Name

Office you are seeking

Where do you live?

1. Which of the following modes of transportation do you use regularly?

2. Do you feel safe biking and/or using other alternatives to driving a car for short and medium-length trips in your community? Why or why not?

I believe we should make it safer and easier for people to choose how they get around, whether that’s driving, walking, biking, or using public transportation.

In many parts of our community, I do not feel that biking or walking for short and medium-length trips is as safe or practical as it should be. Too many roads were designed primarily for vehicle traffic, leaving limited space and protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

This is not about forcing people out of their cars. On the Eastern Shore and in many suburban and rural communities, cars will remain an essential part of daily life. But residents should have safe, reliable alternatives when they choose to use them.

I support practical investments in sidewalks, crosswalks, bike infrastructure, and multi-use trails where they make sense. These improvements can reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety, support local businesses, and give people more freedom in how they travel. Good transportation policy is about providing options and making sure our infrastructure works for everyone.

Absolutely! And, I would support the effort at every turn to reduce car/truck traffic on residential and neighborhood streets in favor of alternatives, including safe biking and walking paths, as well as improving and expanding public transportation opportunities that allow people to move about their communities and beyond freely.

As the costs associated with driving continue to mount, and the need to conserve everything from energy to money increases, it is incumbent upon local governments to deeply consider what resources exist and how to develop a broad range of options for residents and visitors. Biking and other forms of transportation that reduce cost, risk and time should have been considered and planned for 25 years ago, at least. So, as your Congresswoman, I will seek insight from others whose communities have already adopted progressive philosophies like Vision Zero, Smart Growth and the Safe Systems Approach, to learn what is working (and what isn’t), and to advocate for pro-active and responsive solutions at the Federal level that provide the resources and tools for our local governments, non-profits and community-based organizations to develop the best plans and outcomes they can.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Yes. I would strongly support working with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Maryland State Highway Administration, local governments, and community stakeholders to improve safety for everyone who uses our roads.

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned across Maryland is that traffic deaths and serious injuries are not inevitable. They are often the result of roadway designs, infrastructure gaps, and policy choices that can be improved.

I was particularly inspired by the work of former Salisbury Mayor Jacob Day, who helped advance Vision Zero principles by focusing on safer street design, better planning, and data-driven solutions to reduce preventable crashes in my community of Salisbury.

Talbot County faces unique challenges because it contains both rural highways and more densely populated towns. High-speed rural roads, dangerous intersections, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and increasing traffic volumes create risks for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

This should not be viewed as a partisan issue or as a war on cars. Most Eastern Shore residents rely on their vehicles every day. Rather, Vision Zero is about making sure everyone gets home safely, whether they are driving to work, walking across the street, riding a bicycle, or traveling through our communities. Public safety includes transportation safety, and we should be willing to invest in practical, proven solutions that save lives.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Yes. While municipal governments control many local streets within city limits, I believe Easton, Cambridge, Denton, and Salisbury all present opportunities for stronger bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and should be priorities for coordination between local governments, county officials, and the State Highway Administration.

In Easton, I would like to see continued investment in safe connections between residential neighborhoods, downtown, schools, parks, and commercial centers. Routes that connect neighborhoods to downtown Easton and major shopping areas could benefit from additional bike lanes, safer crossings, and traffic-calming measures where speeding is a concern.

In Cambridge, there is an opportunity to strengthen connections between neighborhoods, the waterfront, schools, and employment centers. Improving pedestrian and bicycle access would help residents move around the city safely while supporting local businesses and tourism.

In Denton, traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements should be considered in areas where residents regularly walk between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and downtown destinations. As the town continues to grow, planning for safe transportation alternatives now can help avoid larger problems in the future.

In Salisbury, I have been particularly encouraged by the work initiated under former Mayor Jacob Day’s Vision Zero efforts. The city has already demonstrated that thoughtful investments in pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and complete streets can reduce risks and improve quality of life. Continued improvements along major corridors, around schools, and in areas connecting neighborhoods to downtown and the university should remain a priority.

Across all four communities, decisions should be guided by crash data, traffic patterns, and local input. The goal is not to make driving more difficult. Most Eastern Shore residents rely on their vehicles every day. The goal is to ensure that children, seniors, workers, and families can safely walk or bike when they choose to do so, while reducing serious injuries and fatalities for everyone who uses our transportation system.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

1. Make sure speed limits are appropriately set for each road, so they are not artificially lower than they need to be, which encourages local governments to issue unnecessary speeding tickets to generate revenue.

2. Get rid of all speed cameras and red light cameras, which actually increase collisions, particularly rear-end collisions, and are used by large corporations to make profits off of drivers making reasonable decisions and driving at reasonable speeds under the circumstances. Red light and speed cameras are also used by local governments to generate revenue and really have nothing to do with safety. The easiest and safest thing to do is to lengthen the time of yellow lights to decrease motor vehicle collisions at intersections.

3. Make bike lanes and pedestrian lanes with physical barriers to protect pedestrians and bicyclists from getting hit by motor vehicles, which would allow more people to safely walk and ride their bikes to destinations, which they cannot currently safely do by walking or riding a bike, because of their close proximity to motor vehicles and cellphone-distracted drivers.

1. Improve Safety on Major Roads and Intersections

The State’s first priority should be reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Talbot County contains a mix of rural highways, busy commuter routes, and growing population centers that create unique safety challenges. Maryland should continue investing in intersection improvements, roadway modernization, pedestrian safety upgrades, better lighting, and targeted traffic-calming measures where crash data shows a clear need. Every resident, whether driving, walking, or biking, deserves to get home safely.

2. Maintain and Modernize Existing Infrastructure

Before building new projects, the State must ensure that the roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure we already have are properly maintained. Talbot County residents depend on reliable transportation networks for work, school, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. Investments in road resurfacing, bridge repairs, drainage improvements, and long-term infrastructure resilience should remain a top priority. Taxpayers deserve infrastructure that works and lasts.

3. Improve Regional Connectivity and Transportation Options

Talbot County’s economy depends on strong connections between Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford, Trappe, Cambridge, Denton, Salisbury, and the broader Mid-Shore region. The State should invest in transportation projects that reduce congestion, improve mobility, and expand safe transportation options. This includes supporting local transit services, improving bicycle and pedestrian connections where practical, and ensuring that residents who cannot or choose not to drive still have reliable ways to access jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services.

At its core, transportation policy should focus on safety, reliability, and economic opportunity. Residents expect roads that are safe, infrastructure that is well maintained, and transportation systems that help communities grow and prosper.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

1. Make sure speed limits are appropriately set for each road, so they are not artificially lower than they need to be, which encourages local governments to issue unnecessary speeding tickets to generate revenue.

2. Get rid of all speed cameras and red light cameras, which actually increase accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, and are used by large corporations to make profits off of drivers making reasonable decisions and driving at reasonable speeds under the circumstances. Red light and speed cameras are also used by local governments to generate revenue and really have nothing to do with safety. The easiest and safest thing to do is lengthen the time of yellow lights to decrease motor vehicle collisions at intersections.

3. Make bike lanes and pedestrian lanes with physical barriers to protect pedestrians and bicyclists from getting hit by motor vehicles, which would allow more people to safely walk and ride their bikes to destinations, which they cannot currently do safely by walking or riding a bicycle,  because of their close proximity to motor vehicles and cellphone-distracted drivers.

1. Make Our Roads Safer

My top transportation priority would be improving safety for everyone who uses our roads. That means working with local governments, the State Highway Administration, law enforcement, and community groups to identify high-crash corridors and dangerous intersections and prioritize improvements. Whether someone is driving, walking, or biking, preventing serious injuries and fatalities should always come first.

2. Fix and Maintain Existing Infrastructure

Too often, government focuses on ribbon-cuttings while neglecting the roads and bridges people rely on every day. I believe we should prioritize maintaining and modernizing the infrastructure we already have before pursuing costly new projects. Well-maintained roads, bridges, drainage systems, and transportation facilities are essential for public safety, economic development, agriculture, tourism, and quality of life throughout Talbot County.

3. Improve Transportation Connections Between Communities

Talbot County’s residents need reliable connections to jobs, schools, healthcare, and local businesses. I would support investments that improve mobility between Easton, St. Michaels, Trappe, Oxford, and neighboring communities, while also strengthening regional connections to Cambridge, Denton, Salisbury, and the rest of the Eastern Shore. This includes supporting practical transit solutions, safer pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure where appropriate, and transportation improvements that help working families and local businesses thrive.

My overall approach is simple: focus on safety, maintain what we have, and make sure our transportation system supports economic opportunity and quality of life for the people who live and work here.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Yes, provided the plan is data-driven, fiscally responsible, and focused on proven safety improvements.

The purpose of government is to protect public safety, and reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries is a worthwhile investment. If a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan identifies specific projects that are supported by crash data, engineering analysis, and community input, I would support funding to implement those recommendations.

That said, every dollar spent should produce measurable results. Taxpayers deserve confidence that investments are being directed toward solutions that work, whether that means improving dangerous intersections, upgrading crosswalks, adding safety features near schools, improving lighting, or making targeted roadway improvements in areas with a history of crashes.

I have been encouraged by the work that communities such as Salisbury undertook under former Mayor Jacob Day’s Vision Zero initiatives, which demonstrated that thoughtful planning and safer street design can improve outcomes without creating unnecessary burdens on residents.

Ultimately, I believe transportation safety should not be a partisan issue. Whether someone drives a car, rides a bicycle, walks, or uses public transportation, everyone deserves to arrive home safely. If the plan is based on sound evidence, clear priorities, and measurable outcomes, I would support providing the resources necessary to implement it.

There are a few opportunities for funding through Federal agencies including:

Transportation Alternatives Program offers both technical assistance and local match funding for eligible projects.

Discretionary grants through the US Department of Transportation
State Dept. of Transportation funds available through Federal allocation for alternative transportation projects (Carbon Reduction Program, Highway Safety, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, etc.)

But the majority of funding will be accessible through the State Department of Transportation (Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan) as well as Department of Natural Resources. There also may be funding accessible through some of the economic development initiatives at the state level. 

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

No. Based on the information available and the feedback I have received from residents, property owners, and members of the agricultural community, I do not believe this project should be a priority for Talbot County. While I support recreational opportunities and safe places for walking and cycling, I believe transportation and infrastructure funding should be focused on road safety, maintenance, congestion relief, and other core public needs.

I also believe major projects of this nature should have broad community support. Given the concerns that have been raised regarding cost, long-term maintenance, property impacts, and overall public benefit, I would not support moving forward with the project in its current form.

Yes, I generally support the Easton-to-Tuckahoe rail trail project.

Rail trails have proven to be valuable community assets that improve recreation, public health, tourism, and local economic development. The Eastern Shore’s natural beauty is one of our greatest strengths, and creating safe opportunities for residents and visitors to experience it can benefit local businesses, restaurants, and communities along the route.

I am particularly supportive of projects that repurpose existing transportation corridors because they can provide new recreational and transportation opportunities while minimizing impacts on surrounding property owners and environmentally sensitive areas. The use of an existing railbanked right-of-way makes this a practical approach.

As with any major infrastructure project, I believe implementation should be guided by responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, careful environmental review, and ongoing engagement with nearby residents and stakeholders. Concerns raised by property owners, farmers, and local communities should be heard and addressed throughout the process.

Overall, I believe this project has the potential to become a significant regional asset that enhances quality of life, promotes outdoor recreation, supports tourism, and creates another reason for people to visit and invest in Talbot County and the Mid-Shore region.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Voters who care about street safety, bicycling, and walking should support me because I view transportation as a quality-of-life issue, not an ideological one.

I believe every resident deserves to get home safely, whether they are driving a truck, walking across the street, riding a bicycle, or using public transportation. Too often, transportation debates become polarized when most people simply want practical solutions that make their communities safer and more connected.

Throughout this questionnaire, I have emphasized a common-sense approach: using data to identify dangerous roads and intersections, investing in proven safety improvements, maintaining the infrastructure we already have, and creating transportation options that work for families, seniors, students, workers, and visitors. I have also expressed support for Vision Zero principles because traffic deaths and serious injuries should never be accepted as the cost of mobility.

I was inspired by the work former Salisbury Mayor Jacob Day undertook to improve street safety and advance Vision Zero initiatives, demonstrating that thoughtful planning can save lives while supporting economic growth and vibrant communities.

At the same time, I understand the realities of life on the Eastern Shore. Most residents rely on their cars every day, and any transportation policy must recognize that reality. My goal is not to make driving more difficult. My goal is to make our roads safer, our communities more accessible, and our transportation system work better for everyone.

If elected, I will work with local governments, transportation advocates, business leaders, and residents to pursue practical solutions that improve safety, strengthen our communities, and make Talbot County an even better place to live, work, and visit.

Both in this questionnaire and in my conversations with hundreds of Talbot County residents/voters, I’ve demonstrated that I am in this race to represent **you**, the people who live here.

My campaign slogan says it all, for me:  All of Us for All of Us.

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Name

Office you are seeking

Answer

Safe and accessible communities are the key to future prosperity in Maryland District 1. People live in the counties and towns on the Eastern Shore, Harford and Baltimore counties for a variety of reasons, but safety is paramount to everyone living well in their community. When developed by dedicated community members, who have the best understanding of what their community needs, and coordinated by local and state officials, everyone benefits and everyone is safer.

I look forward to seeing this plan develop and be implemented! It will be a wonderful exemplar for success that other communities can look to.