Katie Fry Hester

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

To reduce crime over the long-term we must coordinate efforts across the entire criminal justice system and address the root causes of crime in our communities. We must approach public safety with common sense, scientifically proven measures that will actually solve the problems plaguing our great state. We need to keep our brave first responders on the police force safe by investing more in public safety training, body worn cameras, and mobile crisis response teams. Learn more

We must do more to protect ourselves from digital crimes such as ransomware attacks. Learn more

Economy

Our local greenhouses and nurseries supply the area with bedding transplants, plants for landscaping, and trees. Our farms employ locally and are an important part of our local economy. Learn more

We must implement policies and incentives that protect Maryland farms by encouraging consumers to buy locally, and supporting value-added agriculture products such as specialty livestock, flowers, handmade soap, and gourmet food products. We must also expand access to urban markets in Columbia, Baltimore, Eldersburg, Annapolis and Washington, DC. Learn more

Reduce government red tape, such as duplicative reporting on state and local regulations. Learn more

Support apprenticeships and other innovative approaches to reduce workforce shortages. Learn more

Education

We must continue to improve our schools by promoting career and technical education programs that guide students to high-paying industries of the future, such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, and value-added ag; as well as more traditional trades like auto mechanics, welding, or construction. We are already on the path to achieving these goals, but we need thoughtful and focused leaders to make sure these efforts are implemented effectively. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Creating and executing a comprehensive flood mitigation plan requires collaboration and creative thinking, and flooding isn’t confined to Ellicott City. Over the next four years, I look forward to fighting for even more resources in Ellicott City, western Howard County, and Damascus; and to continue working toward a more resilient Maryland. Learn more

I remain committed to addressing climate change both by reducing our impact on the environment and by improving our resilience against immediate environmental risks. Learn more

Guns

We must also continue to increase our efforts to reduce gun violence. Over the past four years I have voted for universal background checks, a ban on unserialized weapons or “ghost guns,” and expansions to mental healthcare access. The best way to protect the Second Amendment is to work together to make Maryland safer for responsible, law-abiding gun owners as well as those who choose not to own guns. Learn more

Healthcare

Reduce prescription drug prices. Learn more

I believe we must also do more to improve the mental and behavioral health of students by leveraging wrap-around service providers in our communities and leveraging millions of additional dollars through Medicaid. Learn more

Preserve healthcare coverage for those with chronic illness, pre-existing conditions, and those qualifying for Medicaid. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

We must provide affordable and age-accessible public transportation, housing, healthcare, and other social services that support our seniors in our communities. Finally, we must plan for the continuum of aging, for the more active years and for those years when seniors may have more needs. Continuing a dialogue with seniors in our community will better help us to develop solutions that will work for them over the coming years, and I look forward to keeping that conversation going. Learn more