It’s not hard to look around and see the effects of an advanced Internet economy on yesterday’s commercial buildings, stores and malls. As the national economy continues to move forward, neighborhood shops and malls are forced to reinvent themselves in order to survive. Properties sit vacant and consumers choose to purchase everything from household goods to clothing from the comfort of their homes or even from their mobile phone.
Continue reading “Upgrading Our Commerce and Retail”
When I first took office, a major concern in our communities was the high number of federal section 8 housing. It’s long been an issue of concern, and individuals feel powerless to resist the federal government’s influence on our communities.
I was not surprised to learn that our district has the most rental units of any other in the county. The information and specifics on who has a section 8 housing voucher is protected under law by our federal government. However, anecdotally it was clear that we had more than our fair share, and we have had enough of this.
Continue reading “Defending Against Section 8”
Nowhere else in Baltimore County will you see the damage done by massive job losses than in the 7th District. Over the last 30 years, we have been devastated by the demise of our industrial and manufacturing job base and we saw what most of us have never seen – blighted neighborhoods, vacant commercial property, a decline in property values and, subsequently, a lack of community involvement and pride.
Continue reading “Upgrading Our Housing Stock”
Since taking office, I have had ongoing discussions with the Baltimore County Planning Department on how to infuse investment and prosperity back into the Essex Community. Essex has experienced the devastating impact of the massive job losses that affected southeastern Baltimore County.
In the past, we’ve had no organized community development organization to receive and properly manage funds. This type of entity is the primary essential component to attracting any type of public sector investment. From the very beginning of this endeavo,r it was a roadblock to any further action or interest from State or Local government. True and lasting revitalization cannot occur without a collaborative effort ofthe community, business leaders and government.
Continue reading “Landmark Essex Revitalization Legislation Passed by County Council”For all of the greatness and promise we see in our youth, we strongly believe our school system is in need of a discipline policy overhaul and a better enforcement model.
This week marks the end of the Baltimore County Public Schools 2016-17 school year. We are so proud of our local high school graduates, the millions of dollars in scholarships they have earned, as well as their many academic, athletic, and humanitarian achievements. We are equally proud of the students throughout the BCPS system who contribute positively to their school community.
Continue reading “Creating Safer, Better Schools, Means Safer, Better Students”
Getting the facts out there in the face of misinformation and political rhetoric is important because public safety and upholding the law should never be partisan.
The bill requires that the property owner has a certified pest control technician from a licensed company certify that an eradication was performed.
I introduced, and the Council passed Bill 8-17, aimed at addressing cases where buildings are razed to permit new development. The bill requires that the property owner has a certified pest control technician from a licensed company certify that an eradication was performed, and the premises is rodent-free BEFORE the structure can be demolished.
The Tourism Bill will take 8% of the county’s existing hotel tax in order to increase that $35k a year by roughly $650k! This will give the county the funding it needs to promote some of the treasures we have.
I was proud to co-sponsor Bill 84-16, which allocates a percentage of the revenue derived from the “Hotel Tax” to be used to promote tourism in Baltimore County. Previously, the County spent a mere $35k a year on promoting all that our county has to offer. The Tourism Bill will take 8% of the county’s existing hotel tax in order to increase that $35k a year by roughly $650k! This will give the county the funding it needs to promote some of the treasures we have.
Continue reading “Bill 84-16: Transient Occupancy Tax”
I believe one group has been especially overlooked: the people responsible for the freedoms we enjoy – our military veterans.
On January 4th I introduced Bill 1-16 at the County Council’s first Legislative Session of the year. I consider the legislation to be of landmark importance, and wanted to be sure to share the reasoning behind the bill with the community.
Continue reading “Bill 1-16: Human Relations – Veterans”Our district has been devastated by job loss, and our constituents deserve every effort to attract jobs to Sparrows Point.
On Monday night, Dec. 7, the County Council voted on Bill 86-15, which is legislation I sponsored. It is perhaps the most important economic development legislation in the history of the 7th District, if not Baltimore County, and I encourage everyone to read it.
Continue reading “Bill 86-15: Manufacturing, Heavy (M.H.) Zone Use Regulations”