Baltimore County Council District 9

A: The number one issue in District 9 is infrastructure, specifically the condition of our roads, persistent potholes, and ongoing flooding challenges in Dundalk/Sparrows Point/Turner Station. These issues have only been intensified by the impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, which has redirected traffic and increased the presence of large tractor trailers on our local roads and through our neighborhoods.

Residents deserve safe, well-maintained streets and infrastructure that can withstand both daily use and extreme weather. I will advocate for increased investment in road repairs, proactive maintenance, and improved stormwater management to address flooding at its source. This includes working closely with county and state agencies to ensure District 9 receives its fair share of infrastructure funding. I will also push for stronger enforcement and better routing of truck traffic to protect residential streets and improve overall safety. Most importantly, I will prioritize transparency and accountability so residents know what projects are underway and when they can expect results. Our community should not have to navigate unsafe roads or flooding, these are basic quality-of-life issues that must be addressed with urgency.

A: Rising costs of living in Baltimore County are closely tied to housing affordability, and we need a more intentional and transparent approach to addressing it. I would prioritize expanding mixed-use development and updating zoning designations to allow for a greater mix of housing options—residential, retail, and community space together. This not only increases housing supply, but also creates more walkable, connected communities where residents can live, work, and access services without long commutes.

We also need greater transparency and data-driven planning to clearly understand our housing needs, what types of housing are lacking, where gaps exist, and how we can respond strategically. Alongside this, I would push to overhaul and streamline the permitting process so projects can move forward more efficiently without unnecessary delays that drive up costs. For seniors, we must be more creative in helping them age in place. This includes expanding property tax relief programs, supporting home repairs and accessibility upgrades, and encouraging accessory dwelling units or shared housing options that allow older adults to remain in their homes and communities. Addressing affordability requires smart growth, efficient systems, and a commitment to ensuring residents at every stage of life can remain in Baltimore County.

A: Baltimore County’s 19,000-unit housing deficit requires a realistic, data-driven plan, not just broad commitments. My first step is conducting a comprehensive housing assessment to clearly understand where we are: what types of housing are needed, where the gaps exist, and which communities are most impacted. Without that baseline, we cannot plan effectively.

From there, I would prioritize updating our zoning to support mixed-use development and a wider range of housing options, including smaller, more attainable units. At the same time, we must fix our permitting and development process. It should not take 3 to 6 years to build housing. I will work to streamline approvals, reduce unnecessary delays, and create a more predictable process so responsible development can move forward faster and more efficiently. I also believe we should look at other counties and states facing similar challenges and adopt proven strategies that are working, whether that’s expedited permitting, incentives for mixed-income housing, or public-private partnerships. Finally, we must ensure seniors are part of this solution by supporting aging-in-place options like home modifications and accessory dwelling units.

A: Earning public trust starts with getting back to basics which is listening, showing up, and being accessible. I would prioritize a true open-door approach to government where constituents have regular, meaningful opportunities to engage with their representatives, not just during election cycles or formal hearings. Trust is built when people feel heard and see follow-through.

Transparency must also be the standard, not the exception. That means clearer communication about decisions, more accessible data, and making sure residents understand how and why decisions are made. With seven open seats on the County Council, we have a real opportunity for a reset, new leadership that can set a different tone and rebuild confidence in local government. Other counties have strengthened trust by holding regular community town halls, publishing real-time dashboards on projects and spending, and using participatory budgeting so residents have a direct voice in how some public funds are allocated. These are practical tools we can adopt in Baltimore County. Ultimately, rebuilding trust requires consistency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring residents are not just informed, but truly included in the decision-making process.

A: Building consensus starts with keeping an open mind and a willingness to truly listen. I believe diversity of thought, along with diversity of gender, race, and lived experience—is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. It is exactly what has been missing in too many of our local decision-making spaces.

My approach is to focus on shared goals rather than differences in perspective. Even when we come from different ideological viewpoints, most of us want the same outcomes: safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, strong schools, and a responsive government. I also believe collaboration requires respect, patience, and the ability to engage in honest dialogue without assuming intent. I will make it a priority to build relationships with colleagues early, understand where they are coming from, and find common ground where possible. At the same time, I will not shy away from advocating for my community’s needs. Effective leadership is about balancing conviction with cooperation. A more diverse County Council creates a real opportunity to strengthen decision-making and better reflect the people we serve, if we are willing to work together with openness and respect.

A: The number one issue in my district is the severe strain on existing housing, schools, roads, and public services caused by unchecked population growth from illegal immigration. Families who have lived here for generations are seeing higher rents, overcrowded neighborhoods, and rising costs while new development is pushed as the only solution.

I will not support additional housing development that rewards illegal presence. Instead, I will advocate for full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement: honoring ICE detainers, sharing information on criminal illegal aliens in county custody, and ending any sanctuary-style policies that shield violators. By prioritizing removal of those here unlawfully, we free up existing units, reduce competition for housing, and ease pressure on infrastructure without paving over more of Baltimore County. This protects American citizens and legal residents first.

A: Rising costs of living, especially housing, stem in large part from increased demand driven by illegal immigration into Maryland and Baltimore County. With limited new supply desired by residents, the solution is reducing that demand rather than endless building.

I will push policies that prioritize enforcement: directing county resources to support federal efforts to identify and remove individuals here illegally, particularly those with criminal records or recent border crossers. This includes ending restrictions on local-federal cooperation and publicly reporting impacts of illegal immigration on county services. On taxes and utilities, I support cutting wasteful spending and opposing tax hikes that burden working families. By enforcing our laws and putting citizens first, we can stabilize housing availability and affordability using the stock we already have, without developer-driven growth that changes our communities.

A: The reported 19,000-unit housing deficit is largely a demand-side problem fueled by rapid population increases, including from illegal immigration. Adding more development isn’t the answer—it often raises taxes, strains services, and alters neighborhoods residents want to preserve.

My specific plan: aggressively support federal immigration enforcement to reduce occupancy by those here unlawfully. This means county policies that fully cooperate with ICE—honoring detainers, providing status information where legally allowed, and rejecting sanctuary protections that encourage more illegal settlement. Data shows undocumented populations contribute to housing competition in areas like Baltimore County. Removing illegal residents would vacate units for American citizens and legal immigrants, directly narrowing the effective gap without new construction. Pair this with strict zoning enforcement against overcrowding and prioritizing infrastructure repairs over expansion. Enforce laws first—housing will follow.

A: Trust has eroded from perceived backroom deals favoring developers, special interests, and policies that ignore resident concerns on growth and immigration. Residents feel unheard when government appears to prioritize non-citizens or big projects over citizens.

To rebuild trust, I will demand full transparency: livestream all meetings, post detailed agendas and voting records early, and create a public dashboard showing impacts of immigration on housing, schools, and budgets. No more hidden agreements or restrictions on sharing information with federal authorities. I commit to regular town halls where constituents can speak openly about illegal immigration’s effects, and I’ll vote against any measures shielding violators. Government earns trust by enforcing existing laws equally, putting Baltimore County citizens and legal residents first, and rejecting opaque policies that undermine rule of law.

A: I do not view diversity in gender, race, or ideology as a goal in itself. My sole focus as a council member will be to represent the interests and values of the residents in my district—American citizens and legal residents who want safer neighborhoods, lower costs, preserved communities, and strict enforcement of immigration laws.

On the expanded council, I will lead with a clear vision: prioritize removing illegal aliens to free up existing housing and reduce strain on services, oppose further development that changes our neighborhoods, and put Baltimore County families first. I will collaborate where possible on shared practical issues like public safety and fiscal responsibility, but I will not compromise on core principles or water down my direction to accommodate differing views. Consensus should serve the community that elected me, not abstract notions of diversity. I will respectfully make my case with data on immigration’s impact and vote accordingly, providing strong, consistent leadership rather than chasing broad agreement at the expense of results.

A: The number one issue in District 9 is neighborhood quality of life. This is driven by poor planning, unreliable basic services, and a lack of follow‑up on everyday problems such as road conditions, trash pickup, and overcrowding. I plan to address this by focusing on the basics and promoting responsible planning that prevents overcrowded schools and housing. I will also hold county agencies accountable for timely service delivery and make sure residents’ concerns are heard

A: I would address rising costs by promoting responsible development, using county resources more efficiently, and ensuring reliable delivery of basic services so residents are not paying more for less.

A: Baltimore County’s housing deficit reflects a shortage of workforce and middle‑income housing, not just overall supply. I would address this by allowing more townhomes, and small multifamily housing in areas with existing infrastructure. I would also prioritize the redevelopment of underused commercial properties to add housing without expanding into established neighborhoods. At the same time, I would protect existing communities by enforcing standards for school capacity, traffic, and meaningful community input so new housing is added responsibly.

A: I would earn trust through transparency, clear public reporting, and consistent follow‑through. That means open access to information, meaningful public input, and holding government accountable for doing what it says it will do.

A: I would build consensus by focusing on shared goals, listening respectfully to different perspectives, and working in good faith to find practical solutions that serve residents.

A: From excessive vehicle registration fees to skyrocketing utility bills, working families are feeling the pinch of rising costs driven by government priorities that are out of touch and out of line with the will of the people. Despite inflation, neighboring states are more affordable, and many are choosing to leave Maryland because they simply can’t afford to stay. Increased government spending combined with slow economic growth and population decline are a recipe for disaster if we don’t correct course now.

I will vote against wasteful government programs that divert tax dollars from police, fire and EMS. Public Safety must always be the top priority of local government. I will vote against any proposal to raise the property tax rate or the piggyback income tax rate.Economic development is the engine that improves quality of life by creating jobs, attracting businesses, and fosters a vibrant and resilient local economy. A vibrant economy improves affordability for all.

A: Our local economy is not performing as well as it could. Baltimore County must maintain fiscal discipline, control spending, and focus on economic and workforce development to grow the local economy, reduce unemployment, and attract new business investment.

Every member of the County Council must commit to the fiscal discipline required to combat excessive taxes and wasteful spending. The County Council provides governance and oversight of Baltimore County’s executive agencies and nearly $5 billion budget. I will bring decades of professional experience to office, including competency in budget management, facilitation and negotiation. Baltimore County can and must improve Public Safety, fix crumbling roads, and address aging schools and infrastructure without raising taxes on hardworking families.Baltimore County is already facing unprecedented budget pressure due to bad policy decisions in Annapolis. The Maryland General Assembly passes spending mandates with no way to pay for them other than to push costs down to the counties. Fiscal discipline is required to meet the challenging times ahead and counteract the rising costs of living in Maryland.

A: The new Councilmanic 9th District is home to some of the oldest housing stock in Baltimore County, much of it originally built as affordable housing for workers in the local steel and shipbuilding industries at Sparrows Point. While homeownership was once the norm, rentals now make up nearly 40% of the local market. Untended and neglected vacancies are a problem in many of our neighborhoods.

I support efforts to redevelop blighted areas and encourage home ownership. I also support efforts to preserve and maintain open space. Many of our existing rowhouse and apartment communities have outlived their original purpose, economic viability, and structural integrity. Baltimore County must take the lead in partnering with developers on planning and encouraging re-development projects that revitalize our aging neighborhoods and address the needs of individuals who want to stay in their community rather than move away due to the lack of modern housing options.

A: I believe that those who seek public office must hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity. They must act with honor. This is also true of those holding positions of public trust. Hardworking taxpayers deserve local government that is responsive, transparent, and accountable. We should demand nothing less.

I am committed to listening to the people of Dundalk, Rosedale, and the North Point Peninsula and ensuring that their county government is responsive, transparent, and accountable. I fully support the Office of the Inspector General, but more must be done. Unfortunately, this year the Maryland General Assembly failed to expand the authority of the Baltimore County Office of the Inspector General to oversee Baltimore County Public Schools. Funding for BCPS accounts for roughly half of the county budget. Increased oversight is a reasonable step in ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility thus furthering people’s trust in local government.

A: I believe that we all have an obligation to treat one another with dignity and respect and to give back to our communities through active civic participation as far as we are able. As a community volunteer, I have a proven track record of working with others to improve Baltimore County and my local community. Over my professional career I have held positions of public trust in the federal government under both Republican and Democratic administrations, focused on work that improves the lives of the American people.

As a lifelong Republican, I was greatly honored to be appointed by Governor Hogan to the Board of Trustees of the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) in 2017. Having served CCBC for the past four years as Chair of a board that is indeed diverse in gender, race and ideology, I have proven my ability to build consensus and collaborate to get the job done. I look forward to doing the same as a member of the Baltimore County Council.