ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Washington County has incredible potential in the coming years if our government seizes the initiative and can attract the jobs of tomorrow while helping businesses already in existence to expand. We cannot have a complacent government when it comes to our economy and our citizen's jobs. I support making all of Washington County an enterprise zone, not just in select areas. By doing so, small and medium sized businesses can benefit from tax incentives and can tailor their business to the demographics of their location. I also believe that our local government should maintain strong ties to our federal government which can invest heavily in defense, homeland security, and medical research institutions in our county. I am advocating that Washington County becomes a regional leader in new technology innovation and using our local infrastructure such as our interstate highway system/Washington County Regional Airport to assist in bringing more high-quality employment opportunities.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Maintaining the best public safety services for all of Washington County's residents is a top priority of mine if elected. I will work with the Sheriff of Washington County as well as the elected mayors and town councils to ensure that police services are funded and are equipped with the means to keep our communities safe and secure. Increasing financial support to our volunteer fire companies must also happen to ensure that units respond in a timely manner to all calls for service. Hagerstown's City Council and Washington County's Government should prioritize a new delivery system for Fire/EMS services to ensure the fastest and most efficient service for our citizens.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY:
I support increased accountability of our local government by moving most County Commissioner meetings to the evening to allow citizens to attend who would not otherwise be able to due to working during the day. Having the ability to question your local elected officials and express your concerns is the very basis of a responsible government. I would also support if elected, live coverage of County Commissioner meetings on Antietam Cable television, not just online. The Hagerstown City Council and the Washington County Board of Education are already televised live and there is no reason why Commissioner meetings should not be as well.
Washington County has incredible potential in the coming years if our government seizes the initiative and can attract the jobs of tomorrow while helping businesses already in existence to expand. We cannot have a complacent government when it comes to our economy and our citizen's jobs. I support making all of Washington County an enterprise zone, not just in select areas. By doing so, small and medium sized businesses can benefit from tax incentives and can tailor their business to the demographics of their location. I also believe that our local government should maintain strong ties to our federal government which can invest heavily in defense, homeland security, and medical research institutions in our county. I am advocating that Washington County becomes a regional leader in new technology innovation and using our local infrastructure such as our interstate highway system/Washington County Regional Airport to assist in bringing more high-quality employment opportunities.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Maintaining the best public safety services for all of Washington County's residents is a top priority of mine if elected. I will work with the Sheriff of Washington County as well as the elected mayors and town councils to ensure that police services are funded and are equipped with the means to keep our communities safe and secure. Increasing financial support to our volunteer fire companies must also happen to ensure that units respond in a timely manner to all calls for service. Hagerstown's City Council and Washington County's Government should prioritize a new delivery system for Fire/EMS services to ensure the fastest and most efficient service for our citizens.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY:
I support increased accountability of our local government by moving most County Commissioner meetings to the evening to allow citizens to attend who would not otherwise be able to due to working during the day. Having the ability to question your local elected officials and express your concerns is the very basis of a responsible government. I would also support if elected, live coverage of County Commissioner meetings on Antietam Cable television, not just online. The Hagerstown City Council and the Washington County Board of Education are already televised live and there is no reason why Commissioner meetings should not be as well.