Last night, I was honored to take part in the process to appoint a new state senator to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam. This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. All of the candidates were excellent, each in their own way. I spent hours looking at resumes and …
Progress in Baltimore County
Yesterday, I attended the Baltimore County Council Budget Legislative Session. The Council convened to vote on County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s budget and all related bills. The good news is that the package passed largely intact. There were some changes, which I’ll explain below, but I’m excited to say that Baltimore County will be moving forward with some significant progress. First, …
Baltimore County Ethics and Government Reform
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has introduced a very important ethics and government reform package. Time is short and we need your help to support this reform package! The hearing will be next Tuesday, March 12, and the county council will vote the following Monday, March 18. See below for ways that you can help. The package consists of three …
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 …