ISSUES

As of this writing, Maryland is projected to be in a $1.5 billion dollar deficit for FY27. This is unacceptable, since the Moore Administration blew through former Governor Hogan's surplus. Maryland's FY28 year Maryland is projected to have an even greater shortfall at $2.3 billion. The new budget proposed by Gov Moore does not address the lack of funding and structural issues but shuffles money from Maryland's investment funds to cover the deficit, not addressing the real issues of spending by state government. Sean believes Maryland state government needs to reduce its operating cost, look at alternatives to funding the blueprint for Maryland or repeal the Maryland blueprint altogether. As Maryland families struggle to make ends meet and have to live within their means, so should government.

Sean strongly believes in public safety as key to keeping Hagerstown and all Marylanders safe. On city council Sean voted to increase police and fire pay, while also championing the anti-camping ordinance that has deterred homelessness. Sean believes all Marylanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, working with local stake holders including federal, state and local government is key to success. Sean will work with the Maryland federal delegation and state lawmakers to receive more local funding for Hagerstown Police and Fire. Sean backs the blue and wants local jurisdictions and the state to urgently address police shortages and give better incentives for recruitment and retention.

Sean believes strongly in keeping taxes low for all Marylanders, including businesses and residents. Maryland's top income rate is 6.5%, with an additional 3.3% local income tax, with the property rate going as high as 2.45%, twice the national average. While on city council Sean voted against all property tax increases. Maryland thrives at our best when taxes are low, attracting economic investment. Sean supports repealing the infamous B2B tax that was passed in 2025 via Governor Wes Moore and the General Assembly. This tax imposes 3% sales tax on digital, data and IT services. Maryland already ranks the 4th most expensive state to do business in. Maryland places 42nd for economic outlook with sluggish job creation, ballooning business costs, federal layoffs. Maryland is also seeing more residents leave than move in and skyrocketing costs of everyday living here including a lack of affordable housing. Sean supports a plan to make Maryland less reliant on federal dollars, attract different private sector jobs, and support lower taxes, fees.

Maryland has some of the worst climate mandates in the country, driving up utility cost. Maryland has the most expensive utilities in the country recorded. Households in Maryland pay a median of $546 monthly, and over $6,500 annually. The recent Strategic Energy Investment Fund has ballooned with cost overruns. Sean supports Maryland Republicans plan of cutting electricity bills by $40 a month and repealing the Climate Solutions Act of 2022 which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep state coal power plants open. The Climate Solutions Acts says by law Maryland must reduce its carbon emissions 60% by 2031. Sean also supports ending the EmPOWER Maryland program which adds fees on electric bills that fund greenhouse gas initiatives.

Sean believes in fair redistricting and believes that the current map being proposed by Democrats will further disenfranchise millions of Marylanders voices from truly being represented in Congress. Sean agrees with Senate President Bill Fergurson that now is not the time to do new maps halfway through the 2030 census. Sean believes in a fair redistricting commission that listens to all sides and not just one-party rule.