ISSUES
Education
Education is the biggest investment we make with our county tax dollars. Increased investment in FCPS will make it possible to recruit and retain excellent teachers, reduce class sizes, and expand Career and Technology education. Renee supports responsive budgets that competitively compensate teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and Special Education support staff members.
Renee understands how high-quality Special Education can change the course of a child's life. Her son received Special Education services for the entire time he attended FCPS. From being identified in kindergarten through receiving transitional services for high school graduation, dedicated teachers and staff helped prepare him to be as successful as he is today. Responsive county budgets must reflect our commitment to the success of all students in Frederick County
Transportation
Many employed Frederick County residents commute outside the county to work in one of the most congested regions in the nation. Efficient and accessible transportation drives our local economy and contributes to the quality of life in Frederick County. Whether you are a DMV commuter or a resident in need of reliable, resilient, and robust public transportation, government must respond to these needs as the county continues to develop and the population grows. Reliable transportation is critical to quality of life and economic vitality. As our population grows, traffic congestion and limited transportation options have created challenges. Renee supports investing in infrastructure improvements, expanding public transportation options, and strengthening regional connections to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.
County Growth
Good communication and good planning will enable Frederick County to continue to grow in ways that benefit our community, our economy, and our environment. We have the Livable Frederick Master Plan to guide our fiscal and land use decisions. Preserving agricultural land maintains our rural quality of life and supports Frederick County’s significant agricultural economy. We have invested in parks and trails available to all county residents to enjoy. At the same time, we can continue to promote job growth within Frederick County, and we can accommodate this growth. We can welcome new and evolving industries. A successful partnership with transparency and communication between industries and county government is essential for responsible growth that benefits county residents and businesses.
Home Affordability
Whether you rent or own your home, Frederick County's growth must include housing that is attainable for working families, young professionals, and seniors. Rising housing costs are placing increased pressure on residents and the local workforce. Renee supports smart, balanced development that expands affordable housing options while meeting our agricultural preservation goals. Renee supports workforce housing initiatives, and responsible planning that includes making sure our current zoning regulations are meeting the housing needs of all communities.
Climate Response
Climate change will affect Frederick County infrastructure in the coming decades. Proactive planning is critical to avoiding expensive and reactionary fixes that impact county budgets and threaten property values, employment, and the quality of life in the county. We must start adjusting our thinking about roads, water and sewer use, and electrical and communications lines, to make them more resilient in the face of weather extremes that will affect the county.
Building climate resilience in Frederick County is good for business and increasingly required for public safety. More flooding rains and power outages will increase the need for investment in emergency services and road repair. County government can also connect with the farming community to anticipate difficulties caused by more frequent and severe weather events and be responsive to needs that may arise from the local affects of climate change.