Carroll County Commissioner District 5 Choose 1
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/
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.foelberforcarroll.com
Campaign Email
foelberforcarroll@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook
http://Facebook.com/foelberforcarroll
Campaign Instagram
@foelberforcarroll
Campaign Mailing Address
PO Box 39
Sykesville, MD 21784
Sykesville, MD 21784
Campaign You Tube
http://youtube.com/@foelberforcarroll
COMMUNITY SERVICE: What does community service mean to you, and how would you put that into action as Commissioner?
Career wise, I was a teacher and a public servant with the FDA. Volunteer work has been with my church, my children’s schools, as a coach in rec sports, and helping lead the CarrollBaby Diaper Bank. Public and community service is more than elected officials. We all need to support our communities.
As commissioner, I know that our public and community servants are the change-makers. Government must work together to solve everyday problems, striving to address the root causes of issues.
BUDGET: What do you consider the top three priorities for the county budget? How would you protect these priorities in the event of a budget shortfall?
1. Education for all residents, including schools, college, and libraries is the cornerstone of the community. 2. We must invest in infrastructure and communities, ensuring that value remains and resident needs are met. 3. The county needs to lead as a model employer to be a place where people can live and work. Our middle class, particularly those who work in taxpayer-funded jobs like education and law enforcement, should be able to our institutions and afford to live in our county.
VISION: What is your vision for the future of Carroll County to balance the rural character of the county versus economic growth?
Agriculture is key to our economy, but it should not be limited to being simply a part of our character.
Modern farming requires agility and innovation. Stability and modernization are key, both in the preservation of land and facilitating diversification for growth. Let’s balance the idyllic with the dynamic industry that is integral to our economy. I want to work closely with farmers to better understand their needs and the steps the county can take to support this important economic driver.
JOB GROWTH: What steps should the county government take to promote growth in new jobs from entry-level to upper-level positions?
We need job growth and a stronger economic web. Of working county residents, 70% work outside of Carroll. Wages have not kept up, communities are disconnected, we lack public spaces, and school enrollments are down.
We need investment in public spaces, infrastructure, and employees. People need a reason to stay in the county to work, give businesses a reason to choose Carroll County, and use our strengths, by planning and adjusting to better serve our current industries and economies.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: How would you propose to make housing more affordable?
Housing is not one-size-fits-all, there are unique needs. Wages have not kept pace with cost of housing, putting a great deal of stress on our local economies.
There should be variety in the developed housing, rather than building for one or two specific demographics. This requires better planning, so we preserve farmland, guarantee sufficient space at schools, build and maintain sufficient and safe roadways, promote sustainable communities, and consider infrastructure needs.
PUBLIC HEALTH: In what ways do you think the Board of Commissioners can support public health experts to address health concerns, such as epidemics, drug abuse, vaccine availability?
With 17 years in a federal public health agency, I am well-versed in ensuring that we are following experts who are invested in evidence-based science. It's disheartening to see the politicization and loss of expertise in the last year in these institutions, and I would work to prevent this in Carroll.
The Commissioners should support and seek advice from public health experts on pressing issues. Advice can evolve as advancements and our understanding changes, but it should rely on expertise.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: What is your position on the need for additional public transportation options for Carroll County, both within the County and to population centers in neighboring jurisdictions?
This deserves thoughtful study, as what we see now is the result of years of poor planning and investment, and decades of missed opportunities.
Patchwork development has led to fragmentation, minimal accessible green space, and little walkability. Also, critical services are located well outside of South Carroll.
We need to improve the systems, connectedness, and walkability within our communities, and work with the state and municipalities on necessary changes to better serve residents.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.susankrebs.com
Campaign Phone
4103710848
Campaign Email
swkrebs@comcast.net
Campaign Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/commissionerkrebs
Campaign Mailing Address
1696 Springmount Drive
Eldersburg, MD 21784
Eldersburg, MD 21784
COMMUNITY SERVICE: What does community service mean to you, and how would you put that into action as Commissioner?
Community Service is a personal calling to improve our quality of life, serve people in need, and support our non-profits & public institutions. Citizens volunteering to benefit our local communities are the backbone of Carroll County and what makes it a special place to live. As Commissioner, I work to inspire citizen participation by setting an example, creating a welcoming environment, articulating the need, communicating the tangible local impact, and recognizing efforts.
BUDGET: What do you consider the top three priorities for the county budget? How would you protect these priorities in the event of a budget shortfall?
Infrastructure: improving roads, modernizing aging schools, adequate public safety, Fire/EMS, and recreational space. Fiscally Responsible decisions: Our county budget has been plagued by bad decisions with long-term financial implications, restricting funding for priority needs. Budget Sustainability: State mandated “Blueprint” education funding has handcuffed the BOE. Push back on State dictating how we spend our tax dollars and provide flexibility in how to best educate our students.
VISION: What is your vision for the future of Carroll County to balance the rural character of the county versus economic growth?
My motive for becoming Commissioner was driven by past failure to follow and execute a financially sustainable plan for our county. Three adopted Master Plans, reflecting the community’s Vision & Goals on land use & development, were put on a shelf and disregarded. Haphazard rezoning of properties, done during the darkness of COVID, is being reconsidered to put citizens back in control of their communities. I am working hard to ensure that the will of our people is respected and followed.
JOB GROWTH: What steps should the county government take to promote growth in new jobs from entry-level to upper-level positions?
Promote job growth by adopting a “skills-first” approach by partnering with Carroll Community College with workforce training. Continue partnerships with local business for apprenticeship & career paths and provide training for incumbent workers to upskill for higher level positions. Engage in business retention and expansion efforts. Ensure housing options to attract new businesses from the CEO to the workers. Continue to support our outstanding public schools and Career and Tech efforts.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: How would you propose to make housing more affordable?
MD is sixth most regulated housing market in the U.S. driven by lengthy approval processes, a web of complex and costly regulations, fees, and soaring materials & labor costs. Plan for and promote growth in areas with available land, school capacity, and stagnant populations. Speed up the approval and permitting process and adopt clear zoning guidelines for development to follow. Delays create carrying costs which are on to new homebuyers.
PUBLIC HEALTH: In what ways do you think the Board of Commissioners can support public health experts to address health concerns, such as epidemics, drug abuse, vaccine availability?
Work closely with our CC Health Department. I have served on the Overdose Prevention Policy Group for over a decade collaborating with community stakeholders combatting drug use, mental and behavioral health issues, and suicide. Focus on prevention, treatment, and supporting recovery. Support Adult Drug Treatment Court and NOT IN CARROLL efforts in all our middle school through the Boys and Girls Clubs. Overdose rates and deaths in Carroll have declined significantly.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: What is your position on the need for additional public transportation options for Carroll County, both within the County and to population centers in neighboring jurisdictions?
Working to ensure our Carroll Transit System, operated by Ride with Us, can provide service equitably throughout the county to those most in need. My top priority is service to our disabled & senior community with our Demand Response System. Our Transit Advisory Committee recommends future changes to the Transit Plan. The only service provided outside the county is a Veteran’s Shuttle to VA facilities. The expansion of publicly funded transit outside Carroll Co. is not economically feasible.