Baltimore County Council District 8

A: Infrastructure failures. Our roads and water mains are broken and full of potholes and power transmission is woefully inadequate and in dire need of an upgrade. I plan to begin with water main fixes which are contributing to the deterioration of already destroyed roads. I will focus on repaving main roads first followed by smaller roads on a case-by-case basis. While I don’t disagree that housing is a serious concern, I do not see the point of constructing more if the necessary infrastructure can’t even support what we currently have.

A: I will create tax incentives for homeowners of existing single-family homes on lots zoned for multifamily to convert their homes to multi family, as well as for builders to create multi-unit housing.

A: I will start with changing large numbers of single-family zoned lots to multi family, as well as approving building permits for apartments. Members such as Wade Kach have used the same tired, rehashed NIMBY excuses to prevent this that at the end of the day, are nothing more than dog whistles for “we want to protect our property values.”

A: I will strive to create a truly independent inspector general’s office that cannot be hindered by the county council as well as simply acting and speaking like a normal human. Every single councilmember now speaks and behaves like political robots copy pasted straight out of Washington DC. People don’t trust politicians because they perceive them as disingenuous. It makes me extremely disappointed listening to other councilmembers speak at debates and forums because it all sounds like more of the same old ineffectual scripted fluff I have heard from politicians my entire life. I’m simply a man that is pissed off that the area he lives in is falling into disrepair and wants to do something about it. Unlike other candidates, my goals are simple and tangible. You can look and answer with a yes or no if I have done what I promised to do.

A: I will use simple logic and hard numbers to prove my points. If a councilmember is holding up something important that the county needs, I will ensure accountability by making sure the public understands exactly why they are making that decision, especially if it does not make sense on the surface. I have no problem putting someone on the spot that is obviously holding something up for an ideological or lobbyist cause.

A: Rising housing costs, transportation expenses, and inconsistent county services are squeezing families who have lived here for generations. Educators, paraeducators, office professionals, and school support staff — the backbone of our public schools — increasingly cannot afford to live in the communities they serve. Addressing affordability means:

Expanding housing options without displacing long‑time residents Improving transit reliability and reducing transportation costs Ensuring competitive pay for educators and professional school staff Protecting existing affordable housing Supporting unionized workers and honoring strong collective bargaining agreements Unions play a critical role in stabilizing wages, protecting working conditions, and ensuring that public servants — including educators — can afford to live and work in Baltimore County.

A: We cannot solve a 19,000‑unit deficit with slogans. We need specific, evidence‑based actions:

1. Build where infrastructure already exists. Prioritize redevelopment and infill in areas with existing schools, roads, and utilities — especially along Eastern Boulevard, in Middle River, and near transit corridors. 2. Modernize zoning. Update outdated zoning that prevents duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes in areas where they make sense. 3. Incentivize mixed‑income development. Use tax credits and public‑private partnerships to ensure new projects include affordable units without concentrating poverty. 4. Expand ADUs. Allow homeowners to create small, safe rental units that increase supply without changing neighborhood character. 5. Protect existing affordable housing. Preserve naturally occurring affordable housing through rehabilitation grants and anti‑displacement policies. 6. Improve the permitting process and make it more efficient. Delays add cost. A predictable, transparent permitting process lowers prices for everyone.

A: Trust is earned through behavior. People deserve to know how decisions are made — and who benefits. To earn people’s trust I will:

Publish all meeting schedules, votes, and amendments online in plain language. Hold regular community office hours in Essex, Middle River, Chase, and White Marsh. Require public disclosure of any developer meetings or land‑use discussions. Support independent audits of county agencies and spending. Push for real‑time tracking of constituent service requests so residents can see progress. End councilmanic courtesy for land‑use decisions that affect the entire county.

A: Baltimore County is strongest when every district has a voice at the table. I’m committed to building coalitions that deliver results for the people we serve. I’ve spent nearly two decades working across government systems where collaboration isn’t optional — it’s how things get done. My approach is simple:

Lead with respect, even when we disagree. Find shared goals, like safer communities, better schools, and economic growth. Use data, not ideology, to guide decisions. Listen first, especially to colleagues representing different communities. Focus on outcomes, not personalities or political wins.

A: [No response provided]

A: The biggest issues in District 8 may come from council leaders who leave some constituents unrepresented.

The district is currently represented by three council members. One has not been properly representing District 7 for personal reasons and chose not to resign; another councilman proposed data centers in District 8 and would not repeal the bill that may endanger communities in the vicinity; and the Chair lead the legislation of a council map and disenfranchised the voting rights of black and brown constituents. The modern repeal of voting rights in Maryland started in Baltimore County. Ironically, when there was a work session discussion of immigrant matters, the councilmen currently representing Districts 5 and 7 left the dais. As a result of the lack of council leadership, we are facing rising property taxes and experience trouble navigating school-related issues. I will help constituents understand assessments, file appeals, and connect to school resources. I would also coordinate a resource hub and have ongoing Ask Me Anything Town Halls throughout the district, as well as Telephone and Virtual Town Hall. I have already helped the Maryland Voting Rights Act get passed, but the work is not done.

A: I have already asked during budget town halls for allocations of stipends for energy assistance. I serve as chair of a housing committee that works with state and county partners to address housing affordability and access. I would codify the Executive Order under the prior Administration addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis. I would support property tax relief for those who are the most vulnerable. Once we end councilmanic courtesy, we are able to generate more business income end and provide a rate reduction on taxes. As a councilmember, I will work with the County Executive, state and federal partners that support affordability.

A: I am already addressing it through my housing committee, the Housing Department has already provided recommendations. I will be a vessel between housing and the community. I worked on community development professionally. I still routinely educate the county on best practices of other municipalities. We must apply for HUD grants to help subsidize different kinds of housing units. We must explore housing opportunities in areas of District 8 that meet the requirements of Just Communities - a state initiative. There are many areas that need to be revitalized to produce more housing near areas of transit. Development must also incorporate adequate impact fees and excise taxes that will support infrastructure. I have been working with the National Infrastructure Bank Coalition to establish a less political way to borrow from a federal reserve for housing, libraries, roads, schools and more. Although projects may not be in District 8, I will thoroughly work with city agencies to address the county’s housing deficit. I can’t do it alone so I support Nick Stewart’s plan for the county.

A: I am already earning it. I have stood on the front lines making the county accountable. I support term limits, stronger ethics laws of employees electioneering while working, more accessibility with evening and weekend meetings for the public, live-streamed meetings on YouTube, a new legislative system like Legistar. I would make a law that makes provisions in the Charter regarding the removal of elected officials. Further, I would not participate in councilmanic courtesy. I am already working with a state legislator that will put more stipulations on servicing on the local and state board of elections and then running for office during the unexpired term. I would also propose a county charter amendment that would disqualify a candidate who seeks to resign from a regulatory board that involves an election during the current cycle.

A: I listen for different perspectives and use Robert’s Rules to run orderly meetings. I already work collaboratively with other potential council members. Further, my democratic club worked on a bipartisan/independent press release regarding the current council’s attempt to secretly double their pensions. I don’t believe everyone has to agree, but I hope to propose a mostly non-voting elected chair whose job would be to build consensus and vote during a tie.