Public Safety

Russ was a victim of crime on 3 occasions, thus he clearly understands the priority of public safety. Residents deserve continuous protection from crime — not temporary fixes or political talking points about adding more police officers. Real public safety also requires meaningful consequences for violent and repeat offenders, including jail time. Unfortunately, the Maryland State Legislature has largely ignored this issue.

Property Taxes

Out-of-control property taxes affecting homeowners, businesses, and especially seniors. I would introduce legislation to freeze property tax increases for seniors who have lived in their homes for 25 years or more, helping longtime residents stay in the communities they helped build.

Overcrowded Schools

There should be a moratorium on new apartment developments that would add even more students to an already overcrowded school system. County government should prioritize quality education and responsible planning instead of simply approving more housing projects without considering the impact on students, teachers, and taxpayers.

Parent Accountability for Youth Behavior

The growing problem of youth “flash mobs” at malls, stores, public gatherings, and parking lots disrupt businesses and threaten public safety. Russ “No Tax” will introduce legislation for Parent Accountability for parents and guardians who fail to properly supervise and raise their children with respect for safety, responsibility, and the community.

Businesses, customers, and the general public have suffered from these incidents, while taxpayers are forced to cover the costs of increased police presence and damages. Russ “No Tax” Mirabile supports civil penalties and financial fines against parents or guardians when minors are involved in destructive or dangerous behavior. Criminal matters are handled by the Maryland State Legislature, but civil accountability can and should be addressed at the local level.

Sanctuary County

Russ “No Tax” Mirabile opposed the measure, which was approved solely by the County Council. Before the vote, Russ publicly stated that county residents themselves should have had the opportunity to vote on such a serious issue, since taxpayers are the ones who pay the bills.

Russ believes taxpayers deserve transparency and a voice in decisions that carry major financial and public safety impacts, especially when residents are expected to fund housing, services, and other associated costs.

Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, which continues to experience serious operational and environmental problems year after year.

Upon election, Russ “No Tax” Mirabile will push for immediate action to address the ongoing failures at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. He will call for an independent review of the plant’s operations, management, and environmental impact to determine the full extent of the problems and identify real solutions.

Based on the findings and recommendations of that independent study, Russ would seek federal assistance and, if necessary, request federal oversight or operational control to ensure the facility is properly managed and the Chesapeake Bay is protected.

Russ also believes relief should be provided to waterfront property owners who have been directly affected by this environmental disaster. Residents whose homes, property values, and quality of life have suffered because of pollution and operational failures connected to the Back River plant should be considered for property tax rebates or refunds.

Baltimore County Inspector General

One issue of particular importance is accountability within Baltimore County Public Schools.

During the last legislative session, a bill was introduced that would have given the County Council permission to potentially extend the authority of the Inspector General to cover Baltimore County Public Schools. However, the bill was flawed on several levels. Most notably, it merely gave the County Council the option to act, rather than establishing direct oversight and accountability.

Even if the measure had passed, concerns would still remain about the independence of the Inspector General’s office. Many residents remember the Kelly Madigan situation, where there were concerns that investigations were getting too close to politically connected individuals before her removal from the position. Incidents like that undermine public trust and raise serious questions about political pressure and independence.

If the Inspector General is going to be truly effective, the office must have real authority, including subpoena power, so investigations cannot be obstructed or ignored.

Additionally, consideration should be given to making the Inspector General an elected position. Doing so would help reduce concerns about political partisanship, retaliation, or the threat of termination based on whether investigations are politically convenient or inconvenient.

Baltimore County residents deserve an independent watchdog with the authority, protection, and transparency necessary to ensure accountability at every level of government, including the public school system.

Out of State Investors ?

Russ opposes out-of-state property investors, whose neglected properties often create “ghost landlords” that burden both neighboring residents and the County’s Livability Department.