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As it pertains to the commissionership, community service means putting the community above other goals. The working family and our environment are resources that we cannot get back and must be looked after and cared for. In decision making and funding allocations community value will be my guide.
Education, Public Safety, and Infrastructure are the 3 main priorities of the county budget. To weather a budget shortfall, I would seek different grant avenues along with rebudgeting; focusing on long-term financial health rather than stop gap measures. The key is to keep these same ideas during good times, so the lean times don’t affect us as hard.
Actively protecting farmland and natural resources is key in keeping Carroll County the jewel that it is. Economic growth should not destroy our rural charm and quality of life, so a balanced approach is required. Sustainable infrastructure, long-term job security from quality jobs, and unmatched education are pillars of my vision of the future of Carroll County.
Carroll County should focus on strategic zoning for industrial/commercial growth, enhancing workforce training partnerships, and offering competitive incentives. This would include expanding Agritourism, modernizing infrastructure, and utilizing apprenticeships, skill and workforce training throughout the county.
To ease rising costs and make housing more affordable I would implement zoning regulations and reforms such as mixed-use developments and diverse housing types aligned with capital investments. As well as funding and financial assistance include grants. public-private partnerships, and home buyer assistance. All incorporated with strategic planning and care this can ease the burden of housing costs.
I will support public health by ensuring strong funding for the health department, improving emergency preparedness, and expanding access to treatment and prevention programs. Partnering with healthcare providers, supporting vaccination access, and promoting clear public communication, which in turn, helps address epidemics, substance abuse, and other health concerns while allowing public health experts to lead evidence-based responses.
My position is one of a balance between the need for increased transit accessibility with strict fiscal responsibility relying heavily on state/federal funding. While supporting mobility for residents without private transport, I will prioritize efficient, targeted services over massive expansions, emphasizing cost-effective solutions for commuting to job centers in surrounding areas, particularly given budgetary constraints.
Community service is involvement. For the past four years as Commissioner, and before that as a City Councilman, my love for home has been central. I’ve done my best to listen, learn, and show up whenever possible. Whether I’m meeting with an individual citizen or speaking to a full room, everyone matters.
Balancing the budget is the top priority for the budget. Different years bring different issues and priorities. At present, public safety (including law enforcement and, in particular, Fire & EMS), and the public school system (between the State’s Blueprint plan mandates and the State also cutting school funding) are two such priorities for additional funding from the County.
By ensuring agriculture and business have an environment in which to thrive through consideration for both. Agriculture is our number one industry. We have continued Agricultural Preservation; and have sought to protect farmland and rural property against solar development and the MPRP powerlines, and more; and we’ve merged departments, streamlined processes, partnered with towns, and more, to promote economic growth.
By ensuring that there is an environment in which new businesses can open, and existing businesses can expand, thereby creating new jobs. The County has a strong Economic Development Department, supports a workforce development program through the Workforce Development Center, and has partnered with towns to cooperate and share resources to help new and existing businesses – and more.
The cost of housing largely rests with State regulations and requirements. Locally, options such as PILOT programs, grant application support, unique zoning distinctions (such as campus housing), and coordination with developers through DRRAs for particular kinds of housing are possible – but public services and infrastructure must also be kept in mind when it comes to growth.
The Commissioners serve as the Board of Health in cooperation with the Health Department for mutual goals and efforts such as drug abuse. The County provides funding to the HD, meets formally each year with the HD, reviews local programs, operations, and policies, and provides advice. The County also coordinates for services, such as flu vaccines.
The County transit system is ever-evolving, changing each year based on demand, particular needs of citizens, ridership in different locations, etc. As state and federal assistance declines, the County will have to provide more to keep what we have, as well as to attempt to meet changing needs. Part of this must include working with nonprofits who also provide transit.
