Citizens are best served by individuals with a broad knowledge base and open listening skills to develop comprehensive approaches to responsibly navigate issues ranging from daily operations to major community initiatives. I will continue to apply this approach to honestly, openly and fairly represent the long term best interests of our citizens.

There is no single priority in City governance as the dynamics of our community are ever evolving. However, most decisions relate to funding, and for me, the greatest priority is the responsible management of fiscal resources to ensure investment and expense works to the benefit of our citizens.

Direct and open communication between all local governments is the most productive method in improving relationships. I will promote this type of setting as the best avenue to discuss major issues we all share and to find reasonable compromise to develop agreeable plans that work for our citizens.

I would promote the City’s 1st Third program, which provides seed funding for private investment in fixing up empty homes, restoring older apartments, giving small business a jumpstart and bringing large buildings back to marketable life. It is truly a “lift all ships” approach that no single shot in the arm project can compete with. I would add a strategic demolition component to remove blight that often creates visible contention and quality of life frustration for our citizens.

This perception, long the monopoly storyline of local news media, continues to improve through direct public communication and active investment in the downtown. Coupled with these efforts and the application of repeated positive community engagement. the City needs to apply every technological advantage available to improve the efficiency of public safety operations to constantly reaffirm the presence of a safe environment for our visitors and citizens.

My background in leadership, people development, and business management allows me to foster collaboration, drive sustainable growth, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well being of our city's residents.

* Neighborhoods Revitalization & Sustainability * Public Safety * Economic development * Public Facilities and Infrastructure * Parks & Recreation for Active/Healthy Living * Neighborhoods Revitalization &

Prioritizing the need for open communication and collaboration between city and county would be my first step in establishing a partnership, and it begins with designating individuals to serve as key points of contact. Challenges exist in any partnership, including the one between city and county, these challenges can be overcome with collaborative working relationships that address and meet community needs.

1. Lots of green space with ponds, fountains and indoor atriums with gardens. 2. Child-friendly areas. 3. Affordable living. 4. Accessibility to medical services. 5. Aesthetically pleasing buildings. 6. Few tall buildings. 7. Family-friendly amusement areas such as water parks, skating rinks, good public swimming pools, arts and craft areas, nice libraries and public art. 8. Easy, affordable transportation, including lots of bike paths. 9. Lots of light-fare gathering spots with cafe-style seat

Building a comprehensive community initiative process that includes key activities engaging with residents, creating a plan, implementing that blueprint for change, communicating with residents and other stakeholders, leading a coalition of partners, and evaluating the results. Building trust and relationships while creating a safe and welcoming environment seven days a week to ensure that the Downtown experience is a remarkable one for visiting or living in Hagerstown.

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As a current Councilmember, I've gained a deeper understanding of how local government works. I believe progress comes from collaboration, listening to citizens, and transparency. My experience has enabled me to lead initiatives such as the Wheaton Park Project revitalization, advocating for public safety, and supporting housing and infrastructure. I'm actively involved in youth-focused non-profit organizations and serve on various committees as the City liaison.

My focus is to continue the strategic plan set forth by the current administration, emphasizing revitalization, sustainability, and infrastructure support. As our community grows, the demand for water supply will grow, impacting fire hydrant pressure. To address this, I will prioritize the City’s initiatives to evaluate its water infrastructure. I will continue to advocate for economic development, public safety, and youth programs.

To enhance cooperation between the City and County government, I propose reinstating the 2-by-2 meetings involving two Councilmembers and two Commissioners to discuss collaboration. I fully support the ongoing working relationships amongst City and County staff for joining forces to develop strategies for water distribution outside the City limits and HFD responding to calls beyond City limits.

Most of the recommendations outlined in the study by Urban Partners have been successfully implemented. However, I remain committed to supporting the expansion of Downtown Arts/ Entertainment initiatives for which I provided approvals as a Councilmember. My vision for revitalization extends beyond Downtown to encompass the entirety of the City. I will also continue to advocate for funding for the Invest Hagerstown Grants, which play a crucial role in supporting economic development plans.

As a current Councilmember, I've noticed an increase in feedback indicating that downtown is safer. The perception of downtown being unsafe will soon be a thing of the past. Data from HPD reveals a decrease in crime in 2023. I’ll continue to support ideas aimed at making the City safer. I approved several measures to enhance safety, including the purchase of drones, streetlights, and cameras, projects to address blight, and the expansion of recruitment and retention efforts for public safety.

I have served at the Pentagon for the last several years, and I have worked for the Secretary of Defense in Legislative Affairs. I've served in the Army National Guard, and I ran my Neighborhood's 1st group, Dewey Central in the North End. I also currently serve on the Hagerstown Planning Commission. I feel that with my unique background and experience I can serve on the Hagerstown City Council.

So my 2 main priorities are: 1.) Public Safety that encompasses Law Enforcement, Crime, Drug addiction, and homelessness and my second issue, 2.) Economic Development and Investment. I believe that both issues go hand in hand, and are key to making Hagerstown a safer, more desirable place to buy a home, open a business and thrive as a city. I support hiring more law enforcement, pass new ordinances to tackle the homelessness, drug addiction and support shotspotter technology for HPD.

I believe that communication is key. I see a lot of bickering and egos on both ends of the City and County government. Voters don't care what you can't do, but what you CAN. You are a public official elected by the voters to have the city's interests at heart. I believe in being the adult in the room, fostering constructive dialogue and have staff work behind the scenes to hash out issues between the county and city. We are in this together.

I believe we need to reuse and repurpose blighted buildings. Cut any red tape in opening a business and give incentives for people to want to locate downtown to give it even more life. I believe the stadium coming will give us much needed life, but we still have a lot of work to do in the coming years. I also believe partnering with businesses downtown to hear their concerns, and public safety is number one from the owners I have talked to. If they feel safe, they will come.

Downtown is not safe. Hagerstown now ranks number 2 in homicides in the state of MD behind Baltimore City. Had a group of kids try to break in my house, and I witnessed a couple get jumped in front of Schmankerl Stube in broad daylight. My plan is to hire more police officers, buy better technology, and if I am elected craft ordinances to tackle homelessness, drug addiction and clean up downtown like what Frederick did. We need to get back to common sense and good governance.

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Initially, my experience as a Project Manager has prepared me to manage intricate projects and overcome challenges, allowing me to discover practical solutions. This role has also exposed me to collaborating with a wide range of people. Additionally, my engagement with different community organizations has granted me firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by our community. As well as resources to partner with when needed.

Youth Programs: We must ensure that our existing programs receive adequate support and provide assistance to new programs, especially those catering to individuals from violent or abusive backgrounds environments. Infrastructure: It is vital to guarantee that as we move forward, the essential infrastructure is established to maintain this progress to ensure Economic Growth. Economic Growth: Strengthening economic growth will support challenges we face will preparing for future growth.

First, being open to conversations with the County. Second, asking for regular cadences between the City and County (and any other municipalities). Third, mutual goal setting for issues which effect both the County and the City. Finally, ask for Leadership from both the City and the County to make a commitment of collaboration and cooperation, out of the gate so we can set the tone for fostering better relations between the two entities.

Revitalizing downtown areas requires a multifaceted approach that considers the unique characteristics and needs of the community. We need to ensure we continue to support our small businesses to help them grow with grants and knowledge of available help. We need to make sure we are pedestrian friendly and offer culture & art events . We also need to offer inclusivity & have community forums. We must review infrastructure and partner with our local non-profits and government agencies.

First, I would lead by example, frequenting downtown businesses and publishing videos or photos to publicize that downtown is safe. Educate the community on the surveillance technology and the presence of foot patrols. Ensure that the lighting is working properly and work with business owners on ways to improve the perception of downtown or improve security or surveillance. Utilize data driven information to determine hot spots or trends to help address any crime areas.

My work as a home improvement contractor and in healthcare as a Radiation Therapist has provided valuable insight to customer relations and skills in creative problem solving. I am a business owner in the historic district of Hagerstown. I renovated and revitalized a dilapidated building to create an elegant Inn for guest accommodations. Along with my wife, I work to provide a distinctive place for people to stay while here in the city. I care about people and quality of life.

I want to be a part of making Hagerstown an even more vibrant city with its excellent Entertainment District, great dining choices, as well as education and housing opportunities. Vibrancy is established by including people of all ethnicities. I believe that we can accomplish more by listening to and being open to new ideas. Taking into account the successes and failures of the past, we should work together to promote a better life for all of Hagerstown's citizens. We can do this... Together

I want to stress the importance of listening to each other more. Constituents and leaders alike need to be able to communicate using the free exchange of ideas in a non confrontational environment. Let's make this be the basis for our decision making going forward so that all who are concerned or affected have a voice. I will work hard so that everyone who is interested in positive government, its benefits, and the general goodwill it produces, has the opportunity to see it come to fruition.

I will use the Urban Partners model to expand on the things that were successful. I will visit the areas that did not succeed or that are struggling to troubleshoot them as to determine their viability. The city has been doing a lot to improve its image. I will continue to seek ways to do this as well. I will work with all city departments to ensure that they have the tools necessary to complete their desired tasks. I want to see a thriving, enjoyable city for all our residents and visitors.

Safety and security are paramount to living in a society. We have the responsibility to ensure that our police departments are fully staffed and trained to do their job. We must look at creative and resourceful ways to maintain our ranks. Job satisfaction and workload need to be monitored so as to prevent burnout. I'll work hard to see that funding is targeted to protect our existing police as well as hiring more officers. Fire and Rescue are Safety, I will be there to help them as well.

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I was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Hagerstown City Council in March of 2023. This time on the Council has allowed me to learn the dynamics, process, create positive relationships with city staff and community leaders, and identify current successes and struggles. This short amount of time in the position has only strengthened my knowledge, resolve, and passion for change. I am a lifelong resident of Hagerstown, a father, a coach, and bring fresh perspective with practical experience.

Tackling blighted and vacant properties. Supporting innovative public safety initiatives to fight crime and fill the gap in nationwide policing shortage / retain officers. Substance abuse and mental health awareness. Education, awareness, and connecting citizens with available services is paramount as we work with community partners on to address homelessness and drug crises. Community involvement. The only way any initiatives succeed are with the support and involvement of our community.

As I’ve been learning firsthand, the symbiotic relationship between Hagerstown City and Washington County government is very complicated. I personally believe that we can disagree about how to solve issues, but still serve together with a mutual respect and friendship even if we disagree how to reach the same result. My personal goal is to meet with County counterparts more frequently to try and strengthen that relationship, whether formal meetings with elected bodies, or a just a cup of coffee.

The Urban Partners plan from 10 years ago, offered 8 initiatives. Some of those have come to fruition and interest and investment in Downtown Hagerstown is at an all-time high. I think Downtown revitalization is on the right track, but economic development is a multi-tier approach. Economic development means not just supporting and growing business in downtown, but bringing in higher wage jobs, providing housing for the expanding workforce, and drawing more foot traffic to the downtown area.

Crime statistics do not support that there is any bigger issue downtown than other areas of town. However, there are several things we can do to help with the perception that exists. First continuing the effort to draw people regularly downtown. Creating consistent healthy foot traffic downtown will not only build business, create a better perception, and deter any unwanted activity that comes from vacancy. Second is helping solve the broken window effect from litter, boarded-up windows, etc.