Eight years ago I ran on a simple promise: Our Calvert. Our Future. That still guides me today. As County Commissioner, I’ve worked to strengthen our budget, preserve our land, and manage responsible growth. I’m running again because the decisions we make now will shape Calvert’s financial future for decades. I bring proven experience, steady leadership, and a clear focus on keeping Calvert a strong community where families want to live, work, and build their future.
Listening to the people of Calvert County is fundamental to transparent, accountable government. On major issues like the Comprehensive Plan and zoning changes, we hold evening hearings to maximize participation. We also livestream meetings, allow virtual participation, record meetings to watch anytime, and extend online comment periods. Good government means meeting people where they are. I remain committed to expanding opportunities for residents to be heard.
Transparency is essential to good government, and I believe there is always room to improve. In my years as commissioner, I’ve worked to ensure county business is conducted openly and residents have opportunities to understand and weigh in on major decisions. Whenever legally possible, discussions and votes happen in public meetings, and we encourage feedback before decisions are made. I will continue supporting practical ways to strengthen transparency and accountability in county government.
NDAs are a limited tool governments use to protect sensitive information, whether related to economic development, security matters, or other negotiations. In some cases, companies or contractors require confidentiality while projects are being evaluated. That helps ensure Calvert remains competitive for jobs, investment, and critical services. NDAs are not about secrecy in government. Final decisions are made in public meetings, and information is shared as soon as it can legally be disclosed.
My priority is protecting what makes Calvert County special. As a peninsula with limited space, we must plan carefully for the future. We’ve already taken strong steps to reduce allowable density and address concerns about overdevelopment. Moving forward, I will continue leading efforts to meet our land preservation goals and carefully manage development, balancing that with the revenue needed to support the safe, vibrant communities and quality of life that define Calvert.
Data centers are coming to the region. The question is whether Calvert benefits from them or pays for them. Our costs to fund schools, public safety, and growing state mandates continue to rise, yet residents consistently say they want limited development. That reality limits our revenue options. Any project must meet strict environmental and community standards. If done responsibly, a data center could generate revenue and create a real opportunity to lower taxes for residents.
You only get one chance to educate a child, and strong schools are a top priority. During my time in office, we’ve funded teacher raises, school resource officers, and initiatives to ensure every student has the technology they need to learn. The Board of Education is elected to set the priorities for our schools. The BOCC’s role is to provide the resources to support them. Our schools are consistently ranked among the best in Maryland, and I will keep working to make sure they stay that way.
Affordable housing is a national challenge, and not unique to Calvert County. The simple truth is that it’s extremely difficult to afford a home today. Construction costs are high, utility rates continue to rise, and financing is expensive. We’ve eliminated certain fees for senior and lower-income housing and created incentives to encourage these projects in our town centers, where our land-use plans direct growth. I will continue working on practical solutions to address this issue.
Because Calvert is surrounded by water, we must plan carefully for changing weather patterns, sea level rise, and water quality. These issues are addressed through practical planning like our hazard mitigation efforts and updated stormwater management standards that account for heavier rainfall events. Continuing to meet our land preservation goals and working with strong community partners will remain important to protecting our environment and ensuring Calvert remains a special place.
My priority is securing Calvert’s financial future while protecting what makes our county special. I ran on a simple promise: Our Calvert. Our Future. That means making responsible decisions to meet rising costs while maintaining strong schools, public safety, and services residents expect. We can either continue absorbing those costs through higher taxes or position Calvert to benefit from responsible opportunities that generate reliable revenue and protect our long-term quality of life.
Campaign Phone
4104747919
Campaign Instagram
Ireland4calvert
I'm a lifelong Calvert County resident. I live on the tobacco farm in Huntingtown, where I was raised. I worked as a waterman before beginning my career as a correctional officer with Calvert County. I retired from the Sheriff's Office as a Captain after 28+ years of service. I made tough decisions daily to ensure Calvert County citizens remained safe. I worked with budgets and grants the majority of my career. I will continue to do my job to keep Calvert safe for our future generations.
The majority of our public hearings are for budget adjustments, administrative functions and things of the sort. Public hearings that are significant, such as adopting the annual budget or joint public hearings with the planning commission are typically held during the evening hours. We make an effort to minimize the number of public hearings during evening hours to save taxpayer dollars. Some non-salary employees, required to work public hearings, must be compensated with overtime pay.
The majority of Calvert County business is discussed on Tuesdays during our meetings on cameras for the public to see. One of the challenges we have is getting viewership of those meetings. We have tried different avenues to get citizen involvement in the workings of county government. The county has a media relations department to share information including agendas. Some information may not be privileged to the public, such as employment matters, software or proprietary business information.
Non-disclosure agreements are commonly used to protect proprietary information and/or financial information during business dealings. An NDA is a legally binding contract that establishes a confidential relationship between two groups. NDA's are used by corporations when they are conducting feasibility studies to determine if their business plan or model will work at a specific location. County department heads enter into NDA's with clients regularly. The public is informed as soon as possible
Greg Bowen, who left us to soon, assisted the county with planning for many years. Greg Bowen's goal for Calvert County was to preserve 40,000 acres. Approximately 33,000 have been preserved to date. He also suggested that growth be focused within the town centers. Residential growth costs us money in infrastructure to include public safety, water and sewer, roadways, and our school system. I would like to meet Greg's preservation goal and find growth that generates revenue, rather than debt.
I believe data centers are coming to Calvert County. We need to do our part to submit text amendments to protect the environmental concerns that our citizens have. We need to make sure our aquifers are not compromised, our infrastructure is adequate and the impact to our citizens is minimal. There are only two locations in Calvert County where a data center could be built. I believe data centers should not be given any tax credits and that our citizens should benefit from their revenue.
Over the past three years, our Board of Education has received $34,000,000 in new funding. This funding has been used to ensure that teachers and support staff salaries are fully funded. The blueprint for Maryland which has been passed down from the state has required a great deal of funding. Our children are our future, and we need to do our part to ensure the BOE is properly funded, and Calvert County schools are the best schools in the state of Maryland. We need revenue to support the BOE.
Calvert County has two significant housing challenges. We need start up housing for our blue collared workers meaning our nurses, police officers, tradesman etc. Secondly, we need housing for our senior citizens. Calvert County is not a cheap county to live in. We remain a bedroom community for many who travel to the metropolitan area for work. I often solicit ideas for a solution to help with this issue. Affordable housing continues to remain a focus of Calvert County Community Resources
My biggest concern for Calvert County remains our low-lying areas along coastal shorelines to include North and Chesapeake Beach, The Willows, Breezy Point, Neeld Estate, Carpenters Beach, Kenwood Beach, Long Beach and Calvert Beach, Cove Point, Broomes Island and many other areas. The septic systems in these areas are being compromised which will lead to polluting our bay, river and streams. We need to have a plan moving forward to ensure that Calvert County is not the focus of national news
I am a lifelong citizen of Calvert County with family dating back to the 1600's. I will live here the rest of my life, and I believe my children and grandchildren will as well. I want to do my part to ensure Calvert County remains a safe and affordable place to live. I want to ensure plans are in place to address the budgetary challenges that lie ahead of us such as recurring costs to the BOE, EMS, CCSO, DPW and any other state mandates. We need to protect our citizens, character and our land
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Campaign Phone
410-474-0297
I am an experienced leader in communications and public affairs, with a career defined by service, transparency, and commitment to strengthening the relationship between government and the communities it serves. Over three decades, working in local government, leading crisis communications, outreach, and strategic initiatives, I built a reputation as a trusted and reliable voice.
I also love Calvert County and want my grandchildren to stay here, find opportunities, and thrive.
Diverse voices and opinions are a fundamental strength of our community. County government must offer a broad range of times and locations for public meetings to ensure accessibility for all. In addition to in-person sessions, meetings should be available through streaming channels, provide information and allow for virtual testimony. This approach accommodates those who work during the day, parents, and those with disabilities. Let's welcome all who wish to speak. and participate in democracy.
Transparency is the cornerstone of representative government. Signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for a potential data center betrayed public trust and demonstrates failed leadership. What else don’t we know? Existing laws already allow limited closed sessions—for discussions such as land acquisition, legal advice, or personnel matters. Decisions that impact on our community should always be made in the open. Commissioners should not sign NDAs; no deal is worth risking the public’s trust.
Public officials should not use non-disclosure agreements. No deal or contract is worth it. Vendors and service providers must find another path in negotiations. Confidentiality is necessary occasionally but can already be protected. NDAs should never be used to hide information the public has a right to know or to shield misconduct. All too often, NDAs provide political cover in controversial debates rather than serving the best intents of open, transparent governance. Trust is key.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, Calvert County's population has grown almost every year. Given our proximity to Washington D.C. and military institutions as well as excellent public schools, this county will continue to see growth over the next 25 years. I am committed to ensuring that growth balances with our rural character, provides homes for young families, and includes leisure and entertainment options. Public engagement will be crucial.
While data centers may seem economically beneficial, they pose significant risks for Calvert County. They require enormous amounts of electricity and water, stretching local resources. They generate industrial noise, increased traffic during construction, and higher utility costs. They conflict with the county's rural character and environmental progress. And they offer few permanent jobs. Too many questions remain. This data center should not be built.
Calvert County schools deliver a 94% graduation rate and strong test scores, but we can’t stop there. We urgently need to close achievement gaps, curb bullying and violence, expand Career and Technology Academy access, strengthen special education options, and fully support our teachers and staff. I’m committed to real investment, real collaboration, and a Board of Education that truly listens to every voice. Imagine the possibilities with greater accountability and strong leadership!
We face real challenges in providing moderately priced housing. I support a countywide housing task force to unify government, private sector, and community initiatives. Simplifying the permitting process and reducing fees to allow more accessory dwelling units is a priority. Streamlining permit approvals will reduce delays that increase construction costs. Let's advocate for new ideas, innovation, strong partnerships, and expanded state/federal support. I seek solutions that deliver results.
It's not a question of should we do something, but rather what is already underway. We must address shoreline erosion, Chesapeake Bay water quality, monitor air and water quality and protect sensitive natural areas. Let's preserve open spaces, manage invasive plants, protect wildlife, establish green corridors and provide environmental stewardship education. That's a good start.
Let's create the community we want. First question; is it good for Calvert families?
I will restore trust in local government via transparency and ensure government listens, and responses to all citizens.
I will use every tax dollar wisely. Affordability is crucial.
Let's make small changes that bring big results. Let's boost the parks budget, ensure every child in Calvert can swim, and increase support for unique career paths that don't require college.
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Campaign Twitter
x.com/VoteforPatti
Campaign Phone
301-908-2540
As a business owner and 24-year Calvert County realtor, I understand budgets and the financial pressures families face. I will bring fiscal discipline, transparency, and common-sense leadership to protect taxpayers, support seniors on fixed incomes, and ensure responsible growth that preserves our county’s character.
Residents deserve transparency and a real opportunity to be heard. Major public hearings should be scheduled in the evening whenever possible so working families can attend. I will also actively engage residents through community meetings, email, and social media. Decisions that impact our county should never be made behind closed doors. Residents deserve to be informed and involved before decisions are made, not after.
Public trust depends on transparency. When major proposals are negotiated behind closed doors or under agreements that restrict discussion, residents feel excluded from decisions that affect their communities. I would work to ensure open communication and meaningful opportunities for public input before major decisions are made. Public decisions should be debated in public, not negotiated in private.
NDAs should be extremely rare in local government. While they may sometimes protect proprietary information during early discussions, they should never prevent residents from understanding proposals that affect their community. If an NDA is signed, the public should be notified immediately and transparency restored as soon as legally possible.
My priority is responsible growth that protects the character of Calvert County while ensuring development does not outpace infrastructure. Land use decisions must consider roads, schools, and public safety so growth benefits residents rather than creating congestion, strain on services, and higher costs for taxpayers.
Large industrial projects like data centers require careful scrutiny. We must fully understand their impact on energy demand, infrastructure, potential health risks, and the ecosystem that is unique to Calvert County. Most importantly, the process must be transparent so residents are informed and have a voice before any decisions are made.
A strong public education system is essential to the future of Calvert County. My priority is ensuring our schools have the resources they need while also being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. County government should work collaboratively with the school board to support safe facilities, well-maintained buildings, and infrastructure that keeps pace with growth so our schools are not overcrowded or strained by poorly planned development.
Housing affordability is important, but solutions must be balanced with responsible growth. I'd like to see Variety of option We should explore innovative, common-sense solutions such as making it easier to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs), giving families more flexibility for multi-generational living with aging parents or adult children.This allows families to create affordable living options without dramatically changing the character of our communities.
Calvert County should focus on practical steps that protect our communities and natural resources. As a waterfront county, protecting our shoreline and the Chesapeake Bay is essential to our economy and way of life. That includes preserving open space, and ensuring infrastructure and land-use planning consider flooding and shoreline impacts. Thoughtful planning today can help protect our environment, property values, and quality of life for future generations.
My top priorities are protecting taxpayers through fiscal responsibility, restoring transparency and public trust in county government, and ensuring responsible growth that preserves the character and quality of life that make Calvert County such a special place to live. Good government begins with transparency, accountability, and respect for taxpayers.
Campaign Phone
667-486-3294
I bring more than three decades of service with Calvert County Government, offering a proven record of leadership and public service. My experience in county operations, budgeting, procurement, policy compliance, and public safety has provided a strong understanding of how local government works. I am ready to continue serving by using that knowledge and experience to benefit the residents of Calvert County.
Improving public participation in hearings is a key campaign priority. Many meetings are held during normal work hours, making it difficult for working residents to attend. I want to work with county staff to schedule more evening hearings when major issues arise, ensuring residents have the opportunity to participate and share input that helps guide better decisions for our community.
Transparency must be a priority in county government. Too often, boards only meet minimum legal requirements, leaving residents unaware of important issues until decisions are made. I support clearer communication, better public notice, and more accessible meetings. When taxpayer dollars are involved, government should operate as openly as possible so residents can stay informed and involved.
Non-Disclosure Agreements are common in business and have been used by the County for years. However, when they involve decisions that could significantly affect residents, transparency is important. The Board should publicly acknowledge when an NDA is signed and explain its purpose, without revealing proprietary details, so residents understand the process and trust that government decisions are being handled openly.
Growth is necessary, but past development decisions have created traffic challenges, especially in Prince Frederick. While previous decisions cannot be reversed, we can learn from them. I support thoughtful land-use planning that improves transportation while protecting Calvert County’s environment and rural character, ensuring future growth is balanced, responsible, and benefits both residents and the community.
Data centers are not a simple yes or no issue. If proposed on private industrial property and all legal requirements are met, the County may have limited ability to stop them but could regulate them. Legal counsel would need to be consulted to determine those options. Commissioners must carefully research the facts, consider all viewpoints, and set aside personal bias to make well informed, balanced decisions in the public’s best interest.
Maryland counties must comply with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, though classroom teachers had limited input in its development. Calvert County has prioritized education and often funded schools above required levels. Moving forward, I want a stronger collaboration between the BOCC and Board of Education, along with greater teacher involvement in policy and budget discussions, can help ensure better decisions for students and educators.
Organizations such as Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, C4, and the Housing Authority are helping address housing needs in Calvert County. The County would benefit from strengthening partnerships with these groups, support access to land, and encourage rehabilitation of existing homes. Practical, community-based solutions can expand housing opportunities for working families and seniors while preserving the County’s character.
Calvert County addresses climate related concerns through the Comprehensive Plan, Critical Area Program, hazard mitigation, shoreline protection, agricultural preservation, and sustainable communities initiatives. While not solely focused on climate change, these programs address flooding, erosion, and environmental protection. The County needs to continue these efforts to protect natural resources, plan responsibly for development, and preserve Calvert County’s character.
As a single commissioner, my priorities are improving communication with residents, providing clear and understandable information about county issues, and making public hearings more accessible for working residents. Working with the full Board, my priorities are public safety, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure improvements. Because each commissioner holds only 20% of the vote, achieving these goals requires collaboration among at least three commissioners.
Campaign Phone
4106103904
As an experienced and motivated leader who adopts a transformational leadership style, I am well-equipped to lead. My extensive experience as a basketball official for 28 years and president of the Community Mediation Center of Calvert County has provided me with valuable skills. My tenure as president on the Calvert County Board of Education has given me a deeper understanding of governance. I believe my skills in listening and finding common ground would serve me well as a commissioner in Calv
I firmly believe that every constituent deserves a platform to express their views. To facilitate this, I would utilize various communication channels, including social media, emails, texts, phone calls, and attend numerous events, ensuring residents have ample opportunities to share their concerns and priorities.
The transparency of our Board of County Commissioners is a pressing concern that warrants attention. As a former president of the board of education, we made it a point to prioritize constituent concerns and scheduled meetings at convenient times to ensure maximum participation.
Generally, I do not engage in discussions without complete knowledge. Yet, for major decisions, informing the community is crucial. Transparency should be maintained whenever possible. An NDA would negate the chance for open discussion. If a major project can be shared with the public and developed without an NDA, every alternative should be evaluated.
With roots in Calvert County, where I was born and raised, I have witnessed firsthand the county's development trajectory. I am confident that residents share my desire to preserve the county feel that provide a familiar environment for our community. To ensure responsible growth, I would like to review all existing and planned projects in the county. Moving forward, my priority would be to direct development towards areas designated for specific purposes, while actively seeking resident feedbac
As a Calvert County resident, my priority is to limit development that would negatively impact our community and environment. As a commissioner, I would need to carefully evaluate the environmental effects and weigh the potential benefits and revenue generated by a data center. Nevertheless, community consultation would be a prerequisite before entering into any agreement.
Having served on the school board for four years, with two years in leadership positions as vice president and president, I have developed a deep understanding of and commitment to our public schools, which informs my key focus on securing full funding and support. Effective collaboration is crucial for student education. I also currently have a student in the Calver County Public School system.
The topic of affordable housing has been extensively discussed in Calvert County over a considerable period. A comprehensive review of existing policies is essential to implement necessary adjustments. Moreover, successful implementation of affordable housing initiatives will necessitate a collaborative approach among state, federal, and local leaders.
The world is facing a significant challenge due to climate change. I believe Calvert County should take comprehensive measures to help residents live with and adapt to climate change. I am open to participating in local initiatives that contribute to addressing climate change.
To bring the community of Calvert County together, centered around empathy, love, and support for everyone, with special attention to mental wellness, youth and senior citizens.
The safety of all residents would also be a priority by ensuring that our safety personnel are fully equipped to maintain resident safety.
Prioritizing transparency, communication, and fiscal accountability, we will focus on minimizing taxes and costs for residents while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
