Candidate for At-Large City Council 

1. What economic, educational, or resource access disparities exist in the district(s) you seek to represent? How do these disparities affect residents’ daily lives, and what specific measures would you pursue to address them?
Since my term in office, I have advocated for, been an instrumental contributor and sponsored legislation to address economic, educational and access to resource disparities. I was the sponsor of Racism as a Public Health Crisis which addressed the economic, educational and access to opportunity. Part of this was the establishment of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, establishing a Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee, integrating equity foundations into the City’s Planning and Strategic Plans. I have also had interns and presented budget proposals for youth internships. I was an integral part of implementing the DBE program in the City of Frederick. These are mere starts to where the city must and needs to go to ensure that these disparities are addressed and redressed.

2.Healthcare Access and Equity How would you assess access to healthcare in your district(s)? Are there particular barriers that limit residents’ ability to obtain quality care? What policies or initiatives would you support to promote preventive care, expand health education, and improve health outcomes across all communities?
I have continuously worked with the State Delegation on access to health care, particularly in mental health and equity access for minority communities. I have also supported the Housing and Human Services expanding its services to the West Side which is diverse in representation. Access to health care is a human right and should be treated as such. We must continually engage in partnerships, provide financial resources, advocating with our State and Federal partners while providing educational information to ensure that our populace has the opportunity for Health Care access.

3.Environmental Concerns What environmental issues—such as pollution, climate impacts, or loss of green space—are most pressing for Frederick City? What strategies or policies would you advocate to promote environmental sustainability and protect public health?
As Vice President of the City Council – we have collaborated with the recommendations of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup and our in the current conversations with a Climate Workplan that includes: Energy, Transportation and Buildings, Agriculture, Forestry and Equestrian, Health and Extreme Weather
Adaptation and Resilience, Public Engagement and Education. While I have served on the City Council, we agreed to a Climate Emergency Resolution.

4.Access to Child Care Many families in Frederick City face challenges finding affordable, high-quality child care. What role should the City play in addressing these challenges? What steps would you take to improve access and affordability for working families?
The City can provide support with Child Care advocates and providers. The City has provided financial support to child care providers in support of working families. Supporting financial support and collaborating with childcare providers is important to improve access and affordability for working families. Also, recognizing that the ALICE Report is important in how we develop policies and legislation for working families in our city. The city should not place any undue economic hardships on working families and understand the importance of affordability in our policy initiatives.

5.Public Education and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future What do you see as the most significant challenges currently facing Frederick City’s public schools? How would you address them as a local elected official? What is your perspective on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and its impact so far?
Challenges facing City public schools include classroom sizes, compensation for teachers and providing physical space for students. As a locally elected official, I can support and sponsor legislation for educational support that enhances economic opportunity for city students. I can also advocate and partner with County/State/Federal elected officials for funding that is necessary for city students. The City should also be using its financial resource in as many ways possible to ensure that city students have access to educational resources which includes urban school design, possible physical additions and educational programming.

6.Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Please share an example of a time you supported or led an effort to advance diversity, equity, or inclusion. What was your approach, what outcomes resulted, and what did you learn from the experience?
I have sponsored Racism as a Public Health Crisis that has initiated the Office of Equity and Inclusion, included in the planning and strategic planning for the future, a member of the DBE/MWBE Conception, supporter of the Disparity Study which has led to a policy for DBE/MWBE contracts which has included a 40% goal for Frederick City Police Department Headquarters. We have miles to go but this has been a starting point which didn’t exist before I was on the council. Along with this has been a revamping of Hiring and Promotion Policies for Human Resources that has included funding for Diversity Training.

7.Housing Affordability and Neighborhood Change How are Frederick City residents affected by the availability and cost of housing, including issues related to gentrification or displacement? What policies or programs would you support to expand housing affordability and stability? Do you support implementing a rent stabilization initiative to slow rising costs of rental units in Frederick City?
Frederick City Residents are affected by the availability and cost of housing to the crisis level. I have advocated, sponsored, and supported several housing policies that have been beneficial, but these are steps to addressing a large problem. It is not a one size that fits all. It takes a multitude of approaches that include ADU’s, revamping our MPDU policy, Zoning policy changes, SRO’s, collaborating with housing advocates, initiating housing conditions policies have been an integral part of my service on the City Council. Some of these policies have already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. I have supported funding for rental assistance and using legislation policy to continue this necessity in our community when it comes to housing. There are multitude of housing approaches that are necessary and needed to address the housing crisis and situation. I do not use affordable housing context. I use the phrase price appropriate housing. The phrase Affordable housing has been misused and misrepresented when it comes to addressing the housing situation.