2022 Voter Guide: Allison Pickard, candidate for Anne Arundel County Council District 2

Why are you running for office?

I am running for re-election to continue to serve the residents of District 2. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to advocate for enhanced investment in our Schools, Public safety sector, Roads and our Parks. I have also focused on revitalizing our older commercial corridors through game changing modernizations to our land use policies. I believe when we collaborate and pull all stakeholders together we can make impactful positive change in our community. I believe my pragmatic and results driven approach to policy making efforts have been effective. We have made great strides over the last 3+ years, but much work remains.

What do you see as the most pressing issue the county faces and how would you address it?

One of the most pressing issues facing local government is ensuring we have a strong county workforce to carry out the county responsibilities to the public. We must provide competitive wages, benefits, training and career ladders in all of our county agencies including Public Safety, Education, bus drivers, Public works and Recreation & Parks. Enhanced efforts in workforce development like recruitment, retention and training is a major factor today and going forward as local government competes with the private sector to provide family sustaining jobs as we carry out the functions of government services.

Will you invest in projects to unclog the county's crowded roads?

Yes! I voted to create the Permanent Public Improvement fund as part of the FY20 budget. This fund segments off capital dollars to ensure we increase investment in schools, roads, and public safety capital improvement projects. I have voted for every budget allocating county tax dollars to major road projects like Route 2 Ritchie Hwy, Route 3 Waugh Chapel Corridor, and Route 170 Telegraph road.These investments have attracted enhanced investment from the Maryland Department of Transportation. It is important to note that in order to get the attention from MDOT, AACO has committed county resources to these State Highways in order to improve traffic flow in our communities.

What plans do you have to help the county and its businesses successfully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic?

The county must continue to invest in economic development programs, workforce development, and 21st century training and education to our local business as they seek employees in this tight labor market and pivot to new service delivery models in this new economy. The County should continue to seek ways to break down barriers new business models and modernize our code to accommodate changing business landscapes.

What steps should the county government take to address opioid overdoses and deaths?

Through coordinated efforts, Anne Arundel County has seen a decrease in our Opioid overdose numbers and fatal overdoses but we must keep tackling this issue. We must Increase access to and enhance services through our County Health Department and partnerships with recovery providers in the Community, prevent misuse and abuse of both prescription drugs and illicit drugs through public awareness, and expand recovery supports in the community with increased Behavioral Health programs in our Health Department and Public Safety department.

What role can the county government play to improve education in county schools?

County government's role in supporting and improving public education is through funding the Board of Education annual budget request. I have been a steadfast supporter of our historic investment in education that has added to date over 650 additional educators, increased school construction investment to modernize our buildings and add capacity for our growing student population. I will remain a steadfast supporter of our public schools.

What efforts does the county need to make to address systemic racism in government services?

The county must continue to ensure that investments and policies have positive impacts on all communities. Anne Arundel County is growing in its diversity and we must continue to build relationships amongst all constituencies.

What steps must the county take to improve public safety?

In my first term, I have had the privilege to vote to fund the new Body worn camera program for our police department, create a new Police Accountability Board, support additional police and fire personnel, etc. We must continue to support our public safety (police, fire, detention) sector through increased compensation, modern training, and additional staffing so they can improve their programming and interaction with the communities they serve. Both our Fire Department and Police department have enhanced their community engagement and I fully support and participate in community building events with our Public Safety sectors.

How is climate change impacting the county and what can be done locally to address the effects?

Anne Arundel County has seen an increase in sunny day flooding, shoreline erosion and extreme weather events. We must continue to engage in resiliency infrastructure investments and sustainable community policies to protect our natural and built environments.