Creating Stable Jobs Close to Home

So What’s The Problem?

Our business districts provide jobs close to home. Instead of chain restaurants and box stores, we have unique dining and retail experiences that can attract tourists UMBC college students. Unfortunately, county government directs much of our resources to other parts of the county and implements policies that drive entrepreneurs to neighboring counties.

• Frederick Road in Catonsville, East Drive in Arbutus and the business district in Lansdowne all require revitalization efforts and tax incentives to attract businesses and jobs.
• Skyrocketing property taxes and unemployment insurance that has doubled this year and will triple the next
• Commercial mortgage and rent payments for small businesses have increased substantially over the past 4 years
• Other counties (Anne Arundel and York, PA) attract businesses out of our region.

How Does It Affect Me?

If our local businesses are struggling to survive, our towns cease to be desirable places to live which drive down the value of our homes.  If businesses can’t thrive here, they will go elsewhere, leaving many jobless and our local economy suffering.

• High rent, mortgage, taxes, and insurance costs force businesses to leave our area.
• Outdated architecture and poor parking in our business districts do not attract more customers for our business communities.

How Will Steve Fix It?

With extensive small business experience, Steve will ensure very limited government involvement to help encourage economic development.

• Steer tax credits and public works projects toward our business districts
• Submit legislation to implement a 2% cap on assessments for commercial properties
• Work with state legislators to ensure they use state funds to reinforce the unemployment insurance fund
• Designate revitalization districts that implement 2-year waivers on permit, licensing, and registration fees for new businesses that start up or relocate to our county.