common sense for the common good
Past Initiatives
During three terms as your Alderman, I've been working for you to make Frederick the best place to live, work, and play.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
I have supported enhancing the diversity of our workforce for decades and was proud to cast my vote to embark on a three-year comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Study. The study indentied the areas where improvement was needed and lays out a plan for improvement which we have been implementing aggressively. I introduced a Resolution declaring Equity as a Fundamental Value in Frederick in support of these goals.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
As an avid supporter of alternative transportation modes, I fought to get the funding approved for construction of the under crossing at Route 15 and Rosemont Avenue. As our City grows, I continue to advocate and push funding to build on this foundation to expand our path network for better connectivity.
Synthetic Drug Ban
in 2012, the use and sale of synthetic drugs called spice and bath salts had reached fever pitch and had to be addressed immediately. Working with the FPD, the City's attorneys, State's Attorney, Maryland State Police, and others, we crafted an ordinance making the sale, possession, or use of these substances a crime in Frederick. The morning after the law passed, the offending business had removed all of their stock, previously legal, from their shelves.
Complete Streets Policy
Building streets to accommodate all users requires policy guidance and implementation tools. We adopted a Complete Streets policy in 2016, a stated goal of my campaign in the last election. Working closely with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) we then reviewed and implemented the necessary technical design details.
Watershed Protection
Working closely with the ad hoc Watershed Committee, I helped develop and adopt a Recreational Plan for this City owned forest that covers about 7,000 acres. Approximately 12% of the City's clean water supply comes from this pristine forest. The plan includes measures to protect this valuable City resource while still allowing for the public to enjoy its beauty in harmony with the natural habitat.
Historic Preservation
My advocacy for preservation resulted in the adoption of legislation to require a review of the significance of potential historic resources before demolition. I have supported the adoption of additional historic preservation overlays on several significant buildings, such as the Union Mills building on Carroll Creek, now being fully restored.
