Barbara Warner

Housing The County should continue to support and strengthen partnerships with these types of organizations and agencies that are already working successfully to increase affordable housing opportunities. By assisting with access to land, encouraging rehabilitation of existing properties, and supporting programs that help working families and seniors remain in the community, the County can help expand housing options without dramatically altering the character of our communities. Affordable housing solutions should focus on practical, community-based approaches that support working residents while maintaining the balance and rural character that Calvert County values. Education Looking ahead, I would like to see teachers more directly involved in discussions related to programs like the Blueprint and in conversations surrounding budget priorities. Teachers bring valuable, real-world perspectives that can help inform better decisions. One way to encourage this could be through regular roundtable discussions with teachers. These conversations could help teachers better understand the county’s budgeting process while also giving county leaders and staff a clearer understanding of the day-to-day challenges teachers face in the classroom. Open dialogue like this can lead to better solutions and stronger partnerships that benefit students, teachers, and the entire community. Taxes / Budget I would love to say, “If you elect me, I will lower your taxes,” but that isn’t realistic. What I can say is that, if elected, I will work very hard, with the other commissioners and staff, to find ways to reduce taxes without sacrificing valuable services. Environment / Energy While these plans are not solely focused on climate change, they do address many of the issues associated with it, such as flooding, shoreline erosion, environmental protection, and long-term land use planning. These efforts represent important and practical steps toward preparing the County for environmental challenges while protecting our natural resources and communities. Moving forward, the County should continue to support and strengthen these programs. By maintaining strong environmental protections, planning responsibly for development, and protecting agricultural land and shorelines, Calvert County can responsibly address environmental concerns while preserving the character and resources that make our County unique. Housing One of the primary challenges in implementing new tax incentive programs is ensuring there is sufficient and sustainable revenue to offset the reductions. The County must explore alternative revenue sources, which can be difficult while also managing growth and preserving the character and integrity of our community. Ultimately, any decision will require approval by the full Board of County Commissioners. With that in mind, I believe the Board, whether made up of new members, current members, or a combination of both would be open to discussing thoughtful and responsible options. Environment / Energy I want to ensure that all residents are informed, heard, and included every step of the way so that any decision made reflects the best interests of our entire community. If data centers are developed in Calvert County, they need to be done in a way that sets an example for other jurisdictions to follow. That means putting appropriate safeguards, in the form of adequate text amendments, in place to address concerns and to avoid challenges seen in earlier data center developments elsewhere. Infrastructure / Transportation Moving forward, I support making thoughtful and smart changes to current land use policies. However, those changes should not encourage unchecked growth or negatively impact the environment and rural character that make Calvert County unique. Careful planning is essential to ensure that future development balances economic opportunity with transportation needs, environmental protection, and preservation of the County’s character.