九色视频

九色视频 鈥� Republican candidates for Talbot County Council are preparing for a primary election, set for June 23. Early voting will take place from June 11-18. Five out of six candidates will move on to run against the five Democratic candidates in the Nov. 3 general election, with early voting from Oct. 22-29.Name: Wade Strickland

Email: [email protected]

Age: 60

Family: Married, 6 children

Education: Easton High School, Chesapeake College, US Air Forces in Europe and North America

Occupation: Product Support Manager for The Whalen Company, Easton MD

Previous political experience: N/A

Why are you running for Talbot County Council?

I鈥檝e decided to run for County Council to bring common-sense Eastern Shore values to our local government. My being a native of Easton and a lifelong resident of Talbot County keeps me grounded and in touch with our citizens. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and citizens must work together and not against each other for the common good of our home. The partisan bickering needs to stop.

What issues will you prioritize if elected?

Education reform needs immediate attention. Our children are our future and we are presently failing them horribly. Economic growth with higher paying tech and clean manufacturing jobs, public safety including traffic congestion, carefully planned sustainable growth according to our County Comprehensive Plan and sound fiscal use of our tax dollars to keep our taxes manageable are all broad issues, but equally important.

How should the county approach balancing the need for affordable housing with managing growth and preservation?

Land use rights play an integral part in the development process. Negotiating with developers by providing incentives can be a useful tool to ensure plans in their developments will be structured to include affordable housing. Exploring options to help home buyers with upfront costs and temporary tax abatements could be explored. Working together, we can achieve the goal of affordable housing for our citizens.

Legislation surrounding short-term rentals has been a topic of contention in recent council meetings. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Short term rentals require a delicate balancing act between land-owner rights and neighborhood wishes. Strict blanket type zoning laws are not the answer. I feel these issues should be addressed on an individual basis, based on facts and not someone鈥檚 opinion. Over regulating anything is never good. More and bigger is not always better, just look at our federal and state governments.

The old hospital site in Easton has been a hot topic among residents lately. What direction do you think the county and town should move toward with that land?

With the hospital not slated to be completed until roughly late 2028, there is ample time to have public input for this valuable piece of history. I believe the property should be used in a way to compliment our town鈥檚 heritage and way of life. Whatever becomes of the property, parking should be included in the plans to be either under or on top of the structure(s).

What are your plans for public safety and emergency services in the county?

Public safety and emergency services go hand in hand. We must fully fund our EMS, as our county has the highest median age in the state and an above-average call volume. Healthcare for our aging population is in dire straits. Our law enforcement agencies must have adequate resources to properly engage the ever-changing societal dynamic. Having resource officers provided by the Sheriff鈥檚 office in every public school has proved to have a positive impact on students.

九色视频 questionnaire was sent to all Talbot County Council Republican candidates to allow them to share their perspectives on county issues in advance of next month鈥檚 primary. This series will continue until answers from all Republican candidates who responded have been published.