In a recent interview on Baynet Radio and with TheBAYNET.com, Democratic candidate for Calvert County Commissioner, Christy Burch stated that she is a dedicated public servant that has spent her adult life working to improve public safety and education.
After graduating from the University of Maryland College Park where she received a Bachelors of Science in physiology and neurobiology, Burch turned her passion for public service into duty as a firefighter and paramedic in Prince Georges County. However, two years ago, Burch suffered a severe job related back injury which made her continuing service impossible.
“I feel strongly about serving the community,” said Burch. “I decided to run for Commissioner so that I could continue to serve the public.”
Burch, currently teaching paramedic courses at PG and Anne Arundel Colleges, decided that the Calvert has done a good job in slowing development, but that some of the policies in place are too restrictive for businesses that want to expand or get established in the county.
“Some of the restrictions make it confusing for businesses to grow. I want to work to eliminate the red tape and make expansion and profitability easier to obtain,” said Burch on the subject.
Burch also is a staunch advocate for her coworkers and her community. As a union representative, she fought to ensure that employees received fair wages and that their rights were protected. As commissioner, she indicated that her position will not change, especially when dealing with Calvert County teachers – the sole Southern Maryland County that has not ratified the newest contract. She feels that Calvert’s school system needs to work with teachers as opposed to working against them in contract negotiations.
“Even though they went to arbitration and the presiding arbiter ruled in favor of teachers, it was not binding arbitration and Calvert did not honor those rulings.”
Burch believes that government officials should demonstrate a sound fiduciary responsibility which would ensure that the county residents receive the best services available. Furthermore, she feels that government officials need to be a voice of reason in their communities to ensure that government is transparent and effective.
As a Calvert County Commissioner, Burch stated that she will protect and improve the quality of life that is so important to all county residents. She intends to fight unnecessary expenditures and remember that the money belongs to the tax payers. She will be accountable to the citizens and promote transparency in government.
The candidate also expressed the need for the county government to maintain Calvert County’s Charm. “It’s more than just a good quality of life. Other places have a good quality of life, but they don’t have the peaceful, pleasant feeling that Calvert County has,” said Burch
Burch believes that the county needs to keep strong public schools to continue the excellent e
<!–
–>
