Jim Adkins

Environment / Energy Solar energy is important but must be handled wisely—placed on roofs and parking lots, not exhausting our valuable agricultural land. Infrastructure / Transportation Our parks must be maintained for the use not only of the community but also as attractions for out-of-town visitors. Athletic fields need to be maintained and accessible for our youth to use and have a place to go to build friendships, learn teamwork, and social engagement. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Both police and fire/ems are an important issue for any community. We currently have a first- class Sheriffs department, but our volunteer fire and ems stations are lagging behind. They need to be supplemented with paid staffing. Economy The Eastern Shore was built on the industries of Farming, poultry growing and the often forgotten watermen. These industries need to be protected, and the right to farm legislation must always be maintained. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Changes need to be made in the processes for training, hiring, and maintaining these professionals. Their salaries must be competitive to prevent them relocating to other areas. Training must be easy to obtain, be given locally, and finally be affordable. Wicomico County Schools and Wor-Wic need to develop a partnership to ease this transition. Education I believe our school systems need to provide the best possible safe learning experience. Sports, art, and music are vital for our children's development. Taxes / Budget Maintain the 2% property tax Rate cap. Infrastructure / Transportation Connelly Mill Park needs to be developed as a nature park as was originally planned. A calm location to walk, bike ride, canoe, and just enjoy nature without excessive noise. Education The county needs to continue to properly fund the BOE to ensure our schools are facilities which are not only conducive to learning but also allow our children to learn in safe environments.