ROY ALVEY FOR ST. MARY’S COUNTY
Roy believes county government should focus first on its core responsibilities, spend taxpayer dollars carefully, protect the quality of life in St. Mary’s County, and remain accountable to the people it serves.
01 — COUNTY BUDGET
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY - CONTROL SPENDING. PROTECT TAXPAYERS.
St. Mary’s County families are facing higher costs in nearly every part of daily life. Roy believes county government should respond by exercising greater discipline with public money, not by automatically asking taxpayers to pay more. County government should fully fund essential responsibilities first, carefully review discretionary spending, and look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs and fees.
• Oppose unnecessary tax increases.
• Reduce county spending where practical.
• Prioritize responsible budgeting.
• Review county fees that place unnecessary burdens on residents and businesses.
• Review the county excise tax and its impact on retail and industrial investment.
02 — PUBLIC PROTECTION
PUBLIC SAFETY - BACK THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP ST. MARY’S SAFE.
Public safety is one of county government’s most important responsibilities. Roy believes law enforcement, prosecutors, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders must have the support necessary to protect residents and respond effectively when emergencies occur.
• Support the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
• Support the State’s Attorney’s Office.
• Support fire, rescue, EMS, and first responders.
• Put public safety among the county’s highest budget priorities.
03 — COUNTY SCHOOLS
EDUCATION - SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS AND THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEM WORK.
A strong school system depends on more than classroom instruction. Teachers, support staff, safe facilities, transportation, and responsible long-term planning all matter. Roy believes county government should meet its responsibilities to public education while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively and focused on the needs of students.
• Support teachers.
• Support school staff.
• Maintain school facilities.
• Support safe and dependable student transportation.
• Keep education among the county’s core funding priorities.
04 — COUNTY SERVICES
INFRASTRUCTURE - TAKE CARE OF THE BASICS.
Residents expect county government to maintain the infrastructure and public services they use every day. Roads, parks, snow removal, trash services, and public facilities should not become secondary priorities. Roy believes basic county infrastructure should be maintained before government takes on unnecessary new spending commitments.
• Maintain county roads.
• Support reliable snow removal.
• Maintain county parks and public facilities.
• Support effective waste and trash services.
• Prioritize infrastructure needs in county budgeting.
05 — ST. MARY’S FUTURE
RESPONSIBLE GROWTH
Roy supports economic development, but believes growth must be carefully managed so that St. Mary’s County does not lose the rural character and quality of life residents value. Development decisions should consider impacts on roads, schools, water, neighborhoods, public services, and surrounding communities.
• Protect the rural character of St. Mary’s County.
• Review Land Use and Growth Management policies.
• Encourage development appropriate to existing communities and infrastructure.
• Closely scrutinize major projects for impacts on roads, water, energy, and public services.
• Oppose large-scale data centers in St. Mary’s County.
• Oppose cannabis facilities located within residential developments.
06 — QUALITY OF LIFE
FAMILIES, SENIORS & QUALITY OF LIFE
MAKE IT EASIER TO LIVE & RETIRE IN ST. MARY’S.
Residents should not be priced out of the community they helped build. Roy believes county policy should recognize the pressures facing seniors, working families, young people, and longtime residents.
• Support meaningful property-tax relief for seniors.
• Pursue a property-tax cap for residents age 62 and older without an income requirement.
• Reduce Recreation and Parks fees by 50 percent.
• Support programs and recreational opportunities for youth.
• Consider housing needs for seniors and working families.