Strengthening Human Services

A strong community takes care of its people, especially those who need support the most. I am committed to ensuring Frederick County continues to invest in accessible mental health services, support for seniors aging in place, resources for individuals with disabilities, and programs that help working families remain stable during challenging times. 

One-third of our households are classified as ALICE. The Brunswick area within District 1 has the largest percentage of ALICE households, and is not the only area within our district to have significant percentages of these working households that are still struggling to meet every day needs. And while more than 20% of our population is over age 65, we must be proactive, compassionate, and fiscally responsible in how we deliver services.

That means:

• Expanding access to mental health and crisis services
• Supporting seniors with transportation, housing stability, and in-home care options
• Strengthening partnerships with our nonprofit and faith-based organizations
• Ensuring our Division of Family Services has the resources to serve families efficiently and effectively
• Bringing the Family Justice Center to completion by 2027
• Investing in prevention-focused programs that reduce long-term costs

Human services are not just line items in a budget, they are lifelines for our neighbors. Working in collaboration to strengthen these systems while growing a more balanced commercial tax base, will allow us to protect vulnerable residents without placing unsustainable burdens on residential taxpayers.

Respecting & Supporting Agriculture

Agriculture is our long history and central to our county economy, our identity, and our future. Frederick County is home to more farms than any other county in Maryland, but unfortunately that number continues to decline as farmers find it difficult to financially sustain their operations. 

I am committed to strengthening agricultural preservation efforts, supporting farm families, supporting policies that help farmers diversify their businesses, and ensuring that growth is directed to appropriate areas. For farmers to continuing farming there must be profitability for them, and their families. 

That means:

• Continuing strong investment in agricultural preservation programs
• Using tax revenues to permanently protect farmland
• Supporting farm viability through agribusiness, value-added agriculture, and local food initiatives
• Ensuring infrastructure planning respects rural communities
• Supporting economic development initiatives that encourage farm diversification

When agriculture succeeds, our entire community benefits — economically, environmentally, and culturally.

Economic Prosperity with Principles

As we work to broaden our commercial tax base and reduce pressure on homeowners, we must also ensure that we are growing responsibly, and we are protecting what matters most. Frederick County’s future depends on a strong and balanced economy. An economy that creates opportunity, strengthens our tax base, and protects the character of our communities.

Today, roughly 70% of our tax base is residential. That puts significant pressure on homeowners to fund schools, public safety, infrastructure, and essential services. If we want meaningful property tax relief and long-term fiscal stability, we must responsibly expand our commercial and business tax base.

Residents want relief from high residential property taxes and rising housing costs are presented with a lack of affordable options. Congestion along major corridors like US-15 and I-270 frustrate commuters and affects quality of life. Economic growth must be done thoughtfully and transparently.

I support:

• Growing our commercial and industrial sectors in appropriate, designated growth areas
• Ensuring strong environmental protections and infrastructure standards
• Supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs
• Attracting high-quality employers that provide good-paying jobs
• Using new commercial revenue to strengthen schools, protect farmland, and ease the burden on homeowners
• Continue to explore county-owned land for affordable housing options

Smart growth is not about unchecked development. It is about balance while directing investment where infrastructure exists, preserving rural and agricultural land, and making decisions based on facts and long-term fiscal responsibility.

Frederick County can grow in a way that protects our farms, supports our families, and keeps taxes stable.

Investing in Education

Education is the foundation of our community’s future. It was disheartening for me to learn recently that over 700 Frederick County students were turned away from the Frederick County Career & Technology Center for lack of resources. To ensure every child in District 1 has the resources to succeed, I will focus on initiatives that improve access, enhance quality, and strengthen support for teachers and staff.

If elected, I will:

• Invest in schools and classrooms
• Support funding for new schools like Brunswick High School to reduce overcrowding
• Advocate for updated facilities, technology, and classroom resources that meet modern learning needs
• Support teachers and staff
• Prioritize competitive salaries and professional development to retain the best educators
• Fund support staff, counselors, and mental health professionals to create safe and supportive learning environments
• Expand Early Childhood and After-School Programs
• Increase access to pre-K, early literacy, and enrichment programs that prepare children for long-term success
• Support after-school and summer programs that provide learning, mentorship, and safe spaces for students
• Promote STEM and Career Pathways
• Encourage programs in science, technology, engineering, and math to prepare students for high-demand careers
• Partner with local businesses and community colleges to provide internships, apprenticeships, and workforce readiness programs
• Support special education and equity initiatives
• Ensure all students have equitable access to high-quality education
• Advocate for funding and programs that close achievement gaps
• Leverage sustainable funding
• Use new commercial revenue sources (like well-regulated business growth) to support schools without overburdening homeowners
• Monitor budget allocations to ensure investments are targeted and effective

Promoting Civic Engagement & Transparency

Strong communities are built on trust, openness, and meaningful participation. Frederick County residents deserve to have their voices heard, their questions answered, and their leaders held accountable.

I am committed to:

• Listening first: Holding regular town halls, listening sessions, and online forums so every resident can share concerns and ideas.
• Clear communication: Ensuring decisions, budgets, and proposals are explained in plain language and made easily accessible.
• Collaborative decision-making: Encouraging public input before major policy or development decisions.
• Accountability: Supporting policies that make County government more transparent, including clear reporting on spending, progress, and outcomes.
• Inclusive participation: Expanding opportunities for seniors, working families, students, and underrepresented communities to engage with local government.

Civic engagement is an essential practice, and one many of us take for granted. By doing all we can to be transparent and encourage participation, we can make Frederick County politics thoughtful, respectful, and focused on solutions that benefit every family, farm, and future.