For the last three years I’ve heard every day from Anne Arundel County residents who feel like the safety of their community is in decline. Folks feel less and less safe in their own homes, with violent crimes occurring in every part of our county.
Law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS are all critical first responders who put their own lives in danger every day in service to their communities, but they need actual support—not just lip service—from local leadership in order to do their jobs safely and effectively. Unfortunately, movements like “Defund the Police” have negatively impacted support for law enforcement and other first responders, even here in Anne Arundel. In fact, Anne Arundel’s Police Chief recently testified before the County Council that resignations and retirements are at an all-time high while recruitment is at an all-time low.
Unlike the current administration, I believe we must all follow the law and that the laws we have must be enforced. As County Executive, I will support policies that get violent criminals off our streets and I will ensure that local police and first responders have the resources they need to respond to crimes and emergencies and make our communities safer.
The first thing that the current County Executive did when he came into office was raise your taxes—despite promising the exact opposite during his campaign.
I hear from folks every day who are tired of Anne Arundel County’s rising cost of living, especially as inflation continues to rise. And what do we have to show for it, other than $300 MILLION in new government spending?
Taxes in Anne Arundel County are becoming so ridiculous that the County even has a tax on fun! Yes, you read that right—purchase anything from movie tickets to party rentals in Anne Arundel County and you’re paying an extra ten percent “amusement tax.”
During my time on the County Council I’ve fought to cut taxes and fees, especially those that disproportionately affect working- and middle-class residents and families, including submitting legislation to create a fun tax holiday and make it a little easier for residents and families to enjoy themselves here in Anne Arundel.
As a civil engineer, I learned how to solve problems with the resources I have, and that’s exactly what I’ll do as your County Executive. I’ll cut taxes and get Anne Arundel County back on the right track by making it a more affordable place to live and do business.
I believe every child in Anne Arundel County deserves a world-class education in a safe and constructive learning environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on education with students carrying much of the burden and sacrificing the many coming-of-age milestones that we associate with our school years.
As a mom, I understand the need to keep our children safe. I also understand childrens’ need to play, explore, interact, and learn in an environment free of fear or any political agenda. As County Executive, I’ll work to keep schools open, support students and parents, and improve educational outcomes.
$300 MILLION dollars—that’s how much Anne Arundel County’s budget has skyrocketed since 2018. And what do we have to show for it, other than higher taxes?
Despite taking more of your hard-earned tax dollars, our quality of life has declined while the current leadership has failed to maintain a culture of prompt constituent service. In addition to not being able to pay basic bills online, residents either don’t know who to call for County services, or they can’t get a call back. This is completely unacceptable and not the way things should work.
Better local leadership starts at the top. As County Executive, I’ll improve efficiency, modernize local government, and foster a culture of responsiveness and customer service.