=Jessica |title=Baltimore's bike infrastructure is slowly becoming safer for bicyclists, pedestrians |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimores-bike-infrastructure-slowly-becoming-safer-for-bike-riders-pedestrians/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=WJZ-TV |date=January 22, 2024}} At the hearing, Middleton claimed that bike lanes were "unfair" to families with cars.{{cite news |last1=Mullan |first1=Dillon |title=Baltimore officials push safety benefits of bike lanes at City Council hearing Thursday |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/07/baltimore-officials-push-for-bike-lanes/ |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 7, 2024}}

Electoral history

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Baltimore City Council District 6 Democratic primary election, 2007{{cite web |title=2007 Baltimore City Primary Official Election Results |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/baltimore/2007_primary_results.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |access-date=February 2, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent)

|votes = 3,948

|percentage = 54.0

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Liz Smith

|votes = 2,576

|percentage = 35.2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Ramona Moore Baker

|votes = 417

|percentage = 5.7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Deborah B. Ramsey

|votes = 372

|percentage = 5.1

}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2007{{cite web |title=2007 Baltimore City General Official Election Results |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/baltimore/2007_general_results.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |access-date=February 2, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent)

|votes = 3,383

|percentage = 98.6

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 47

|percentage = 1.4

}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2011{{cite web |title=Baltimore City General Statements of Votes Cast |url=https://boe.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/2011%2520Baltimore%2520City%2520General%2520Election.pdf |website=boe.baltimorecity.gov |access-date=February 2, 2024 |date=November 22, 2011}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent)

|votes = 3,655

|percentage = 98.0

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 73

|percentage = 2.0

}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2016{{cite web |title=2016 Election Results |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2016/results/general/gen_results_2016_4_by_county_030.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |access-date=February 2, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent)

|votes = 13,518

|percentage = 90.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Green Party of the United States

|candidate = Richard Thomas White Jr.

|votes = 1,240

|percentage = 8.3

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 190

|percentage = 1.3

}}

{{Election box begin no change

|title=Baltimore City Council District 6 election, 2020{{cite web |title=2020 Election Results |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2020/results/general/gen_results_2020_4_by_county_030.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |access-date=February 2, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Democratic Party

|candidate = Sharon Green Middleton (incumbent)

|votes = 13,247

|percentage = 89.9

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Maryland Republican Party

|candidate = Michelle Y. Andrews

|votes = 1,421

|percentage = 9.6