Catonsville Flood 2018

Photo credit: Official Baltimore County Police & Fire Sunday’s rainstorm flooded Catonsville and devastated Ellicott City, damaging homes, businesses, roads, and lives. The Baltimore Sun reposted this article from 2016, exploring overdevelopment’s impact on the flood in Ellicott City. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint how much development contributed to the devastation last Sunday and in 2016, there’s a clear link between …

Study confirms stormwater remediation projects improve water quality — now let’s do something about…

The Baltimore Sun reported this morning on a study that confirms the effects of toxic runoff and remediation on water quality. Protecting Maryland’s water and our precious Chesapeake Bay are essential, yet the Baltimore County Council — including my opponent, Tom Quirk — voted unanimously in 2015 to repeal the stormwater remediation fee, rip off their constituents, and degrade our water. This fee paid …

Ending housing discrimination and lifting our communities

I burn for justice, and I’m not going to stop speaking truth to power just because I’m now a politician — running to represent Baltimore County’s District 1 on County Council. Both of my opponents for this Council seat apparently think it’s acceptable to perpetuate a system that herds poor families, disabled people, and senior citizens into neighborhoods with concentrated poverty, crumbling …

An investment in schools is an investment that pays for itself

Last night I attended a Baltimore County Board of Education meeting in support of parents and teachers advocating for a new Lansdowne High School. As I’ve written previously, I think it’s foolish to spend $60 million on a renovation that won’t even bring the schools up to 21st century standards. We can and must do better for our children. But …

Honoring the Legacy by Continuing the Work

Today, as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us remember that his work is not yet done. Please read the stirring words of his “I Have a Dream” speech, and notice how much still resonates today. Racial and economic injustice still exist. Segregation may not be legal, but many people of color still live in …