I believe the voters in Anne Arundel County have spoken and desire to keep tax rates from increasing. I supports county residents keeping their hard earned money in their pockets where it belongs, and not being used as a bailout for misspending. It is also important to me that County residents not pay for unnecessary fees at every turn. I committed to not increase your taxes because I believe that government should live within its means and not put the burden on you. I have and I will continue to fulfill that commitment. The state of Maryland is on the verge of a well publicized fiscal cliff in 2027. It is important the district has strong leadership to navigate the rough waters ahead.
Fiscal Growth
There are many aspects to supporting and growing fiscally. I understand that the growth of the small business sector is an important part of overall fiscal growth. Strong school system, desirable communities, and smart investments also play a crucial part. I have worked tirelessly to end burdensome laws that threaten the very businesses we enjoy. I fought against the additional business restrictions imposed by the County Executive during 2020 and 2021 and successfully passed legislation that has helped the farming industry, commercial pools, home remodeling, home based businesses and commercial animal care industry just to name a few. I will continue to cut through the red tape that slows our permit process for small businesses.
Development & Infrastructure
I support a transparent approach to growth in our County. Affordability to buy a home and affordability to stay here and have an enjoyable quality of life. In the evaluation of the General Development Plan, I worked closely with resident groups and stakeholders, so that the people of our district had a voice for future growth in the county. I have guided residents through the development process and supported and passed legislation that added additional requirements for developers and increased forest protections. I committed to making this process more inclusive and have done so by adding laws that require more notification from developers to impacted residents, and created greater access to community meeting information. I will continue to work collaboratively with communities, property owners and developers to ensure that the voice or residents is heard throughout the process. It is essential that we protect the unique aspects of our communities and fight to avoid a saturation of remaining forested land.
Public Safety
Safety of citizens is a top priority of mine. Recruiting and retaining dedicated young men and women is crucial to public safety. Police and fire are part of essential government functions. That is why I have supported increased investments for our police, and fire department to retain and hire these essential positions. I am excited to see the future merger of the fire and police 9-1-1 call centers into one central location under the Office of Emergency Management, which will streamline emergency calls, and I was thrilled to support the construction funding of the new Cape St. Claire Fire Station.
Public Safety also includes areas like pedestrian and biker safety. Since 2018, I have worked with communities all over the 5th district for improved pedestrian crossings and intersections Some of these projects are:
Evergreen Rd at Cedar Rd.
4 way stop in Pines on the Severn
Pedestrian crosswalk and island on Shore Acres Rd at Bay Green Dr.
Expediting numerous sidewalk projects to give pedestrians safe paths between communities
I have advanced the funding of the Jumpers Hole Rd pedestrian and biker project and supported the funding of the Broadneck Trail.
Education
As a product of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, I believe in a transparent, accessible, and accountable school system. The Beacon study shows that a strong school system leads to increased property value, increase in local job opportunities, and decrease in spending associated with crime. It is my belief that recruiting and retaining talented educators, and ensuring the growth and safety of our school infrastructure are important to the future of our County. Curriculum has changed significantly since I was a student. I firmly believe that parents should be involved in their children’s public education, including the ability to weigh in on the curriculum at any time.
