With 14 years of successful business ownership in the city, active contributions to various organizations, lifelong residency, and experience as an elected member of the Washington County Republican Central Committee, I possess an intimate understanding of our community's needs, potential, and how to effectively navigate its challenges.
My priorities for Hagerstown include enhancing public safety, fostering sustainable economic growth, and improving processes and procedures for efficient governance. These pillars ensure a thriving and resilient community for all residents.
I will leverage my strong relationship with the county commissioners to initiate open dialogue and collaborative efforts between the City and County government. By facilitating communication and understanding, we can streamline processes and maximize efficiency for the benefit of our community.
Revitalizing downtown requires a holistic approach. Beyond Urban Partners' recommendations, my business mindset emphasizes city-wide growth. Engaging with businesses to understand their challenges is crucial for collective success and ensuring thriving communities citywide.
My vision: The downtown safety program will focus on enhancing police presence, implementing community policing initiatives, and collaborating closely with the county sheriff. By increasing patrols, engaging in community outreach, and fostering partnerships, we aim to address safety concerns and create a vibrant, secure downtown environment.
Campaign Phone
2405207307
I have 10+ yrs of community leadership. x5 Chamber Business Award winner (2023 Business Person of the Year). I volunteer w/ nonprofits in WC. Pres. of the Board of Trustees for library. Local leadership roles focused on community connection. Advocate for organizations local and state level so I know how we are viewed through all levels of government, allows me to better advocate for our city. It would be my responsibility to coordinate as much support for positive impact projects as possible.
Rebuild a sense of community through: Youth & Family Support; engaged families mean less crime & stronger economies. Be involved with City Youth Council and the new athletic fields. Public Safety; find and keep talent for public safety positions & find proper funding for emergency services. Business Support; Promote atmosphere for new businesses & success. Safe communities lead to strong communities, strong communities lead to strong economies, & strong economies attract & keep businesses local.
I have well established relationships built on trust with City/County leadership through my non-profit & business roles. We need to complete intended projects & be open w/the public when we can’t complete them- and find resolutions though accountability and consistency. I will remind everyone that we are ALL working towards the betterment of Hagerstown/Wash Co & that progress is not made through opposition & short-sighted thinking. In order to move forward, we must be willing to compromise.
I agree with the 8 catalyst projects that came from the study. Some will remain a top focus (Expanded Home Ownership, Events & Programming, Office Development & Recruitment). We need to engage with local property owners/stakeholders to ensure buildings are safe, presentable, & inviting to the community. Blighted buildings need to be purchased & revitalized, or incentives given for private development. It would be a major goal of mine to work with the Council and City teams toward “zero blight.”
Perception is reality. Fully staffing & retaining police/fire personnel will be a top priority. We need to utilize successful new tech like drones and cameras to keep our community safe. We need to develop and encourage ways in which the community can become more invested in the safety of their neighborhoods (expanding/supporting neighborhood 1st and watch programs) I will say, nothing is better than having officers create a positive presence in the community.
