DUTIES: The County Commissioners are responsible for legislative and executive policy decisions affecting County government agencies. They are responsible for setting the tax levy and thereafter assuring that spending is limited to a set budget. They make appointments to the committees and commissions that report to them and exercise oversight over county programs. The Commissioners provide leadership, define policy, and enact programs to meet community needs.TERM LENGTH: 4 years; TERM LIMIT: Two consecutive termsSALARY: $49,998 per yearHOW ELECTED: One Commissioner is elected from each of the five County Commissioner Districts.WEBSITE: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/commissioners/
Community service is about showing up, caring about the issues, working toward tangible solutions, and staying involved. My roots run deep in District 4, dating back to the early 80’s when my family moved from Washington DC to Woodbine. My sense of what residents care most about and how they feel is a natural extension of how I have addressed resident interests.
Maryland residents are over-taxed, and the State of Maryland has a serious spending problem as evidenced by the move from surpluses to billion-dollar deficits. Therefore, balancing the county budget each year without further taxing residents is always my top priority. My other priorities have been consistent; public safety (law enforcement and Fire & EMS), roads and infrastructure, and Carroll County public schools.
Carroll County is truly a rural county. I have continued to support agricultural preservation efforts through the various programs and have sought to protect farmland and rural property against solar development and the MPRP powerlines. Economic growth, done smartly with a particular focus on “designated growth areas,” can achieve both goals.
Carroll County fosters economic growth by maintaining a business-friendly environment where new companies can launch, and existing ones can expand — generating jobs in the process. This effort is supported by a robust Economic Development Department, a Workforce Development Center that equips residents with in-demand skills, and active partnerships with local towns to pool resources and provide meaningful assistance to businesses at every stage.
Housing in Maryland is not affordable, and livability is suffering because Maryland Democrats have driven up costs everywhere. Increasing taxes and fees, increased building requirements that are simply passed onto buyers, overburdening regulations and incompetent policies that are driving businesses out of Maryland are to blame for unaffordability.
This board, which serves as the Board of Health, has been particularly engaged with the Carroll County Health Department. In cooperation with department, which is now under new leadership, we will continue to work together toward many mutual goals and efforts such as drug abuse, mental health, and mental illness.
The Carroll County transit system will need to adapt to shifting demands, citizen needs, and ridership patterns across different areas. Central to this effort will be stronger collaboration with our municipalities that also play a role in local transportation. The recent launching of a new pilot program to address ridership needs between Carroll and Frederick Counties in the Mount Airy area is a great example of cooperation between the Town of Mount Airy and Carroll County government.
