Patrick Adkins

Economy Small businesses aren’t just part of our economy. They are our economy. I will push to cut unnecessary red tape, implement fast-track permitting (48–72 hours for small projects), and launch a “Local First” initiative that prioritizes local vendors. I also support creating a small business grant and loan fund to help entrepreneurs grow. Government Reform I will work to establish Citizen Oversight Committees, made up of rotating, diverse members of our community, along with monthly Open Government Nights where residents can ask questions directly to leadership. We’ll also implement an anonymous reporting system for waste or misconduct. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I will work to establish a First Responder Recovery Fund Guarantee, helping cover medical gaps, provide family support, and partner with nonprofits for recovery and transition services. Criminal Justice / Public Safety We need strong, trusted policing and that starts with support and balance. I will advocate for competitive pay and retention bonuses, expand community policing programs, and invest in mental health response teams to reduce the burden on officers. At the same time, I will stand against unnecessary political interference that makes their jobs harder. Wages / Job Benefits Our county employees are the backbone of local government, and we need to treat them that way. I will support longevity bonuses at key milestones, explore housing assistance and down payment programs, and create clear career pathways for advancement. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Volunteer first responders are essential and right now, recruitment and retention are real challenges. I will support expanded property tax credits, tuition assistance and scholarships, and explore a length-of-service pension-style program. Taxes / Budget I will work to create a County Grant Task Force. A small, focused team dedicated to aggressively pursuing federal and private funding opportunities. That means partnering with UMES and Salisbury University, working with private foundations, and going after funding for infrastructure, rural development, and public safety. Taxes / Budget I will push to create a public spending dashboard, giving residents a clear, easy-to-understand view of how county funds are being used. We’ll implement quarterly performance audits, not just once a year, and establish a Sunset Review policy. Meaning every program must justify its existence every 3–5 years.