Questions & Answers

answers submitted 3/4/26

Why are you running for Washington County Commissioner?

I’m running to represent the people of our county. I’m running to put the public back in our county public meetings and to have a government more responsive to its citizens. Over six months ago, the current commissioners eliminated the opportunity for citizens to comment at meetings. I want to restore that opportunity by reinstating Citizen Participation to the business meeting agenda. I want to have evening business meetings so citizens can attend after work; institute work sessions where issues are discussed publicly and not behind closed doors; increase transparency; establish communication norms for answering citizen questions; and set meeting rules and other procedural policies after citizen input.

What experience do you have/what is your background?

I’m a retired public-school librarian who closely follows the work of the county commissioners and the county school board. I was a candidate for commissioner in 2022. I’m an active organizer with Washington County Indivisible, a non-partisan, pro-democracy group. Having been a past building rep and board member of the county teachers’ association, I’ll bring a union perspective to the board.

In your view, what is the most critical issue Washington County should address?

As of this writing, the most critical issue is the county’s lack of response to the I.C.E. detention and processing facility outside of Williamsport. This huge national issue landed on Washington County’s doorstep and our commissioners ignore it. They ignore the basic questions being asked about the facility by hundreds of county citizens. Meeting after meeting they carry on as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening 15 minutes from where they sit. Straightforward, factual inquiries go unanswered. Questions that, by any standard of good governance, demand the commissioners’ proactive attention, continue to be ignored.

If you could inform all voters of 1 thing about you, what would it be?

If elected, I’ll be working for positive results not re-election. I’m retired. I’m not relying on the commissioner’s paycheck to pay my bills or the benefits to provide my healthcare. I’m not a realtor, a contractor, or a business owner so I have no personal business interests to favor. I’ll be working to do my best for one special interest group: the people of Washington County.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

My unique experiences set me apart and will allow me to be a valuable member of the Board of Commissioners. For example, my public education background will be useful when dealing with the largest single county budget allocation: the over 40% that goes to our public schools, community college, and public library.

Responses limited to 500 characters including punctuation and spaces.

1. Qualifications: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this office?

Forty years as a WCPS public-school librarian prepares me with strong organizational, leadership, problem-solving abilities, respect for research and preparation, the ability to facilitate meetings and work collaboratively, and the background to effectively monitor the education budget allocation. As a former candidate, I continue to closely follow the BOCC and how it functions. Over the past year I’ve met and spoken with citizens from across the county about their local and national concerns.

2. Budget: What areas of the county budget would you prioritize for increased or decreased funding, and why?

Public safety, education, infrastructure, and critical services are among the priorities for funding increases. The county must always strive to identify across-the-board savings that don’t sacrifice services. Some budget areas will be held to current levels but, as far as I know now, there are none to prioritize for cuts. One possible exception is the commissioners’ discretionary fund. The budget/tax challenge is to support responsible growth and show a good return on the taxpayers’ investment.

3. Education & Workforce: The Board plays a key role in education funding. How would you support strong schools and workforce development that meet local needs?

The BOCC historically funds the BOE at or near the lowest amount allowable by law. I’ll advocate for the funding required to support the true needs of the school system and not just enough to maintain the status quo. I’ll encourage collaboration and meaningful joint meetings between the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education. The commissioners need to recognize the correlation between excellent schools, economic development, and quality of life.

4. Economic Development: What steps should the county government take to encourage economic development and job growth?

Offering appropriate economic incentives and help navigating bureaucracy will spur economic development. Further, to attract and retain good paying jobs the county must have an educated workforce. Proper education funding is essential to build that workforce, to demonstrate that the county values education, and to ensure the quality of life we want for our citizens and prospective employers. When businesses look to relocate or expand, community support for education is an important factor.

5. Infrastructure: What infrastructure investments, such as roads, broadband, public safety, or water systems, do you believe are most urgent, and how would you fund them?

Infrastructure projects are detailed in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan. A portion of any budget surplus should be dedicated to these projects. State and Federal funds should continue to be pursued. All elected representatives must continue to work for I-70 and I-81 upgrades. The county must plan NOW for the replacement of schools and the sewer, water, and landfill needs of the next 50 years.

6. Transparency & Public Engagement: What steps would you take to ensure transparency and meaningful public engagement in county decision-making?

Steps: Restore public comment to business meetings, schedule evening business meetings so more citizens can attend, institute work sessions where issues are discussed publicly, establish communication norms requiring meaningful responses to citizen questions, and codify meeting rules and procedures after citizen input and public discussion. I pledge to be accessible, reply to calls, emails, and letters with meaningful responses, and adhere to the letter and spirit of the Open Meetings Act.

1.    Tell us a little about yourself…family, work history, your voting record etc.

Married for 45 years to Melissa Williams. Three adult children. 49-year citizen of Washington County. Born in Norristown, PA. Candidate for WC Commissioner in 2022. Democrat. Voted in every election.

2.    Tell us why you decided to run and what you think you can bring to the office. Tell us why people should vote for you.

The commissioners have failed in their response to the I.C.E. detention facility and to the public outcry for answers. After the commissioners’ disappointing conduct worsened at the February 24 BOCC morning meeting, I decided to file my candidacy.

I’m running to represent the people of our county of all ages and circumstances. I’m running to put the public back in our county public meetings and to have a government more responsive to its citizens. Over six months ago, the current commissioners eliminated the opportunity for citizens to comment at meetings. As a BOCC member, I’ll work to restore Citizen Participation to the business meeting agenda. I want the BOCC to schedule real evening business meetings so citizens can attend after work, institute work sessions where issues are discussed publicly, establish communication norms requiring meaningful responses to citizen questions,  and codify meeting rules and other procedural policies after citizen input and public discussion.

Forty years as a WCPS public-school librarian prepares me with strong organizational, leadership, problem-solving abilities, respect for research and preparation, the ability to facilitate meetings and work collaboratively, and the background to effectively monitor the largest area of the county’s general fund budget: the allocation for education. As a former BOCC candidate, I continue to closely follow the work of the BOCC and how it functions. Over the past year I’ve met and spoken with citizens from across the county about their local and national concerns.

If elected, I’ll be working for positive results not re-election. I’m retired. I’m not relying on the commissioner’s paycheck to pay my bills or the benefits to provide my healthcare. I’m not a realtor, a contractor, or a business owner so I have no personal business interests to favor. I’ll be working to do my best for one special interest group: the people of Washington County.

3.    What is your understanding of the specific duties and requirements of this office? Are you fully prepared to uphold the Oath of Office and commit the significant number of hours required for this role?

The BOCC handles legislative and executive duties. Commissioners set policies, approve the annual budget, oversee county services and departments, appoint advisory board members, and focus on planning, economic development, and rural heritage preservation. They represent Washington County's interests at both the state and federal levels.

I’m prepared to uphold the Oath of Office. As a retiree without employment obligations, I can commit the necessary time.

4.    Please describe your campaign committee. Beyond a treasurer, who has committed to supporting your campaign through financial contributions, door-to-door canvassing, or managing signage?

My campaign committee is a family affair with several friends as informal advisors. I expect to build and formalize the committee as the campaign continues.

5.    Candidates often utilize a manager to oversee scheduling and community outreach. Who will be fulfilling these responsibilities for your campaign?

I share campaign management responsibilities with my wife along with assistance from others. I expect to build and formalize the committee as the campaign continues.

6.    What is your strategy for financing a campaign that includes physical media (signs and banners), radio advertisements, and other promotional materials? Have you developed a formal campaign budget?

Professional campaign strategists suggest a budget of $20 - 30,000. That’s not my expectation. I’ll raise funds and spend as efficiently and effectively as possible.

7.    What is your strategy for campaigning in towns around the county i.e. Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Hagerstown, Hancock, Funkstown, Keedysville, Sharpsburg, Smithsburg and Williamsport and the other small hamlets and villages where people reside. How will you communicate with constituents  How do you intend to maintain ongoing communication with these constituents

I plan to attend community events and meet with citizens at scheduled times across the county. After the primary I’ll introduce myself at town council meetings as I did in 2022. I have a campaign Facebook page and website, will utilize social media, and will collect a mailing list.

8.    What is your long term vision for Washington County, and which specific changes will you prioritize?

Establishing good, open governance and public trust are necessary first steps to successfully address the county’s challenges. Therefore, changing the way the BOCC conducts business is a priority. See my first amendment and good governance comments throughout these questions.

My long-term  vision for Washington County is of a community constantly preparing for the future by identifying the major short and long-term challenges (public safety, health, housing, water, sewer, electricity, education, etc.) and laying the groundwork to address those challenges proactively.

9.    For this specific role, what do you identify as your primary professional strengths and areas for growth?

Forty years as a WCPS public-school librarian prepares me with strong organizational, leadership, problem-solving abilities, respect for research and preparation, the ability to facilitate meetings and work collaboratively, and the background to effectively monitor the largest area of the county’s general fund budget: the allocation for education. Although I’ve closely followed the BOCC and how it functions, I’m sure there’s much yet to learn, so I’m prepared to read, research, show up, and listen.

10.  What is the most significant challenge facing this office today? Which aspects of its current operation require improvement, and how would you address them?

Establishing good, open governance and public trust are necessary first steps to successfully address all the county’s challenges.

As a BOCC member, I’ll work to restore Citizen Participation to the business meeting agenda, schedule real evening business meetings so citizens can attend after work, institute work sessions where issues are discussed publicly, establish communication norms requiring meaningful responses to citizen questions,  and codify meeting rules and other procedural policies after citizen input and public discussion.

As an individual commissioner, I pledge to be accessible, to reply to phone calls/emails/letters with meaningful responses and adhere to both the letter and spirit of the Open Meetings Act.

11.  In your view, what is the fundamental role and responsibility of county government?

The fundamental role and responsibility of county government is to make life better for county residents by doing the things that are best done collectively as a community.

12.  What specific methods will you use to ensure transparency and open communication with the public?

As an individual commissioner, I pledge to be accessible, to reply to phone calls/emails/letters with meaningful responses and adhere to both the letter and spirit of the Open Meetings Act.

As a BOCC member, I’ll work to restore Citizen Participation to the business meeting agenda, schedule real evening business meetings so citizens can attend after work, institute work sessions where issues are discussed publicly, establish communication norms requiring meaningful responses to citizen questions,  and codify meeting rules and other procedural policies after citizen input and public discussion.

13.  What is your stance on campaign finance, specifically regarding limits on individual donors or the acceptance of corporate funds?

In general, I support reasonable individual contribution limits and oppose corporate funding of candidates.

‍‍‍Washington County Teachers Association, Washington County Educational Support Personnel & Washington County Association of Supervisors and Administrators

‍Education Funding and Local Budgets:

1.    Do you commit to prioritizing public education funding in future county budgets? What are your top three budget priorities for the public school system?

Yes.
Salary pool, safety, capital needs

These are my priorities but, as a commissioner, my vote is for the total budget allocation and not line items.

2.    How do you plan to fund public school priorities? What are your thoughts on the current county tax and revenue structure and any actions you would take to update the tax code to promote fairness and equity?

I plan to fund for those priorities through the county general fund, capital improvement fund, and by taking full advantage of state matching and grant funds, especially for capital projects.

I'm open to investigating/implementing a tiered income tax system and property tax adjustments with relief for fixed income homeowners.

3.    How you would utilize your budget authority to address shortfalls facing our schools if the state or federal government reduces their commitment(s)?

It depends on the size of the shortfall, but tax adjustments and tapping into the yearly surplus are possibilities. Under extreme circumstances, using the county rainy-day fund is an option.

4.    In many schools, educators are dealing with high class sizes and caseloads. How will you help address critical concerns with educator recruitment and retention in order to ensure we can increase staffing to reduce class sizes and caseloads?

The BOCC should adequately fund the schools enabling the BOE to pay employees competitive salaries which will help attract and retain employees and achieve the staffing numbers needed to reduce class sizes.

Additionally, the BOCC can help attract and retain employees by making Washington County an inviting and inclusive place to live. The BOCC can do more to demonstrate respect for education, educators, and school system employees.

5.    Do you commit to honoring the role of your elected body in upholding the policy and funding mandates associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future?   

Yes 

Public Funding for Private Schools

6.    Do you support or oppose allocating public funding to non-public school students through voucher programs?

Oppose

7.    Do you support or oppose allowing non-public school students to participate in public school extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, etc.)?

Oppose

I oppose this, unless non-public student participation can, in some way, be included in the State funding formula, thereby increasing the State allocation.

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Collective Bargaining

8.    Do you support or oppose school employees gaining the right to strike?

‍Support   

9.    What is your understanding of the nature of the relationship between the Board of Education, Superintendent, county government, and union as it relates to negotiations, budget development, and administration of schools? How do you see yourself utilizing the power of your office in working within this structure?

The structure SHOULD be:
Negotiations are between the union and BOE, guided by the Superintendent and staff, with no county government involvement. The BOE, guided by the Superintendent, with input from the union, develops a needs-based budget and not a maintenance of effort budget. The BOE should not hesitate to present a needs-based budget to the BOCC and advocate for the school system. The BOCC's role is to work to fund the needs-based budget. The BOCC does not administer the schools. The Superintendent is hired by the BOE to manage the school system.

As a commissioner I will advocate for adherence to this structure.

10.  How do you balance honoring ratified contracts with public employees in the county, including educators, with other priorities, especially in tight fiscal times?

Honoring ratified contracts (and the salaries) should be a priority and not the first area to adjust in tight fiscal times. That said, the BOCC allocates funding for the BOE budget but it’s the BOE responsibility to see that the funds allocated are used to support the negotiated salaries. Public employees should be valued and respected. Honoring contracts is one way to demonstrate that.

11.  Do you commit to meeting with union leadership to talk about the needs facing our schools (including salary and staffing levels) and the revenue or other budget actions necessary to meet those needs?

Yes 

Privatization and Support for Education Support Professionals

12.  Are you in favor of contracting out custodial, cafeteria, and maintenance services rather than have those services provided by Board of Education employees?                                                                     Oppose

13.  Too many ESPs work second jobs and struggle to provide for their families, buy homes, save for their futures, and afford community or four-year college tuition for their children to learn a trade and plan a career. The looming threats of privatization by school districts, which would import even lower-paid workers from outside areas, risk the stability of schools and communities and further undermine the value of ESPs and their jobs.

ESPs across the state are organizing to build presence, strength, and power in a campaign focused on a bill of rights that defines the issues long nagging these dedicated employees and now threatening not only the recruitment of new employees but the retention of dedicated veteran employees. You can read about the ESP Bill of Rights here.

Do you support the ESP Bill of Rights?

‍Support   ESPs deserve a living wage.

14.  If elected, how you would use your office to help make the ESP Bill of Rights a reality in the county?

I will recognize the important work done by education support personnel and advocate for funding to support a living wage with pay commensurate with their roles and responsibilities.

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Additional Information

‍ 49-year Washington County resident

45-year marriage to Melissa Williams

3 adult children

38-year resident of Smithsburg

Retired after 40-year School Library Media Specialist career in Washington County Public Schools: Clear Spring Middle (1977-1989), South High (1989-2008), Williamsport High (2008-2013), BISFA/Library Resource (2013-2015), North High (2015-2017)

I have served as: WCTA building rep and board member, Cub Scout leader, Smithsburg Library Advisory Board member, Washington County Reading Council leader

Graduate of Millersville University with Library Education degree

Born in Norristown, PA, 1955

Proud active member of United Democrats of Washington County

Member of Washington County Indivisible’s core leadership team

2022 candidate for Commissioner with WCTA endorsement

Work Place Rights:

There are Basic work place rights that Unions and members of the Maryland and District of Columbia AFL-CIO believe are fundamental and absolutely essential. Collective bargaining elections and representation are permitted for private sector employees, whereas  for public sector employees in Maryland, legislation is required to have those same rights. Over the past decade, these rights have been given to many states, higher education and K-12 public school education employees and some county employees. However, thousands of public sector employees are still denied these rights.

A. Would you support comprehensive collective bargaining legislation that would provide collective bargaining rights (including exclusivity, binding arbitration and an independent labor board) for all public employees for Municipality, county and school board employees?

YES

B. What is your position on each of these fundamental rights?

1.     The right for workers to Organize and have union Representation?

IN FAVOR

2.     The right to freely exercise workplace rights free from harassment, intimidation and/or delays.

IN FAVOR

3.     The right to bargain collectively with a legal obligation on both sides to negotiate in good faith.

IN FAVOR

4.     The right to resolve differences in a fair, impartial and timely manner, including binding arbitration.

IN FAVOR

C. The National Labor Relations Act grants private sector workers the right to organize themselves and be represented by a union in collective bargaining negotiations. From time to time, opponents of collective bargaining propose legislation to curtail workers bargaining strength and effectiveness. Under the innocuous sounding name of “RIGHT TO WORK” this legislation purports to protect the rights of workers and improve the state’s economic development climate. But  the net result in Right to work states is that the workers earn less, have fewer health care benefits and have higher job fatality rates. Right To Work Laws prohibit workers from negotiating a “Union Shop” or “Union Security” clause in their contracts. Such a clause obligates those in the bargaining unit to pay their fair share of the collective bargaining representation costs. By wiping out that protection, Right to Work actually weakens the rights of Working people.

1.     Would you Support Right to Work in Maryland?

NO

D. Would you support legislation offering City and County employees real input regarding ways to increase efficiency in lieu of contracting out services?

YES

E. What is your opinion on the privatization of work that is currently performed by State, Federal, County, or City Employees?  If you support privatization, what portions of the County and City work force would you Privatize?

I generally oppose privatization. My experience as an educator in Washington County Public Schools has shown me the value of cafeteria, maintenance, custodial, and other staff members all being a regular part of the entire educational team.

1.     Under what circumstances, if any, do you support county or city privatization of public services?

Privatization may be appropriate for highly specialized, less frequently utilized positions or services.

F. How do you feel about funding the school board budget to decrease class sizes, increase staffing and provide more planning time for staff to educate our kids, and also to fund the construction of more buildings and to renovate existing buildings?

I am in favor of funding the BOE budget at the level required to decrease class sizes, increase staffing and provide more planning time. I would like to see Education Support Personnel be paid a living wage. The County’s capital plan must be funded to allow schools to be replaced and renovated at a much faster rate than currently.

1.     Would you support vouchers to private charter schools?

NO.

E. Will you support DATA centers being constructed in the County(ies) covered by our CLC(s)?

Based on my current knowledge, in general, I don’t support DATA centers. I’d rather err on the side of caution than support DATA centers before doing an in-depth analysis of each project.

F. Would you support prevailing wage on County and City Projects?

YES

G. Would You Support the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Frederick County Employees in organizing a union?

YES

H.  Do you support binding arbitration for employees, both private and public, at all levels of government?

YES

Are you currently a member of a Washington County Volunteer Fire or EMS Company?

No  

Do you understand that Washington County relies on Volunteer Fire and EMS Companies to provide coverage in Washington County and volunteers responded on fire/ems alarms 51,752 times in 2025 and donated over 373,623 volunteer hours to the residents of our county?

Yes

The Volunteer Companies own over $50 million worth of real estate and equipment and save the Taxpayers about $30 million per year vs a career department. The Average age of apparatus is 16 years. The cost of a new Fire Engine is over $1,000,000 a Ladder Truck can cost $1,800,000 and the volunteer Companies raise those funds on the backs of public bingo and chicken bbq events. Do you support Washington County Government assisting with the purchase of new apparatus for both fire and Ambulance in Washington County?

Yes

Do You support maintaining or raising the Current level of Budget Funding for the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Volunteer Fire and EMS companies (which includes Workmen's Compensation, Accident and Liability Insurance, fuel and maintenance of vehicles, Volunteer Incentives, & LOSAP?

Yes

One Full time Paid Firefighter position costs our county over $500,000.00 per year. Volunteer incentives average 379.00 per volunteer in incentives and Losap per year. Total incentives for all 1133 volunteers totaled $80,000 for incentives and 290,000 in pay per call and have resulted in increased volunteer response to alarms. Do you support additional County Benefit incentives (additional Incentives, property tax rebates, counseling services and increased LOSAP benefits and cost of living increase) for Volunteer Fire and EMS personnel?

Yes

One of the long term unseen hazards of firefighting is cancer. It is so connected with firefighting that the State of Maryland has designated certain cancers to be assumed to be caused by firefighting. Would you support funds to provide cancer screening for Washington County volunteer firefighters who are in the at risk age groups?

Yes