Why I’m Running

The Power of Education I am proud to be endorsed by three former TABCO Presidents—Marc and Abby Beytin and Cheryl Bost—along with dozens of Baltimore County teachers and administrators across District 1. As a graduate of Baltimore County Public Schools and a parent of a student preparing to graduate from Western School of Technology and Environmental Science, I understand the life-changing impact that strong public schools, dedicated educators, and supportive communities have on our children’s futures. ​ A world-class public education system is the foundation of a thriving community and one of the most important investments we can make for future generations. Every student deserves access to safe, welcoming, and high-performing schools that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life. As your County Council representative, I will work alongside educators, families, students, and community leaders to ensure Baltimore County continues to strengthen and modernize our schools. ​ Every stakeholder deserves a voice in the decisions shaping our schools. Students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and community members must all have a seat at the table as we move education forward together. I will advocate for transparent decision-making and policies that prioritize student achievement and school safety. ​ The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future represents a major investment of taxpayer dollars into our education system. I believe we must ensure those funds are used effectively and responsibly to improve student outcomes. I support greater oversight and accountability measures, including empowering the Inspector General to review practices and policies within Baltimore County Public Schools. Attracting and retaining excellent educators must remain a top priority. Competitive salaries, strong benefits, and professional support are essential to keeping talented teachers in our classrooms. I will also advocate for modernized school facilities, expanded Career and Technical Education and dual enrollment opportunities, stronger mental health resources, and early childhood literacy programs that help every child succeed from the very beginning. ​ I also believe our schools should reflect the needs of today’s families and workforce. That means supporting technology access, strengthening partnerships with businesses and colleges, and creating opportunities for students to explore career pathways before graduation. Education should open doors for every child, whether they choose college, military service, technical training, or immediate employment. By investing in innovation, accountability, and student support services, we can ensure Baltimore County schools remain among the best for generations to come.

Smart Growth & Community Development Smart growth is essential to protecting our quality of life and strengthening Baltimore County’s future. When a county stops growing, its costs do not stop. Roads still need repairs, schools still require investment, and critical services must continue to be funded. Without a strong and expanding economy, the burden of maintaining those services falls directly on taxpayers through higher property and income taxes. ​ As your neighbor, I understand how rising taxes affect working families and seniors living on fixed incomes. That is why I believe smart, responsible growth is necessary to protect existing residents while strengthening our local economy. Growth must be strategic, community-focused, and designed to preserve the character and environmental beauty of District 1. We can continue to grow while also protecting our neighborhoods, open spaces, and natural resources. Smart growth means investing in existing communities, improving infrastructure, and creating opportunities for families and businesses without unnecessary sprawl.   My Priorities Prioritize Development in Existing Communities We must continue investing in our established neighborhoods and commercial corridors to strengthen communities, reduce sprawl, and make better use of existing infrastructure. Revitalizing aging commercial areas can create vibrant spaces that support local businesses and improve quality of life for residents. ​ Expand Housing Options Near Transit and Job Centers The housing crisis is real, and families need more affordable and accessible housing choices. Baltimore County policies should encourage thoughtful development near transit, employment centers, and existing infrastructure to reduce commute times and expand access to opportunity. ​ Protect Open Space, Farmland, and the Environment District 1 has a unique connection to the environment, especially with our proximity to the Patapsco State Park. Protecting open space, farmland, and environmentally sensitive areas will remain a priority. By reinvesting in older commercial areas and modernizing existing infrastructure, we can preserve the natural beauty that makes our community special. ​ Coordinate Growth with Infrastructure Improvements Growth must be planned responsibly and with community input from the very beginning. Residents deserve a seat at the table before land use decisions are made, not after the fact. We must ensure our schools, roads, utilities, and public services can support future development while maintaining the quality of life residents expect and deserve. ​ Smart growth is about balance. By planning responsibly, protecting our environment, and strengthening our economy, we can create a future where Baltimore County continues to thrive without placing unnecessary financial burdens on residents.

Public Safety Supporting our first responders is a cornerstone of building a strong, resilient community. That is why I am proud to be endorsed by the Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4. When the people who protect our neighborhoods have the resources, training, and respect they deserve, our entire community benefits. Public safety is about more than responding to emergencies. It is about creating communities where families feel secure, businesses can grow, and neighbors look out for one another. As your County Council representative, I will work to ensure our police officers, firefighters, and paramedics have the modern equipment, staffing, and training necessary to respond quickly and effectively in any emergency. Effective law enforcement must also be rooted in the community it serves. Our public safety agencies should reflect the values and diversity of our neighborhoods, while operating with transparency, accountability, and community trust. Building strong relationships between first responders and residents is essential to keeping our communities safe and united. ​ My Priorities Strengthening Community Partnerships I will continue working to improve communication and trust between law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel, and the communities they serve. Strong partnerships create safer neighborhoods and more effective public safety responses. ​ Supporting Mental Health Services Mental health support must be available both for members of our community in need and for the first responders who face stressful and traumatic situations every day. I will advocate for expanded access to mental health resources, crisis intervention services, and wellness programs for our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and residents alike. ​ Improving Response Times and Coverage As Baltimore County continues to grow, we must ensure staffing levels and emergency services keep pace with community needs. I support regular evaluations of national best practices and the implementation of policies that improve response times, emergency preparedness, and public safety coverage throughout Baltimore County. Public safety requires collaboration, accountability, and investment. By supporting our first responders while strengthening community trust, we can continue building safer, stronger neighborhoods for every family in District 1.

Constituent Services As your County Councilwoman, constituent service will be job one. Effective public leadership starts with being accessible, responsive, and committed to solving problems for the people we serve. Government should work for residents, not create unnecessary frustration or barriers. ​ I believe strong constituent service builds trust, strengthens communities, and ensures local government remains accountable to the people. That means being present, listening to concerns, and taking action to deliver real results. My office will focus on practical solutions, timely communication, and making county government more responsive and efficient for every resident in District 1. ​ My Commitments Responsive Communication When you contact my office, you will receive a response within 48 hours. Residents deserve a council representative who listens, follows through, and remains accessible to the community. ​ Cutting Government Red Tape Government delays can be frustrating and costly for homeowners, small businesses, and community organizations. Taking months to complete a simple permitting process is unacceptable. I will work to streamline county processes, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and improve efficiency so residents can get answers and approvals faster. ​ Focusing on the “Little Things” That Matter Most The everyday responsibilities of local government directly impact quality of life. As your council representative, I will focus on the services residents rely on every day — making sure trash is collected, streets are plowed, gutters are cleaned, county properties are maintained, and parks and recreation areas remain safe and welcoming. These are not small issues to the families and neighborhoods affected by them. The little things matter because they shape daily life in our communities. ​ Being Present in the Community For the past five years, I have visited communities across District 1 and worked directly with residents to strengthen our neighborhoods. I pledge to continue being visible, accessible, and engaged as your councilwoman. Leadership starts with showing up, listening, and working alongside the community to solve problems together. Constituent service is about more than answering calls or attending meetings. It is about building relationships, solving problems, and ensuring every resident knows they have a voice and an advocate in county government.