Voter Guide

Question:

Incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hate have increased nationally and locally in recent years. What specific actions would you take as County Executive to combat antisemitism and hate in Anne Arundel County? Your response may include, but is not limited to: support for Anne Arundel County police and law enforcement; partnerships with schools and educational institutions; strengthening or expanding the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program; and community engagement and public awareness efforts.

Answer:

Our public safety departments absolutely have a role to play in combating hate and antisemitism in our county. We must continue to ensure that our police officers are trained to address hate incidents and that they are responsive when such incidents are reported. I will be committed to this.

We must also continue the Hate Crime Prevention Program that is currently grant-funded and being run out of our Office of Equity and Human Rights. I commit to funding this program with county dollars when the grant runs out. This program has set up a way to report hate incidents that don’t involve the police, which is important because we know that not all community members are comfortable talking to law enforcement. Having this alternate reporting system will help us collect data that might otherwise be missed and tailor our outreach and prevention efforts accordingly. Additionally, much of the county’s community engagement and public awareness efforts are run through this team. 

County government must lead by example and ensure that all our own workspaces and programs – including our schools, which will require partnering with AACPS - are run in a way that is inclusive and hate-free. 

Question:

Faith-based institutions and nonprofits are increasingly investing in security due to rising threats of hate crimes. Several neighboring Maryland counties — including Montgomery and Howard — have established grant programs to support security enhancements for organizations facing elevated risk. Anne Arundel County does not currently have such a program, and the current County Executive decided not to fund one for next year. Would you support establishing a grant program to help local faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations enhance security?

Answer:

Yes, I support establishing a grant program to help local faith-based institutions and non-profit organizations enhance their security. The way such a program is set up will be very important. In some instances, it will make sense to require the institution to put in some of its own funds that the county would match. However, not all faith congregations will have the resources to do so. Approaching this through an equity lens suggests that there is some level of means testing that should be done, and that the grant might be structured differently based on the ability of the congregation/institution to contribute. While the details of the grant matter, and can be worked out collaboratively, I do support establishing one and you have my commitment to do so.

Question:

A. Do you think it is appropriate for the County Council or County Executive to make official statements on foreign policy matters?

B. If you answered yes, please give us why/when you might do this.

Answer:

A. Yes.

I don’t think that it is appropriate for the County Executive to make official statements on what U.S. Foreign Policy positions should be – I will not be elected to conduct or provide oversight to foreign policy matters. However, I do believe that it is appropriate for the County Executive to make comments on how foreign policy matters impact residents here in Anne Arundel County. For example, as the Middle East has been destabilized due to the terrorist attack of October 7th, 2023 and the response of the Netanyahu government I heard from both our Jewish and Muslim communities about the real impacts they were experiencing here in Anne Arundel. I do think it would be appropriate for me to discuss how foreign events are impacting our residents and encourage everyone to act in a way that promotes inclusivity and acceptance here at home.  I would not shy away from sharing my own thoughts on US foreign policy when asked – but that is different from speaking in my official capacity.

Question:

Is there anything else you would like the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know? For example, do you have any experience, actions, or initiatives that you have previously undertaken — professionally, publicly, or in the community — that have allowed you to work with the Jewish community on issues of mutual interest or concern, or anything else you want to share?

Answer:

In County Executive Pittman’s first term, I led his community engagement and constituent services team and helped respond to a significant number of constituent and community issues. That role provided me with real experiences responding to issues impacting all communities, including the Jewish one. Furthermore, I played a key role in the Administration re-activating the Interfaith Advisory Council and making sure that multiple faith perspectives were included on it. I have a deep respect for the stabilizing role that faith traditions play in our communities and in the county as a whole. I am committed to working with all faith communities to ensure that Anne Arundel County remains a place where everyone can practice their faith without fear.

Question:

Incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hate have increased nationally and locally in recent years. What specific actions would you take as County Executive to combat antisemitism and hate in Anne Arundel County? Your response may include, but is not limited to: support for Anne Arundel County police and law enforcement; partnerships with schools and educational institutions; strengthening or expanding the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program; and community engagement and public awareness efforts.

Answer:

I believe in making data-driven decisions. I would work with our County departments to improve data collection practices that track the motivation of various offenses. This would include how schools collect and assess incidents based on thorough evaluation, as well as statements recorded by police officers.

Question:

Faith-based institutions and nonprofits are increasingly investing in security due to rising threats of hate crimes. Several neighboring Maryland counties — including Montgomery and Howard — have established grant programs to support security enhancements for organizations facing elevated risk. Anne Arundel County does not currently have such a program, and the current County Executive decided not to fund one for next year. Would you support establishing a grant program to help local faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations enhance security?

Answer:

I see this as a multi-step process. The first is to leverage the resources we currently have to collect data. I would then be open to establishing such a program if the data supports a dedicated program. If a thorough assessment suggests that current resources can accomplish the same goal with a slight change in our practices, this should also be considered as a potential outcome.

Question:

A. Do you think it is appropriate for the County Council or County Executive to make official statements on foreign policy matters?

B. If you answered yes, please give us why/when you might do this.

Answer:

A. Yes.

If the consequences of foreign policy trickle down directly to Anne Arundel County in a negatively impactful way, the County Executive has a responsibility to speak to that in the interest of County residents.

Question:

Is there anything else you would like the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know? For example, do you have any experience, actions, or initiatives that you have previously undertaken — professionally, publicly, or in the community — that have allowed you to work with the Jewish community on issues of mutual interest or concern, or anything else you want to share?

Answer:

I only have personal experience through my upbringing in the Westchester County School System, specifically District 7. We had a very multi-cultural experience integrated into our program which exposed us to various cultures. This included multiple trips to various cultural museums including the holocaust museum in Rockland County in elementary school and high school. We learned the importance of integration and acceptance of various cultures and races and so this is part of my early development and foundation of my belief system, one that I cherrish.

Question:

Incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hate have increased nationally and locally in recent years. What specific actions would you take as County Executive to combat antisemitism and hate in Anne Arundel County? Your response may include, but is not limited to: support for Anne Arundel County police and law enforcement; partnerships with schools and educational institutions; strengthening or expanding the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program; and community engagement and public awareness efforts.

Answer:

I would support all of the above. I supported the US DOJ, Bureau of Justice Assistance grant funding to implement the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes and Hate Bias Incidents Prevention Program for Anne Arundel County. I support the approach of bringing diverse partners around the table to tackle these issues with the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program Multidisciplinary Advisory Team (MDAT). 

We successfully passed a County Civil Rights bill which I believe is critical to fully enforce to ensure its protections for our residents. We now need to better educate the public to understand both our rights and responsibilities and know how to report violations when discrimination occurs. 

I have supported and will continue to support public school funding targeting social-emotional learning, community schools and crisis response mental health services. 

In my time on the County Council, we created the Human Relations Commission, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Equity & Human Rights. As County Executive, I will continue working with these departments and commissions here in Anne Arundel County and support the initiatives currently underway. Combating antisemitism and hate is incredibly important to me.

Question:

Faith-based institutions and nonprofits are increasingly investing in security due to rising threats of hate crimes. Several neighboring Maryland counties — including Montgomery and Howard — have established grant programs to support security enhancements for organizations facing elevated risk. Anne Arundel County does not currently have such a program, and the current County Executive decided not to fund one for next year. Would you support establishing a grant program to help local faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations enhance security?

Answer:

Neighboring counties have demonstrated that non-revolving grant programs, offering assistance in increments ranging from $15,000 - $25,000 per fiscal year for use in enhanced security measures, are effective tools for supporting communities that experience hate crimes. 

The County must commit to ensuring all of our residents feel safe and are able to gather to create and foster true community. The federal government has turned its back on funding commitments to our local governments, with devastating cuts ranging from emergency preparedness to our education systems. Worse still, Donald Trump and his supporters have used dangerous rhetoric to divide our communities and spread fear. There is a better way, and we can fight for it by investing in a safer community that accepts and protects all who call it home. If that’s the future you want for Anne Arundel County, I am your partner in the work.

Question:

A. Do you think it is appropriate for the County Council or County Executive to make official statements on foreign policy matters?

B. If you answered yes, please give us why/when you might do this.

Answer:

A. Yes.

I believe it would be appropriate when foreign policy issues directly impact our local residents, community safety, civil rights, economic interests, immigrant communities, or humanitarian concerns. Local governments often serve diverse communities whose lives and families are impacted by international events, and speaking out can reflect the values, concerns, and priorities of county residents. 

Question:

Is there anything else you would like the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know? For example, do you have any experience, actions, or initiatives that you have previously undertaken — professionally, publicly, or in the community — that have allowed you to work with the Jewish community on issues of mutual interest or concern, or anything else you want to share?

Answer:

During my time as Director of Community Programs at IONA Senior Services, I had the opportunity to oversee and support the only Kosher senior meal site. That experience gave me a much deeper understanding of the importance of culturally and religiously appropriate services, especially for older adults who rely on community programs not only for nutrition, but also for connection, dignity, and support. 

I also want the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know that your safety, inclusion, and ability to practice your faith free from fear or discrimination matter deeply. Antisemitism has no place in our County, and we must continue working together to confront hate in all forms through education, community partnership, and strong enforcement of civil rights protections. 

I also believe in building relationships across communities and fostering open, respectful dialogue, especially during difficult times. Our diversity is one of Anne Arundel County’s greatest strengths, and protecting that means ensuring every resident feels seen, heard, and valued.

Question:

Incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hate have increased nationally and locally in recent years. What specific actions would you take as County Executive to combat antisemitism and hate in Anne Arundel County? Your response may include, but is not limited to: support for Anne Arundel County police and law enforcement; partnerships with schools and educational institutions; strengthening or expanding the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program; and community engagement and public awareness efforts.

Answer:

I understand that Anne Arundel’s Jewish community and its synagogues are not immune to antisemitism and hate that have been on the rise. As county executive, I will establish a direct line of communications with synagogue leaders so they can share concerns whenever they might arise.

I will assure a law enforcement presence at all Jewish religious gatherings to ensure true safety and security. Because police will always be at the vanguard of a response to hate incidents, I will also ensure ehanced training for police to improve reporting standards, respond to online threats and grow sensitivity to religious and cultural differences.

The most effective solutions to antisemitism and hate come from education, coupled with visibility and engagement. As county executive I will provide the resources so that our school system and libraries have available materials to teach about the Holocaust and antisemitism, as well as hate experienced by other targeted groups.

Additionally, I will instruct the Anne Arundel Inter-Faith Advisory Council to convene a series of regional meetings and present to me within my first 100 days in office a comprehensive strategy for addressing hate in our community.

Question:

Faith-based institutions and nonprofits are increasingly investing in security due to rising threats of hate crimes. Several neighboring Maryland counties — including Montgomery and Howard — have established grant programs to support security enhancements for organizations facing elevated risk. Anne Arundel County does not currently have such a program, and the current County Executive decided not to fund one for next year. Would you support establishing a grant program to help local faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations enhance security?

Answer:

I fully support a grant program in Anne Arundel County to fund security enhancements for faith-based institutions and nonprofits, and will include funding in my first budget to pay for it. All denominations must be able to practice and share their faith in safety, and incidents across the national have demonstrated the need.

I will also work closely with the Anne Arundel County delegation in Annapolis to secure state funding that will leverage local funds to improve security.

There have been nearly 20 physical attacks on synagogues in the U.S. since the Hamas-led October 2023 terrorist incursion in Israel, and hate-fueled violence is on the rise. No one wants Anne Arundel to be next.

Question:

A. Do you think it is appropriate for the County Council or County Executive to make official statements on foreign policy matters?

B. If you answered yes, please give us why/when you might do this.

Answer:

A. Yes.

It may be appropriate for a County Executive to make a statement on foreign policy matters, but it likely may not be wise. Anne Arundel County is a diverse community, and our local government is focused on education, public safety, health, environmental protection, roads and sewers and other quality of life issues.

I understand the temptation for a County Council to adopt a resolution on a foreign policy matter, or a County Executive to make a statement. But these actions are usually more performative than substantive, and are typically either a distraction from the real challenges in our community or a needlessly divisive step. Calling out hate is different. During my time in public office, and as Marine, I have refrained from commenting on foreign policy matters and will continue that restraint as County Executive.

Question:

Is there anything else you would like the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know? For example, do you have any experience, actions, or initiatives that you have previously undertaken — professionally, publicly, or in the community — that have allowed you to work with the Jewish community on issues of mutual interest or concern, or anything else you want to share?

Answer:

As someone who would be the first Black County Executive in Anne Arundel, I know what hate looks like. I’ve had it directed at me, and my children. As a Marine for 28 years in active duty and in the reserves, I’ve served with people of every faith and culture, and know that there is more that unites us than divides us. Hate has no home in Anne Arundel.

As a County Council member, I have supported the work done by the County Office of Multicultural Affairs, which encourages communities to feel a sense of belonging and actively participate in government. I am encouraged by the new Jewish Federation of Annapolis and the Chesapeake, and look forward to collaboration as the Jewish community becomes more integrated and more visible in Anne Arundel.

My goal and philosophy is to listen and build partnerships to create solutions. Even in this questionnaire, you have outlined steps needed to combat hate, including partnerships with schools and educational institutions, strengthening the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program and increasing public awareness.

I know that working together, we can build on your ideas and implement them to provide safety and security for all.

Question:

Incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hate have increased nationally and locally in recent years. What specific actions would you take as County Executive to combat antisemitism and hate in Anne Arundel County? Your response may include, but is not limited to: support for Anne Arundel County police and law enforcement; partnerships with schools and educational institutions; strengthening or expanding the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program; and community engagement and public awareness efforts.

Answer:

Antisemitism is a scourge on our community, and I will not tolerate it in Anne Arundel County. As County Executive, my first commitment is to fully support our law enforcement. I will ensure the Anne Arundel County Police Department has the resources, training, and advanced surveillance tools needed to thoroughly investigate and prosecute hate crimes. Perpetrators must face real consequences.

I will strengthen the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program by ensuring it remains robustly funded and results-driven, coordinating with the County Police, schools, and community organizations. I will work with our public school system to incorporate age-appropriate Holocaust education and programs that teach students to recognize and reject antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.

I will convene a Community Safety Advisory Council that includes Jewish community leaders, representatives from other faith communities, law enforcement, and school officials to identify emerging threats and coordinate a rapid, unified response. Communication is key — I'll ensure reporting channels are widely known so incidents are never underreported. Our Jewish community deserves to feel safe and celebrated in Anne Arundel County, and I will make that a personal priority.

Question:

Faith-based institutions and nonprofits are increasingly investing in security due to rising threats of hate crimes. Several neighboring Maryland counties — including Montgomery and Howard — have established grant programs to support security enhancements for organizations facing elevated risk. Anne Arundel County does not currently have such a program, and the current County Executive decided not to fund one for next year. Would you support establishing a grant program to help local faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations enhance security?

Answer:

Yes, absolutely. The decision not to fund a security grant program for faith-based and nonprofit organizations was the wrong call, and I will reverse it. When neighboring counties like Montgomery and Howard are protecting their communities with proven grant programs, Anne Arundel County should not be left behind.

As County Executive, I will establish a Nonprofit and Faith-Based Security Grant Program that helps synagogues, churches, mosques, and other at-risk organizations fund security personnel, cameras, access control systems, and other critical safety infrastructure. No congregation should have to choose between financial sustainability and the safety of its members. This is a common-sense investment in public safety that I am proud to champion.

Question:

A. Do you think it is appropriate for the County Council or County Executive to make official statements on foreign policy matters?

B. If you answered yes, please give us why/when you might do this.

Answer:

A. No.

As County Executive, my primary responsibility is to the residents of Anne Arundel County — their safety, their schools, their roads, and their economic well-being. I believe county government's proper focus is local governance, and issuing official statements on matters of foreign policy falls outside that role. Such statements risk politicizing the county government, dividing our community, and distracting from the real work of serving residents. I will remain focused on the issues within my direct jurisdiction and leave foreign policy to the appropriate levels of government — Congress, the State Department, and the President of the United States.

Question:

Is there anything else you would like the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know? For example, do you have any experience, actions, or initiatives that you have previously undertaken — professionally, publicly, or in the community — that have allowed you to work with the Jewish community on issues of mutual interest or concern, or anything else you want to share?

Answer:

I want the Jewish community of Anne Arundel County to know that you have a friend and a steadfast ally in me. For over 35 years as a volunteer firefighter, I have responded to every call without asking who needed help — because when someone is in danger, you show up. That same spirit of service guides my campaign.

I have spent my life building relationships across every corner of this county. I understand that the Jewish community's concerns — safety, affordability, strong schools, and a government that listens — are the same concerns shared by all Anne Arundel County families. I am committed to an open door for every community, including our Jewish neighbors, throughout my administration.

I look forward to meeting with Jewish Federation leaders, visiting synagogues and Jewish institutions, and ensuring that your community's voice is heard at the highest levels of county government. Together, we will make Anne Arundel County safer, stronger, and more united.