Campaign Phone
4108709383
Campaign Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/chinforcountycouncil/
I will grow our tax base through smart development in Activity Centers per HoCoByDesign, expanding property and income tax revenue without raising rates. I will revisit the progressive recordation tax (CB-85-2020), which would generate $30 million annually for schools. School funding dropped from 57% to 49% of county revenue since 2008, and I commit to restoring that proportion. I will also prioritize county dollars that unlock matching state and federal funds.
Absolutely, which is why I’m on the steering committee of the Housing Affordability Coalition. Maryland ranks 43rd nationally in housing affordability, and over half our teachers live outside the county. This is unsustainable. I will legalize missing middle housing in Activity Centers, support ADUs by right, and convert vacant commercial properties for mixed use. I will fund the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund and support good cause eviction protections.
Affordable childcare and eldercare are critical workforce and equity issues. High costs force parents, especially mothers, out of the workforce and strain fixed-income seniors. I support county subsidies and partnerships with providers. I support more flexible siting of childcare and eldercare facilities to expand access. I will work to fund wraparound services through the Department of Community Resources and Services.
I strongly support Howard County Climate Forward. I am a board member of Patapsco Heritage Greenway and active in Citizens' Climate Lobby. I will expand walkability and transit to reduce car dependence, support solar permitting on more zoned areas, and promote denser housing that reduces per-capita emissions. I will also support curbside composting expansion and push for green building standards in new development to meet our county's long-term climate commitments.
County government must protect every resident's rights regardless of background. I will uphold the Liberty Act, keeping Howard County the strongest in the state for immigrant protections. Unfortunately, we have become a deeply unaffordable county forcing current residents out and keeping away new ones. We cannot protect people if those people do not live here, which is why I believe affordability is at the root of our ability to protect our community’s Constitutional rights.
I support community-oriented policing, including expanding the already successful Community Outreach and Pathways Section (COPS) programs into Elkridge and Route 1 communities. Programs like these build relationships between residents and law enforcement, increasing collaboration and familiarity. I will also address root causes of crime by investing in housing stability, behavioral health, and economic opportunity.
Campaign Phone
4106035670
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/handleyforhoward/
On the Council I will fight to ensure public school funding is put back to pre-pandemic historical levels of funding, which will allow us to meet any newly mandated spending requirements. Especially in light of the Trump administration’s chaos, we are going to need County specific solutions and should focus on expanding our County’s economy by leveraging our highly educated population and proximity to two large metro areas.
Yes, this is an issue that must be addressed. To do this we must provide additional middle and low income housing. Simply installing more market-rate housing will not solve our affordability problems. I will ensure these types of housing are available going forward by making necessary changes during the next comprehensive re-zoning. I will also push for increased fees charged in lieu of providing this type middle and low income housing, to ensure the housing is actually built.
I know there is an issue with the availability and affordability of quality childcare and eldercare from personal experience, with three children 5 and under, and aging parents that cannot find an affordable home in the County. We must work with the state to find ways to provide tax relief, respite care, paid family leave, and direct financial assistance. We also must create and enforce standards of care to protect our loved ones.
I strongly support the County’s plan. As District 1 has suffered from climate and developer driven floods in OEC, we must continue to respond by being a leader in this fight. I will work to make sure solar is on all government buildings in the Howard County. Moreover, the plan could be undone by huge spikes in energy demands caused by data centers. I will only support new data centers that are operating off of 100% green energy and are not increasing the cost of energy for ratepayers.
The County must take an active role in protecting constitutional rights from this lawless administration. Every day I fight for Marylanders at the state Attorney General’s office, and even personally filed the lawsuit against Trump’s illegal firing of federal employees. I advocated for the recent measures to keep ICE out of the County, and when elected would look for all available means to protect our residents. As the only attorney running in D1, I am the best suited candidate to protected us.
Given my nearly 2 years deployed overseas for the Army, I know what it is like to live in low trust environments lacking the rule of law. Thankfully Howard is a safe place to live and work. That does not mean we do not have work still to do to ensure public safety and trust. On the Council I will ensure our public safety agencies have the resources and personnel to keep us safe, but also make sure that the policies and procedures are in place to keep building trust with all our communities.
Campaign Phone
4437979588
Campaign Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jeanxu4countycouncil/
To meet mandated education funding, we need disciplined budgeting and long-term planning. I would review spending and revenue projections to ensure resources align with top priorities, including education. When revenues exceed projections, year-end surpluses should support school funding. We should also broaden the tax base by supporting local businesses, encouraging innovation, and promoting job growth so the burden does not fall disproportionately on homeowners.
Yes. Howard County needs a greater variety of housing options so seniors, young people, working families, and people with disabilities can afford to live here. I support expanding housing choices, including missing middle housing, especially in areas where infrastructure already exists. I also support thoughtful redevelopment and mixed-income communities while ensuring development is aligned with school capacity, transportation, and other public infrastructure.
Yes. Many families struggle to find affordable, quality childcare and eldercare. I would support expanding childcare capacity by streamlining permitting for providers, encouraging childcare in community and workplace settings, and supporting partnerships with nonprofits and employers. For eldercare, we should strengthen home- and community-based services, support caregivers, and plan for more accessible housing and services so seniors can age safely and with dignity in our community.
The Climate Forward plan sets important goals for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and protecting our natural environment. Continued progress will require practical, measurable steps. I support expanding energy efficiency programs, encouraging renewable energy, protecting open space and waterways, and integrating climate resilience into infrastructure planning. We should also work with residents, businesses, and schools to ensure solutions are achievable and broadly supported.
County government has a responsibility to uphold and protect residents’ Constitutional rights through fair laws, transparent decision-making, and accountable public institutions. That includes ensuring equal protection, protecting civil liberties, and maintaining public safety while respecting individual rights. Local government should also provide clear policies, oversight, and training so that county agencies and employees consistently respect and safeguard these rights.
Public safety and community trust must go hand in hand. I support investing in well-trained public safety agencies, community policing, and strong partnerships with neighborhoods, schools, and local organizations. Transparency, clear accountability, and regular communication with residents are essential. At the same time, we should address root causes of crime by supporting youth programs, mental health services, and community-based prevention efforts.
