I value being raised by my parents, Bruce and Odette Reeder who instilled in me the importance of family, commitment, and service, and by caring for them as they aged I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and respect of what the elderly population needs on a daily basis for survival. Instead of cutting budgets to many programs that seniors require we need to acknowledge the fact they are the fastest growing population in Frederick County and treat their needs with the attention, dignity and respect that they deserve.

I value the education I received in Frederick County as a graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and Hood College. I understand the importance of having top educational systems locally in providing a well-qualified workforce that attracts new companies and helps existing ones grow with employment opportunities so that graduates and residents can work locally and live out their lives in Frederick County.

I value the abundance of knowledge and experience I have gained while working my entire career locally in science, business, and economic development, for large and small organizations. It has provided me with the ability to see the larger picture which is critical for short and long term strategic planning as well as a great understanding of our business strengths here in Frederick County.

I value being part of the first Frederick County business incubator-Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), from the ground floor and am still in involved in the selection process of it occupants. It’s very encouraging to see the total economic impact locally in job growth, leased space, annual revenues, direct tax base and multi-million dollar downstream economic impact that includes direct jobs, sales tax, rent and local purchase from other businesses. Even during a period of economic recession and record unemployment, FITCI clients and graduates have succeeded in growing both jobs and annual revenues. They have favorably contributed to the tax base of Frederick County. Every dollar generated by these businesses helps reduce the tax burden of local residents.

I value the pride in being a small business owner in Frederick along with my husband that we opened in 1985. He operates the business on a daily basis and we have a great understanding of what small business owners face on a daily basis, especially during tough economic times.

I value and appreciate the many people that I have met over the years who put their lives on the line every day to help others. Our phenomenal first responders, career and volunteer are something we can be very proud of to have in this county and they perform their duties without hesitation and always in a professional manner. I have been on the receiving end of their services many times and their devotion is unsurpassed.

I value our sense of community that you feel when you are in Frederick County and the beauty of landscape and know it’s very important to have a plan in place to make sure development keeps pace with infrastructure. This maintains the quality of life that we all love and no matter where you live in the county your voice as a citizen always deserves to be heard in your community. That’s what I have always loved about Frederick County, that’s why I never left Frederick County, and that's why I decided to run for county council. If elected I will bring this value added experience to every decision that I would make.