Anne Arundel County Council District 3

A: My top priority is ensuring that roads, schools, and basic services keep pace with growth in Anne Arundel County. Right now, people feel it in the traffic that keeps getting worse, classrooms that are too full, and the real strain on our police and fire departments trying to keep up. Development has moved faster than the infrastructure to support it, and often projects are approved before roads and other infrastructure are ready. Existing communities end up carrying the burden. Growth should include infrastructure and work for the people already living here.

At the same time, I want to strengthen public schools and make it more affordable for working families to live here. That means supporting teachers and classrooms, and creating practical housing options so people who work here can actually afford to stay here.

A: My top priority for the county overall is making sure government works the way it should for everyone, not just those with money and influence. That starts with getting the basics right, managing growth responsibly, and being smart with taxpayer dollars.

We should be investing in what matters most, like roads, schools, public safety, and protecting our environment. We can do this without wasting money or resources. Growth should be planned, not reactive. It should be tied to improved infrastructure, so communities aren’t left to deal with the fallout. Fallout like fire departments without safe staffing, overcrowded schools, and crumbling roads. Just as important, the government should be open and responsive. People shouldn’t have to chase answers. They deserve transparency, clear communication, and follow-through. That’s how you build trust and make sure county government works for everyone.

A: The council’s role is to make sure development actually works for the people who already live in Anne Arundel County. That means setting clear expectations and making sure projects align with what the community can realistically handle. It also means not cutting backroom deals with developers or rewarding money and influence.

I support development, both commercial and residential, but the people who already live here should have a real say in how it happens. Not only that, but we have to consider school capacity, public safety, and environmental impact before making development decisions. Growth should add value to the community, like affordable housing, good jobs, and better transportation, without putting more strain on what’s already in place. The council’s job is to balance all of that and make sure we get it right for the people of Anne Arundel County.

A: The county council should serve as a check on the county executive in Anne Arundel County. The council’s primary role is legislative oversight, and final fiscal authority over the county budget. There’s a clear checks-and-balances system in place, including the executive’s veto power and the council’s ability to override it.

At the same time, effective government requires collaboration. I want to see a council and an executive who can work together when it benefits residents, while maintaining strong, independent oversight to make sure decisions are made in the public’s best interest.

A: I would have handled recent votes involving developer influence differently. I would have supported a ban on developer money in county politics. Large contributions from developers cast doubt on whether decisions are being made in the public’s best interest or in the interests of those donating money. Even the perception of that influence is a problem. I also would have taken a different approach to growth and development decisions in Anne Arundel County. Too often, projects move forward before the infrastructure is ready. It’s visible along corridors like Mountain Road, where traffic has worsened as growth has outpaced road improvements, and where communities are fighting for their safety by asking for things like traffic lights and sidewalks. I would like to see approvals tied to clear benchmarks for roads, school capacity, and public safety. To me, this is about trust. Decisions about growth and development should be based on what’s right for the community, not who can write the biggest check.