MPRP

The MPRP project has been the most controversial transmission project in Maryland history and simply put some elected officials have failed to stand with the people. I'm opposed to rapid expansion of Data Centers in Frederick County, because it's not feasible to have this number of data center campuses without many additional MPRP-style projects which will cut through established neighborhoods and farmland. As an affected landowner living adjacent to the MPRP proposed route, the people will have no doubt who will always stand with them in the fight against MPRP and similar future projects (which will be proposed). 

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• As an affected landowner and real estate Broker I will ALWAYS stand with landowners, supporting private property rights for families, farmers and businesses, especially when they are under attack by multibillion-dollar out of state corporations who wish to seize their land and hunting rights 
• At critical junctures I will lobby the County Executive to take all legal action necessary on behalf of the county including amicus briefs and motions of dismissal to stand in the way of PJM and PSEG and work with fellow Council Members to stay united in opposition to this and other future-similar projects
• I will be your first point of contact and advocate working closely with state and federal elected officials on MPRP
• I will clearly educate the public on the dangers of MPRP and protect our treasured rural landscape from additional MPRP-style projects 
• Expansion of overhead transmission lines for data centers in Virginia should not cause ratepayer increases for Marylanders. Data centers ideally should power themselves on their own dime (BYOP; bring your own power), without any new MPRP-style projects, and be a minimum of 1,000 feet from residential properties, ideally positioned between industrial zoned lands rather than abutting residential zoned land
• My total opposition to eminent domain use for MPRP or other similar and unnecessary projects

Map shows approximate red line of MPRP through District 2 Frederick County Council.

MPRP Website Link: https://corporate.pseg.com/aboutpseg/companyinformation/thepsegfamilyofcompanies/psegrenewabletransmission/mprp-proposed-route.ashx

Housing

Housing is broken! If it's broken, better call a Broker to fix it! The number one issue according to Maryland voters is that housing costs are too high*. 73% of Maryland voters believe local government is only doing a fair or poor job on housing*. That's flunking! 60% of families say rent or mortgage is straining their budget*. More innovative solutions are needed and having a real estate Broker on the Council will make our county the leader in Maryland on housing issues. I will green light more residential housing with innovative proposals, while protecting farms and commercial property owners.

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• Red tape and excessive regulations that block affordable housing and limit supply will be completely eliminated. Zoning should encourage development of a variety of housing types, particularly denser housing near major transits and roads like 15/270 in place of single family homes. This will make rental costs and homeownership lower, particularly for those aged 18-34 and seniors.
• APFOs should be growth minded rather than restrictive. We need denser housing. We need market rate housing, not rent control like my opponents argue for.
• We'll be the leading county in the state for ADU’s, cutting multiple steps and red tape that currently exist: such as impact fees on projects larger than 800 sq. ft, and raising minimum square footage requirements (currently >1,000 sq. ft) before requiring a special exception to speed the process. ADU's are critical and requirements for septics and wells need to be reevaluated. 
• I will preserve our agricultural history with smart growth, which means protecting our environment at all costs, while working with individual communities and stakeholders
• Permitting when building a home has so many steps you need your Apple Watch to count them! 70% of voters agree we need to reduce the amount of time it takes to get a permit. We need to lower fees for builders and their customers whom costs are passed on to. We need to work with builders to reduce barriers to building new housing
• 74% of families say rising housing costs is straining their budget*. Yet government is contributing to high housing costs with poor planning and ridiculous regulation
• Since 2022 the average property tax bill (that’s the tax bill they make you pay for your home that sits on your own land) has increased by 59%. Yes- 59%! Assessed values will not likely decrease in the coming years; in order to lower property taxes the County I propose we move to a constant yield rate saving homeowners millions

*according to study by American Strategies

Education 

Parents should have the freedom to decide how to best educate their children. Schools also need to recognize their role as assisting parents, not taking the place of them. Educators play a vital and special part in the lives of our children and should be valued. 

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• Fully fund our schools, new school construction and requested teacher pay
• Ensure that schools aren't overcrowded by responsibly managing County growth
• Become the #1 rated school system in Maryland
• Use my vast experience representing the Realtor trade group to create innovative housing programs that make it easier for teachers to live in Frederick County

Data Centers

Data centers should be as far away as possible from residential neighborhoods, public comment should be prioritized, and they should never be placed on preserved land.

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• I have signed the referendum to put the CDI Overlay on the Ballot in 2026
• Data Center development should proceed with caution and intense public discussion
• County residents will not flip the bill for these data centers through tax incentives and added infrastructure costs– data centers must pay their own way for infrastructure and must pay business personal taxes

Economy and Taxes

As a businessman for nearly 25 years, the business of Frederick County will be business. Economic growth comes from reducing and in most cases eliminating burdensome regulations and lowering taxes.  

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• I will vote to reduce taxes where possible to help our citizens confront higher cost of goods and housing. Under the current administration income taxes for most families have gone up close to 10%. 10%!
• Progressive income tax structure will be proposed to be eliminated in favor of a flat tax regardless of your income
• I will vote to support important aspects of our community such as: beautiful parks hiking trails, and historic sites
• Opposition to special tax rates on commercial property because increased taxes will be passed along in rents to small businesses, which will cause those businesses to raise prices on goods and services and hurt county residents
• Through our Business Cabinet we will partner with small businesses to help them succeed

Safety, Health and Public Services

Public safety and supporting local law enforcement is a matter all of us can agree on. Our county must be the leader in health and services. 

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• The Police and Sheriff's Department will be fully funded 
• Fire departments and other first responders will receive the best funding, training and support possible
• Partner more with the community, Churches and other non-profits to better serve our citizens
• Ensure our senior population and disabled are cared for with compassion and dignity
• Keep our roads maintained in a better way and work with the state on expansion of critical corridors such as 270 and 15. Commuters suffer due to poor regional planning and a rush to development without adequate infrastructure in place
• I will promote healthy choices and lifestyles for our citizens

Responsibility of Government

The local government has broken the trust of the people at times in Frederick County. Backroom deals have often left citizens in the dark. Bipartisan leadership is needed to restore faith in local government. In these times we also need to be fiscally conservative to have a balanced budget (a requirement of the county government) that doesn’t compromise on services to citizens. We cannot depend on state or federal revenue as we historically have. In this time of severe deficits in Maryland, it’s more critical than ever for a tighter budget.

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• More transparency and I will see to get information the public 
• The budget should be fiscally responsible and proportionate to county growth
• The county council should not be a rubber-stamp, but instead have true bipartisan governance with more openness to the public

Farming

• Farming is an integral part of our County's character and Farmers will have a friend who will not only listen to their viewpoints, but actively work to preserve land and protect farmers
• I will advocate for farmers to ensure we avoid destruction of their land, streams, and water supply that can occur through data center development and transmission line projects
• I will fight for private property rights for farmers
• Opposition to unwanted eminent domain (i.e. MPRP) and changing of longstanding and preserved zoning designations 
• Protect ag-businesses from unneeded local regulations

Living in the County

I want people to love living in Frederick County like I do. For that to happen you have to have an environment where we minimize taxes while still providing a community where everyone can flourish.

When I am elected Councilman, the people of Frederick County can expect:

• The best parks and outdoor life in the state of Maryland, with more promotion to our citizens and those who seek to live here about all we have to offer
• The top library system in the state of Maryland where children and adults can learn together
• A vibrant arts and sports culture with the county supporting local organizations

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