Katie McDermott For Anne Arundel District 6

A Trusted Neighbor. A Proven Advocate. Putting Residents First.

Accountable Leadership For Anne Arundel District 6

I am running for Anne Arundel County Council to ensure District 6 has principled and independent representation that tackles the complex issues in a way that keeps people as the priority, something that status quo politics is not doing right now. 

Serving on the County Council is an important job where decisions are made that have big consequences for all District 6 residents on issues related to development, housing, environment, public safety, public health, schools and quality of life. And, while District 6 is large, complex, and diverse, many issues resonate across all of our communities.

We can be optimistic about our future, but we need to be vigilant that our local government hears the voices of all of our residents. Often, we are not in the room where it happens.

I will be a trusted voice for residents in District 6 on their hopes and concerns for their communities, including mass tourism, high density development, infrastructure improvements, resiliency and sustainability practices, protecting our rivers and waterways, and government transparency, fiscal responsibility and accountability. As a proven advocate, I will ask the right questions and make sure you know what is going on before things happen, so your voice is heard.

Over the last several years, many have commented with surprise at the extensive development around Parole, Forest Drive, Solomons Island and Riva Roads, the proposed development on the South River, and the Annapolis City Dock Plan which morphed in expense and scope far beyond what citizens recommended.  There are legitimate questions about whether the right priorities are being focused on and whether our infrastructure is even keeping  pace with our growth.

There are concerns on development, infrastructure capacity, resiliency and our environment outside of Annapolis too in other District 6 communities.  I want to improve how citizens get timely information on what is happening in their communities and broaden citizen discussion on these critical issues.

As a former federal healthcare fraud prosecutor and healthcare attorney, you can trust me to ask: who, what, where, how  and why? and, to support practices, policies and projects that put residents first and put special interests on the hot seat to explain how the public interest is really promoted and protected.

My advocacy for reform of short-term rental regulations in Annapolis that have negatively impacted housing options and affordability, and undermined neighborhoods,  is an example of questioning the status quo that has too often left too many residents out. I have also called for comprehensive housing policies that are coordinated with County. It makes no sense to develop our communities in silos, a few yards or a few miles apart from the City-County line.

Our County can thrive without sacrificing the character of our neighborhoods or overburdening our infrastructure to the point of emergency moratoriums for lack of sewage capacity, among other burdens.  Responsible growth requires disciplined planning, enforceable standards, and an honest assessment of long-term fiscal impact — not short-term political gain. It also requires a comprehensive and coordinated housing plan between the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel, not a process where every special interests fends for themselves. 

Public safety, traffic congestion, over-development, environmental protection, housing affordability, and infrastructure reliability are not abstract issues. They affect families, seniors, and small businesses every day. Addressing these challenges equitably requires oversight, data-driven decision making, and the willingness to stand firm when proposals do not serve the public interest.

As a longtime Annapolis and Anne Arundel County resident, I understand both the opportunities and the pressures facing District 6. Though I am a lifelong Democrat, I recognize that our district reflects a wide range of views that all deserve to be heard and respected.  My commitment is to represent all residents —  and to evaluate every issue through the public interest lens of fiscal responsibility, fairness, and long-term sustainability. My pledge is to always ask the hard questions and work diligently for the best ideas that promote the public interest. 

If elected, I will support legislation and initiatives to:

• Enforce ethical, transparent, and accountable governance
• Strengthen public safety, public health and public schools
• Protect communities from irresponsible over-development
• Advance comprehensive and coordinated housing solutions
• Improve transportation planning and reduce congestion impacts
• Promote environmental resilience and responsible stewardship
• Support innovations such as shared services, an Inspector General function and updated ethics policies. 
• Support policies that help small businesses grow and remain competitive
• Preserve the historic and maritime heritages that define District 6