The Issues
THE FUTURE OF FREDERICK IS BEING DECIDED RIGHT NOW.
With every road we build and every school we fund. Every farm we preserve and every neighborhood we approve. Every development decision we make and every single dollar we spend.
These choices shape the Frederick County our families will inherit.
HERE'S WHAT I BELIEVE ...
Responsible Growth
Frederick County is growing, and that brings opportunity. But growth without planning puts pressure on roads, schools, water, emergency services, farmland, and the communities that already exist. I don't believe in stopping growth, I believe in getting it right.
Better coordination between land use and school capacity
Community benefits for major developments
Long-term planning over short-term tax revenue
Infrastructure that keeps pace with development
Development in areas where infrastructure can support it
Stronger developer contributions
I’ll fight for …
If we can't support the growth, we shouldn't approve the growth.
Public Schools
I’m honored to be an endorsed Apple Ballot Candidate because I truly believe our schools are one of Frederick County's greatest assets. But great schools don't happen by accident. They require investment. They require teachers who can afford to live here. They require adequate classroom space. And they require planning for not only the students who are here today, but for the ones of the future.
Fully funding Frederick County's responsibilities to FCPS
Competitive teacher and staff compensation
School construction and modernization
Capacity planning alongside development decisions
I’ll fight for …
Expanded Career and Technology Center opportunities
Strong career and technical education pathways
Resources for students and educators
We should never build first and try to figure the schools out later.
HOUSING & AFFORDABILITY
Frederick County is becoming increasingly difficult to afford for working families. Housing costs affect everything else. Where people live. Where they work. How long they commute. Whether young people can stay and seniors can remain in their communities. If you work in Frederick County, you should be able to afford to live in Frederick County.
Preservation of existing affordable housing
Housing near jobs and transportation
More diverse housing options
Policies that help working families remain in Frederick County
More attainable and workforce housing
Stronger inclusionary housing policies
Closing loopholes that allow developers to avoid affordable-housing obligations
I’ll Fight for …
If working people can’t afford to stay, the county isn’t affordable.
Growing up on my grandfather’s family farm and rhododendron nursery, I know that agricultural land isn't simply vacant land waiting for development. It's someone's livelihood. It's the county’s food production. It's family history. It's open green space. And it's a huge part of what makes Frederick County unique.
AGRICULTURE & LAND PRESERVATION
Agricultural preservation
Priority Preservation Areas
Rural Legacy Areas
Protection of forests and open space
I’ll Fight for …
Support for working farms
Development directed toward appropriate growth areas
Long-term land-use planning
Once our farmland and forests are gone, we don’t get them back.
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Our rivers, streams, forests, and watersheds aren't just environmental issues. They're infrastructure. They're part of our economy. They're part of our drinking water. And they're part of the inheritance we're leaving the next generation. I want the children of Frederick County to hunt the forests and fish the rivers just as I did growing up. Right now, that way of life is in danger.
Forest conservation
Responsible development near sensitive waterways
Environmental review before major land-use decisions
Protection of drinking-water sources
Monocacy River watershed protection
Stronger stormwater management
Green infrastructure
I’ll Fight for …
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NEVER REQUIRE US TO SACRIFICE our environment.
I'm not anti-technology and I'm not anti-business. But I am pro-Frederick. These large scale data centers can bring investment and tax revenue, but they can also create significant questions about land, water, electricity, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and long-term public costs.
Because of those concerns, I disagreed with the current council’s December vote and personally signed the referendum. If I’m fortunate enough to be voted into the next council, I will do everything in my power to take the map back to the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
DATA CENTERS & RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY
Appropriate siting
Meaningful community participation
Developer contributions to necessary infrastructure
Transparency around major agreements
Independent cost-benefit analysis
Transparent infrastructure impacts
Full consideration of water use
Environmental protections
I’ll Fight for …
IF A PROJECT IS GOOD FOR FREDERICK, IT should SURVIVE PUBLIC opinion.
A healthy economy isn't just about attracting companies. It's about creating opportunities for People who already live here. Let’s make economic development work for the People who call Frederick home.
JOBS & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Local entrepreneurship
Workforce development
Economic development connected to housing and transportation
Industries that strengthen, not undermine, our quality of life
Good-paying jobs
Skilled trades
Career and technical education
Small-business growth
I’ll Fight for …
THE PEOPLE WHO BUILD FREDERICK'S ECONOMY need TO SHARE IN ITS SUCCESS.
Everyone knows what it feels like to sit in Frederick County traffic just trying to get to or from work. But that congestion you’re feeling isn't simply a transportation problem. It's a land-use problem. It's a planning problem. And it's an infrastructure problem. They go hand in hand.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Transportation investments where they're needed most
Safer intersections
Better coordination between development and transportation
Practical public transportation
I’ll Fight for …
Walkable and bike-friendly infrastructure where appropriate
Infrastructure-first growth
Long-term capital planning
BUILD THE INFRASTRUCTURE BEFORE WE NEED IT, NOT AFTER.
WORKING FAMILIES
The cost of living doesn't exist in one category. It's housing and childcare. It’s transportation and education. Food and utilities. Everything adds up. I understand county government can't solve every one of these problems, but it can make smart decisions that help.
Affordable and attainable housing
Childcare access
Strong public schools
Reliable transportation
I’ll Fight for …
Good local jobs
Parks and community spaces
Policies that help families remain in Frederick County
PEOPLE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MAKING A LIVING AND BUILDING A LIFE.
Elected officials are supposed to work for the public. Not developers. Not political insiders. Not special interests. And certainly not themselves. Elected officials are supposed to represent the People to create a government that works for and by the People. We’ve lost that.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Accessible public information
Transparency around major development agreements
Meaningful community engagement
Clear explanations of major votes
I’ll Fight for …
Accountability for public spending
Open communication with constituents
Decisions based on evidence and the public interest
Government belongs to the people!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT?
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE NEXT GENERATION?
DID THE PEOPLE AFFECTED GET A REAL SAY?
WHO BENEFITS?
WHO PAYS?
CAN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE HANDLE IT?
Before I support a major decision, I'll ask myself …
Tell people the truth
Stand up when something isn't right
And remember who the seat belongs to … you!
Listen first
Do the homework
Follow the evidence
THESE AREN'T JUST CAMPAIGN PROMISES ...
These are the principles I want to bring to the Council.
The Issues tell you what I believe.
The Mercer Plan tells you what I intend to do about it.
explore the full mercer plan
Maybe there's an issue I haven't addressed. Or maybe you disagree with me. Maybe you have a better idea. GOOD.
I want to hear it.