Anne Arundel County Council District 6

A: My highest overall priority is sustainability — by which I mean ensuring we find ways to address the challenges we face without compromising opportunity and quality of life for future generations. It’s about working to support environmental health, as well as economic vitality and social equity, so that we build resilient communities as well as resilient infrastructure.

That is the key consideration in my mind as I meet with residents across the district and discuss local concerns. Issues that residents are raising with me include how to manage increasing traffic on General’s Highway and other road corridors; how and when we will move forward on the Crownsville Development Plan; dealing with ongoing problems at the Edgewater Sewage Treatment plant; and ensuring local investment continues in vital green spaces like Waterworks Park, Carr’s Beach and Saltworks Creek to preserve and enhance them and connect them and other areas by extending our trail network (which has potential to help with our traffic problems). These are some of the immediate district issues I will be focusing on.

A: We need to prioritize sustainably across the county if we are to:

• Preserve green space while addressing affordability and housing through smart growth and revitalization
• Where it makes sense and where it is in keeping with the scale and fabric of the local community, continue to invest in education to create access and opportunity for all our children
• Work to maintain livability and quality of life as well as opportunity for our kids
• Ensure there is space, respect, safety and opportunity for everyone in our community

Getting the balance right on these big issues won’t be easy, but I truly believe we have so many opportunities here in our county to build on the progress that’s been made. I truly believe there is no problem too big to solve if we come together, collaborate and act locally. No matter what else is going on across the country, this is the power we hold in our hands: the power to make things better right here.

A: I think the council can do two important things:

1. Help set policy priorities for smart, sustainable growth that supports local communities and local businesses while establishing guardrails on unsuitable development and protections for our environment that respect the need to maintain a balance of green space and healthy waterways.
2. Listen to and help residents and communities to revitalize neighborhoods and repurpose existing infrastructure to create new opportunities. The transformation of West Street in Annapolis is an example of what can be achieved when government and local communities work together. The results on West Street include vibrant public spaces; new businesses and jobs; preservation of historic buildings; year-round community events; and celebrations that bring people together and support social and economic vitality.

A: I think the council’s role is to be both.

First and foremost, the council’s role is to represent our constituents and ensure their voices are heard and solutions found to local issues. It’s a council member’s job to elevate the issues that impact their district and ensure the county executive is aware and working to solve local problems. That can also mean pushing back on executive decisions that may not be in the best interests of their constituents, or the county at large through budget oversight and legislative action. I also think the council has a role as a governing partner, working together with the county executive to enact public policy that benefits both those in each district and regionally. I believe local communities benefit when their representatives can see the big picture. It’s two lanes with the same destination.

A: I would have voted differently on Bill No 23-26, which sought to bar developers with pending projects from contributing to campaigns. We’ve all seen the effects of big money donors on our politics and I’ve always argued that acting locally is how we stand up for our values. That’s why I chose to run my campaign under the county’s Public Finance Program. It’s not without its critics, but it’s a proven system that’s been used by both Democrats and Republicans —including Larry Hogan in his first campaign for governor.

Public financing mandates that only individuals can donate to campaigns — not businesses, or companies, or PACS, or unions — up to a maximum of $250 per person per four-year cycle. That goes to the heart of one issue Bill 23-26 highlighted: the really large amounts of money, in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, being donated by development companies. I know public financing can’t fix every problem, but it’s the one approach that comes with a strict legal framework and limits donation totals. So it’s my way of tangibly demonstrating that I am seeking to be accountable to residents, not big donors.

A: Taking active and consistent steps to develop and grow public trust and confidence in local government. I will pursue initiatives that promote enhanced public ethics, improved communication and transparency, and greater public accountability.

A: Economic development focused on family-sustaining jobs and careers in healthcare, life sciences and vocational trades sectors. We need to grow higher-paying jobs with benefits. The focus on mass tourism which generates too many low-paying, no-benefit jobs in the casino, restaurant and hospitality sectors promotes erratic growth. There needs to be a rebalance of economic development priorities.

A: The council should play an active, educating role in assuring that development decisions are made based on particularized objective data relevant to local factors, not generic reports generated by developers or bureaucrats in the State House. I do not believe residents in District 6 are adequately consulted on the high-density development push, or that infrastructure and the environment are sufficiently accounted for in some decisions. I do not support generic, state-imposed density mandates or any takeover of local zoning and land-use functions. I do support moratoria measures when critical infrastructure or school capacities are exceeded.

I will actively seek input from residents through the Stakeholder Advisory Committees, town halls and digital media. I am interested in exploring a more structured process that allows for broad community input such as an official Planning Commission. I do not believe that development must occur to generate tax revenue or that we need an oversupply of housing to bring prices down in some trickle-down fashion, or that waiving development impact fees always benefits buyers and the community. These old ideas do not ensure smart growth. I will ask very specific and hard questions to ensure any particular development really makes sense for communities.

A: Yes, the county council has a significant oversight role and should strive to be an effective governing partner. Such a role should not be in question.

A: Yes, generally, the practice of no-notice motions for reconsiderations should be changed. It has been used to overturn zoning decisions in favor of the residents that were supported by the County Planning Office and stakeholder advisory committees, so that seems abusive to me. I am the only District 6 Democratic candidate that testified in support of Bill 23-26, restricting developer contributions when zoning applications are pending and would have voted for that bill. I will reintroduce Bill 23-26 if elected.

A: Ensure county government works for residents — transparent, accountable, and focused on real needs like housing, schools, and infrastructure — not special interests or developers.

A: Affordable housing, strong schools, and responsible growth that protects our communities. Government must serve residents, with transparency, accountability, and real results.

A: Support responsible development aligned with community needs. Residents must have a voice before approval, and growth should balance housing, infrastructure and quality of life.

A: The council should work collaboratively with the county executive while serving as an independent check. When needed, it must stand firmly with residents and put their interests first.

A: On April 20, 2026, the council voted against Bill 23-26, which would have limited developer contributions during active projects. I would have voted yes — public trust and transparency must come first.

A: Environment and smart growth is the top priority in my district: The connection to the natural environment and waterways like the Severn and South rivers and the iconic Chesapeake Bay drives the deep appreciation and responsibility for environmental protection in District 6. There are a suite of different environmental, rural, and natural areas in our district as well as historic downtown Annapolis. I will bring my background and experience to:

• Co-create nature-based solutions with communities to address environmental challenges including stormwater runoff, sea level rise, and tree equity in our district, as well as preserve the more rural and agricultural areas of the district from up-zoning and development
• Increase access to parks, water, recreation, and green space for everyone, no matter their location or Zip code
• Invest in sustainable clean energy programs to ensure homeowners and businesses have access to community-driven solar and electric vehicle infrastructure, among other solutions.

Smart development is also a goal. If we preserve our natural environment, there remain areas ready for redevelopment, like the empty anchor stores at Annapolis Mall (Sears as an example) that provide everything a family may need within walking distance, Trader Joe’s, medical care, shopping, and transit.

A: Affordability is the top priority. Anne Arundel County residents are feeling the pressures of the economy, job market, and inflation, not to mention rising energy costs. The average home value in District 6 is over $590,000, 1.5 times higher than the Maryland average. Energy bills are higher due to outdated infrastructure, the importation of energy from surrounding states and strain from Data Center development in nearby counties.

I plan to:

• Improve zoning and permitting in Anne Arundel County, to ensure the implementation of mixed-income and affordable housing development across the county, providing safe housing for everyone, including young adults and older residents looking to downsize
• Ensure smart growth and comprehensive solutions to improve the energy infrastructure and clean energy transition, while working to build smart workforce development solutions to ensure economic growth opportunities for residents. This can and will include union-built clean energy alternatives like solar to reduce costs
• Find solutions to support residents to reduce costs for childcare, healthcare, and other necessities so everyone can live their lives fully and authentically. We must hold big businesses and the richest of the rich accountable so the county can return to being a more affordable place to live for everyone.

A: Anne Arundel County must continue to support development, but must reform the business-as-usual approach around some development. Anne Arundel County has worked hard through the Economic Development Corporation to support and help local business owners grow their businesses, find permanent locations, and navigate the financing and regulatory processes for success. It is always important for our businesses to feel supported, for our local entrepreneurs to find success, and to grow the economy in Anne Arundel County. We must also work with housing developers to build smart, transit-oriented, environmentally friendly and affordable housing in Anne Arundel County. I will work for transparency around developer contributions in general, and ensure that as housing is developed, there is real accountability for affordable units in growth hubs. I also recognize the need to protect the environment and more rural communities in our county and will take the needs of the community into consideration, always.

A: The county council must be both a check on the county executive and a governing partner. Some of the current county council members have discussed a need to provide better checks for the county executive position. As a council, there is the final oversight of the budget for the county that must be responsive to the needs of the county. This year that included the needs for more support for our firefighters, who are about 350 workers short, and more public safety support for groups under attack by the current federal administration amongst many other priorities, which are unfortunately not at the top of the county executive’s agenda this budget cycle due to budget constraints. The council must oversee the enactment of laws and regulations as well as audit government functions. At the same time, the county executive who will be elected by the people must also be a partner — they serve as the person who oversees the needs of the entire county, and it is important that the council, representing distinct areas, must share direct needs from communities with the county executive to work for county-wide solutions that work for as many people as possible.

A: There are two bills of interest in development that should have had a different outcome recently that I want to highlight. It should be noted that every decision made by the county council must be carefully considered, noting the needs of the community first as well as the needs of the county. The first ties into the second. Bill 1-26 is a bill I generally support for the future of the Crownsville and Millersville areas. This area is undergoing a lot of change, including the Crownsville Hospital Center, which looks to preserve the history and pain that surrounds the hospital and the site of over 1,700 unmarked graves. The center is also the site of the new nonprofit development center, which will bring needed support for our nonprofits. However, there is a tension with zoning that changed a ¾-acre parcel in Millersville for commercial use. Many residents spoke up about this parcel with concern. This leads to Bill 23-26, which would have restricted some developer contributions. I look forward to working with the new council to move the bill forward and address any concerns from council members who voted against the legislation.

A: Cost of living

A: Study zoning laws and give single-family zoning permission to add develop garages and second structures for habitation.

A: I want to see homemaking money, not developers.

A: What would you like me to say? Lol.

A: They outlawed sleeping in your car. I would hope they would offer somewhere for people to park overnight.