Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
4109917117
Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, I come from a family dedicated to public safety, with a father who served in the fire department. I am running to bring practical, community focused leadership. My background includes work as a teacher, soccer coach, mortgage professional, board member and school volunteer. These experiences have prepared me to collaborate, deliver results and understand housing, the local economy and everyday kitchen table issues facing our community.
I will balance District 1 priorities with Countywide needs by focusing on shared goals like strong schools, safe communities, and responsible growth. Good policy should serve both the County and local communities. That means listening to residents, applying policies consistently and making decisions that benefit the broader County while ensuring District 1 has a strong voice and real investment. Transparency, data, and open communication will guide fair, balanced and sustainable decisions.
I’ll evaluate land use based on infrastructure capacity, environmental impact, traffic, schools and community character. Resident input is essential and will be sought through town halls, surveys, and direct outreach—so decisions reflect both data and the lived experience of our communities. The goal is growth that adds real economic value, respects residents and protects taxpayers.
I support policies that attract and retain businesses, cut unnecessary red tape and invest in workforce development. This includes expanding skilled trades pathways for young people, upskilling current workers for an AI driven economy that will affect many and strengthening partnerships with local employers to create good paying jobs and raise the standard of living.
District 1 is a great place to live. We need smart, balanced housing growth that aligns with infrastructure. I support increasing supply through responsible development, streamlined approvals and a wider range of housing options. This includes promoting home ownership through first time homebuyer programs and incentives for owner occupancy, along with options like townhomes, multi-unit homes and targeted redevelopment where it fits the community. Strengthen communities, avoid overburdening!
Anne Arundel County’s biggest challenge is managing growth responsibly. We need to balance housing demand, infrastructure capacity and preserving the character of our communities. I’ll focus on disciplined planning, investing in roads, schools, public safety and protecting critical assets like the Chesapeake Bay.
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/geontaforaac/
I’m running for County Council because too many working-class families feel left behind. Many lower-income communities still lack the investment and opportunities they deserve, and I want to help change that. Serving on the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee for the past four years, I’ve worked to organize voters, elect Democrats, and engage residents across our county. I’m ready to bring that same energy and commitment to the County Council to fight for stronger communities.
I will balance countywide priorities with district needs by ensuring transparency and strong community engagement. I plan to hold regular office hours and community town halls so residents can share concerns and stay informed about county decisions. Listening directly to constituents will help ensure policies benefit both our district and the entire county.
When evaluating land use legislation, I will consider the community benefit, environmental impact, and long-term effects on surrounding neighborhoods. Input from district residents is essential. I will host community information sessions and encourage public feedback so residents stay informed and can share their perspectives before major zoning or development decisions are made.
To expand employment opportunities, I support strengthening county department budgets to hire additional staff and increasing COLA adjustments to retain public employees. Improving residents quality of life is also a priority. I support expanding affordable housing, redeveloping underserved or abandoned areas, reducing traffic congestion, and increasing green space to create healthier, more livable communities.
I support expanding mixed-use and transit-oriented development to increase housing supply. The County should use its zoning and permitting authority to streamline approvals for higher density housing where appropriate. I also support reducing excessive parking requirements so more land can be used for housing and equitable development instead of large parking lots.
One of the greatest challenges facing Anne Arundel County is persistent budget shortfalls. While historically low taxes have benefits, they have also limited our ability to fully fund essential services. I support exploring targeted revenue solutions, including asking higher-income earners to contribute more and evaluating a public safety tax to ensure first responders and critical county services are properly funded and staffed
Campaign Phone
410-934-7059
Campaign Instagram
@KellySmithKares
I am running for County Council to bring experienced, service-driven leadership to our community. As an Army veteran, retired federal intelligence analyst pursuing my PhD, I offer strong strategic and analytical skills. My decade as a Girl Scout leader and over 20 years as a Community Advocate reflect my commitment to service, collaboration, and delivering results for residents.
Balancing countywide priorities with district needs starts with listening and transparency. I will engage residents, businesses, and stakeholders to understand diverse perspectives, then use data and collaboration to guide decisions. My approach is to advocate for District 1 while supporting policies that promote equity, fiscal responsibility, and long-term benefits for the entire County, ensuring no community is left behind.
I will evaluate land use legislation based on alignment with the county’s development comprehensive plan, infrastructure capacity, environmental impact, and the needs of our communities. I will seek resident input by sharing information widely and hosting both virtual and in-person meetings, including participation from Planning and Zoning staff to answer questions and provide clarity.
I will support workforce development programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local businesses to create job pathways. Expanding access to education and job training, supporting small businesses, and attracting targeted industries will strengthen our economy. I support creating economic growth that directly benefits District 1 families. I also support policies that increase affordable housing, fair wages, and access to transportation and childcare to improve the overall quality of life.
District 1’s limited available land space means we must focus on strategic growth rather than just expansion. I will prioritize redevelopment and adaptive reuse of underutilized properties, encourage mixed-use and transit-oriented development, and support “missing middle” housing where appropriate. Preserving existing affordable housing, preventing displacement, and investing in infrastructure will ensure we meet housing needs while protecting the character of our communities.
The greatest challenge in my opinion is managing growth without losing what makes District 1 a great place to live. Rising housing costs, limited space, and strained infrastructure impact families. I will support smart redevelopment, invest in infrastructure and transit, expand workforce housing, and invest in youth through education, mentorship, and job training to ensure sustainable, equitable growth.
