Maryland House of Delegates District 25

A: Maryland’s structural deficit requires a disciplined, balanced approach that protects essential services while improving how government operates. I would begin with a full performance audit of state agencies to identify inefficiencies, duplicative programs, and funds that are not producing results. We should prioritize outcomes and accountability.

On the spending side, I will protect core investments in education, public safety, health, and I will not support cuts to disability services. Our disabled community has already experienced reductions in recent years, and I am committed to fighting to restore and protect that funding. Budget decisions must reflect our values, and that includes ensuring our most vulnerable residents are not asked to bear the burden of closing budget gaps. On the revenue side, I support targeted and fair approaches rather than broad based tax increases on working families. This includes closing corporate tax loopholes, modernizing the tax code to reflect today’s economy, and ensuring we are capturing revenue from emerging industries. We must also strengthen economic development strategies that grow the tax base, particularly by supporting small businesses, workforce development, and industry expansion. Closing the gap is not about austerity. It is about smarter governance, protecting priorities, and growing our economy.

A: The three most pressing issues are affordability, economic growth, and education.

First, the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on working families, particularly in housing, utilities, and childcare. Second, Maryland must focus on economic growth by expanding and attracting industries that create jobs and generate revenue. This includes growing sectors like film and media production, as well as investing in sports and recreation infrastructure. For example, there is a state of the art indoor track facility in Virginia Beach that draws major regional and national competitions because of its unique design. Maryland has the opportunity to develop a similar facility in Prince George’s County, which would attract major events, drive tourism, and create consistent economic activity. These types of strategic investments generate revenue while also expanding opportunity. Third, we must ensure the successful implementation of our education system, not just in funding but in outcomes. That means making sure resources are reaching students effectively and that we are preparing young people for long term success. These issues are interconnected and require a coordinated approach that supports families while building a stronger economy.

A: Lowering the cost of living requires both immediate relief and long term strategy. I would prioritize expanding access to affordable housing through incentives for development and preservation, while addressing barriers that slow responsible growth.

We must also address the cost of childcare by expanding support for families and providers so that parents can work without being financially overwhelmed. At the state level, I support reviewing fees and cost drivers that disproportionately impact working families, while also investing in energy efficiency programs that help reduce utility costs over time. Equally important is increasing economic opportunity. By attracting new industries, supporting small businesses, and investing in workforce development, we can ensure residents are not just managing costs but increasing their earning potential and stability.

A: The Blueprint is a long term investment in Maryland’s future, and we should not undermine its core goals. For me, this is also personal. I have five children. Three have graduated from Maryland’s public schools, and two are still in Maryland schools with special needs. I understand firsthand both the promise of our system and where it must improve.

I do not support rolling back the intent of the Blueprint, particularly around equity and opportunity. At the same time, we must be responsible about implementation and sustainability. I support a strategic approach that prioritizes the most impactful components, ensures accountability in spending, and phases implementation where necessary to align with available resources.If additional revenue is considered, it should be targeted and equitable, not broad increases that place additional strain on working families. We must also ensure that current funding is being used effectively before asking taxpayers to contribute more. This is about protecting the vision while ensuring we can deliver on it responsibly.

A: Constituents should measure my performance by accessibility, transparency, and results.

During my time in office, I held monthly “Donuts with the Delegate” meetings where residents could meet directly with me and my staff, along with representatives from key agencies who could answer questions and resolve issues in real time. I also hosted regular community forums on issues such as foreclosure prevention and the criminal justice system, ensuring residents had access to information and support. I launched initiatives like DAP Day, bringing men from the community into schools to greet and encourage students, and I maintained a consistent presence in the district beyond Annapolis. I will bring that same level of engagement back. Constituents can review my performance through direct access, regular community meetings, and the tangible impact of my work. Testimonials from residents across District 25 reflect that commitment, and I intend to continue earning that trust through action and results.

A: I would like to reduce usage of outside contractors and corporate tax loopholes to reduce the budget.

A: High energy costs, property taxes, and job opportunities are three most pressing issues.

A: I would help create clean and renewable energy jobs to drive up wages, fight to reduce auto and homeowners’ insurance costs, reduce some of the fees on utility and cellphone bills, and expand property tax relief programs to middle and working families.

A: The state should try to raise more revenue for schools from the lottery and casinos to pay for education and people making over $1millon a year.

A: My ability to pass common sense laws, reduce unemployment, improving the lives of seniors, youth, veterans and working families.

A: Maryland’s structural deficit requires a balanced, responsible approach. We cannot simply tax our way out of it, nor can we cut essential services that families depend on.

I would focus first on improving efficiency in government, modernizing systems, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. At the same time, we should prioritize investments that generate long-term economic growth, including workforce development, small business support, and infrastructure. Where additional revenue is necessary, it should be targeted and fair, not placing additional burden on working families who are already struggling with rising costs. My goal is fiscal responsibility without sacrificing opportunity.

A: The three most pressing issues facing Maryland are:

Affordability: Families are being stretched too thin by rising cost such as utility bills, childcare, and everyday expenses. Education and opportunity: We must ensure our schools are properly funded and that every child, regardless of ZIP code has access to quality education and pathways to success. Access to healthcare and community resources: Too many residents lack access to preventive care and essential services, which leads to larger problems down the line. These issues are interconnected, and addressing them requires practical, community-focused solutions.

A: To lower the cost of living, we need to focus on real, everyday expenses.

That includes expanding access to affordable housing, supporting child care assistance for working families, and strengthening workforce opportunities that lead to better-paying jobs. We should also look at targeted tax relief for working families and ensure that state policies are not increasing costs. Additionally, investing in preventive healthcare and community-based resources can reduce long-term financial strain on families. The focus should be on making it easier for families to live, work, and thrive in Maryland.

A: I support fully funding education!

The Blueprint is a long-term investment in our children and workforce, and we must protect its core goals. However, we should review timelines, improve efficiency, and ensure funds are being used effectively. If additional revenue is needed, it must be done carefully and fairly, without placing additional burden on working families. Education is one of the most important investments we can make, but it must be implemented in a way that is sustainable and accountable.

A: I believe in being accessible and present in the community, through town halls, community meetings, and consistent engagement with residents.

I also believe in transparency, clearly communicating decisions, priorities, and results so constituents know how they are being represented. Most importantly, accountability means showing up, listening, and responding to the needs of the community in real time, not just during campaign season.

A: Maryland’s budget challenges require a disciplined and honest approach. We cannot tax our way out of every problem, and we also cannot cut in ways that harm working families or essential services. My approach focuses on spending discipline, targeted revenue responsibility, and structural reform.

On spending, I would prioritize eliminating inefficiencies, duplicative programs, and outdated contracts that no longer deliver results. A full audit of administrative costs across state agencies is necessary, with an emphasis on reducing unnecessary consultant spending and streamlining bureaucracy. I would also review programs that are not producing measurable outcomes and redirect those funds toward effective, community based solutions that directly serve residents. On revenue, I would avoid broad tax increases on working families. Instead, I would support closing loopholes that allow large corporations and special interests to avoid paying their fair share. I would also improve tax collection systems to ensure accountability and efficiency. Any new revenue must be tied to measurable results and responsible oversight. On structural reform, Maryland needs performance based budgeting so agencies are evaluated by outcomes, not just spending. Procurement processes should be modernized to reduce waste, and long term obligations like pensions and debt must be managed responsibly.

A: The three most pressing issues facing Maryland right now are public safety, affordability, and education outcomes.

First, public safety remains a top concern for many communities. Even with mixed trends in crime data, residents’ sense of safety is shaped by repeat violent offenses, how effectively the justice system holds offenders accountable, and whether law enforcement has the resources and support needed to respond quickly and consistently. Second, affordability is a major pressure point across the state. Housing costs, property taxes, utilities, and everyday expenses continue to rise faster than many household incomes. For working families, this creates real strain and limits economic mobility, especially in high-cost regions like the D.C. suburbs. Third, education performance and equity gaps remain a long-term challenge. Maryland has strong schools overall, but there are persistent disparities in reading and math proficiency, especially for students in under-resourced communities. Concerns also include how instructional time is used, teacher support, and whether students are being adequately prepared for college or careers. Together, these three issues—safety, cost of living, and education—are closely connected. Improvements in one area often reinforce progress in the others, which is why they consistently rise to the top of policy discussions in the state.

A: Lowering the cost of living in Maryland requires a practical focus on housing, taxes, energy costs, and wages, with an emphasis on easing the burden on working families rather than expanding bureaucracy.

First, I would focus on housing affordability by increasing the supply of housing where infrastructure can support it, streamlining permitting processes, and reducing unnecessary delays that drive up construction costs. Encouraging mixed income and workforce housing development would also help stabilize rents and home prices. Second, I would work to provide tax relief for working families and seniors while ensuring government spending is efficient and accountable. This includes reviewing existing programs for waste and prioritizing essential services over administrative expansion. Third, I would address utility and energy costs by supporting policies that increase energy competition, improve grid efficiency, and expand responsible energy development to reduce long term household bills. Fourth, I would strengthen workforce development and job training programs so residents can access higher paying careers in skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and other growing industries. Raising earning potential is just as important as reducing expenses. Finally, I would support small business growth by reducing regulatory burdens that increase the cost of goods and services.

A: The most responsible approach is neither simply raising new revenue nor fully rolling back the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, but instead adopting a balanced reform strategy that prioritizes outcomes and long term sustainability.

The Blueprint includes important investments in early childhood education, teacher support, and student services that should be protected because they directly impact reading and math achievement. However, if the cost exceeds available funding, Maryland must be honest about what is working and what is not. Rather than immediately raising taxes on already burdened families or cutting core educational improvements, the state should first prioritize funding toward the highest impact areas. That includes early literacy in pre K through third grade, math proficiency, and targeted tutoring for students who are behind. These are the investments most closely tied to improving student performance and closing achievement gaps. At the same time, Maryland should evaluate the Blueprint’s implementation and phase in components that are less urgent or not yet showing clear results. This ensures the system remains financially sustainable without sacrificing progress. The goal is to protect students while also protecting taxpayers. Every dollar should be tied to measurable improvement in outcomes, especially in reading and math.

A: Besides an election, I want constituents to review my job performance through consistent transparency, accessibility, and real community engagement throughout the year, not just during campaign season.

I believe accountability should be ongoing. That means holding regular town halls, attending community meetings, and being present in neighborhoods to hear directly from residents about what is working and what is not. People should not have to wait until an election cycle to have their voices heard. I also want my performance measured by tangible outcomes in the community. That includes progress on public safety, improvements in school performance, and efforts to address affordability. Constituents should be able to see whether promises are being turned into action. A key part of this is my community engagement during the offseason. I remain active in the community outside of election periods by working with local organizations, supporting reentry and mentorship programs, participating in outreach events, and staying connected to residents through service initiatives. This consistent presence ensures that I am not just a representative during campaign season, but a year round advocate. Ultimately, I welcome feedback from constituents at all times, not just at the ballot box.