Public Safety & Health

• Championed the need for 24/7 police coverage and a new police station.

• Introduced an Ordinance proposing a funding and implementation strategy for the site selection and construction of a new police station.  The proposal served as a commitment to our citizens to prioritize public safety and to save the needed funds and take actions to make the police station a reality.

• Strongly advocated for the Police Department and Volunteer Fire Company.

• Prepared the Action Plan, “Safe Streets Initiative: A Focus on Main Street Safety (September 2021)” identifying five focus areas for addressing speeding, pedestrian safety and infrastructure issues.  The Plan served as a foundation for subsequent town traffic and pedestrian safety initiatives.

• Formed the Main Street Safety Task Force.  Created the “Slow Down for Your Hometown” campaign that included yard signs and “Are You Driving the Speed Limit?” educational brochures.  Led the installation of two educational radar speed signs on Main Street.

• Lobbied for and secured funding dedicated specifically for additional hours of police traffic surveillance and enforcement operations on Main Street to address citizens’ speeding and safety concerns.

• Initiated a traffic speed study of our Main Street conducted by the State Highway Administration and proposed a reduction of the speed limit to “all 25 mph” for the entirety of Main Street.

• Advocated for a safety analysis of vehicle crash data in the downtown zone completed by the Police Department in response to citizens’ roadway and parking safety concerns.

• Requested and participated in a police patrol ride-along to gain a first-hand perspective on police operations and efforts to thwart crime, and to gain insights on the Police Department’s resource needs, challenges, and opportunities.

• Requested and participated in a tour of the Volunteer Fire Company to gain a first-hand perspective on fire and EMS operations, and to gain insights on the Fire Company’s resource needs, challenges, and opportunities associated with their large service area and increasing call volumes.

• Sponsored an Ordinance enacting stringent requirements for Cannabis Dispensaries that included buffer zones (e.g., minimum distances from schools, churches, parks, and pediatric medical offices) and limitations on signage to protect the safety of our children.  The Ordinance was used as a model by another local municipality in crafting their policy for cannabis businesses.

• Strongly advocated for the timely and transparent reporting of PFAS and its potential health risks in our drinking water via written communication from town government to all town residents.

• Serve as the Council Liaison and member of the Streets and Roads Commission.

Excellence in Government and Community Enhancement

• Co-sponsored an Ordinance enacting the establishment of the Commission on Aging and Livability (COAL) to address the needs of seniors and their caregivers.  Identified and analyzed seniors’ livability concerns expressed in the 2020 Community Survey in support of COAL.

• Sponsored a Town Proclamation recognizing National Public Service Recognition Week to honor Mount Airy’s municipal, county, state, and federal government employees who are the unsung heroes in providing the services essential to our citizens’ daily lives.

• In 2023, I became a fellow in the Academy of Excellence in Local Governance with the Maryland Municipal League and currently participate in their Torchbearer Program for continuous improvement in public service.

• Serve as the Council Liaison and member of the Economic Development Commission.  Engaged with the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce to support and promote the town’s businesses and professional services, and to better understand their challenges, needs, and opportunities.

• Supported small business growth throughout the town.  Supported downtown revitalization to include the re-purposing of the old bank building to a new small business adding vibrancy to our downtown.

• Supported funding primarily through grants for nature trails and recreational facilities, including Rails to Trails improvements and expansion, completion of the Watkins Play Place inclusive playground, installation of the Watkins Skate Park, and bike trails at East West Park.

• Served as the Council Liaison and member of the Recycling and Sanitation Commission.  Facilitated the installation of an updated downtown Recycling Center.

• Proposed responsibilities and authorities for the Town Administrator position and proposed the creation of an Employee Concerns Program and other improvements during town charter revision workshops.  Charter revision efforts were paused, and the proposals remain available for future consideration.

• Through a collaborative process with my fellow Council Members and on behalf of the Mayor, led revisions and achieved consensus on a letter sent to Governor Wes Moore.  The letter shared Mount Airy’s priority projects and sought funding and partnership opportunities to address the growing needs of our community.

• Lobbied on behalf of residents to achieve the full repaving of an extensive section of Prospect Road necessitated by a roadway water line replacement project.

• Lobbied on behalf of residents, including many seniors, and successfully advocated for solutions to their town issues and concerns.

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• Advocated for seniors and their concerns on a proposed Wildwood 7 development.