YVONNE PENN
Lifting Our Voices. Building Real Change. Together.
Bringing Fresh Leadership to End Stagnation
After 32 years of the same leadership, District Two and Dorchester County as a whole need new energy, rooted in proven experience, to drive progress and address long-standing challenges, including economic stagnation and education. I'll leverage my five years as Economic Development Coordinator for Snow Hill, Maryland, to pursue initiatives that diversify our agriculture, tourism, and fishing economies to create jobs. Drawing on my 13 years leading St. Luke United Methodist Church in Cambridge, where I built a new church, grew the congregation, and expanded community outreach, I'll bring vitality and action-oriented governance.
Imagine a Dorchester where innovation replaces inertia— that's the fresh start we're ready for!
Ensuring Transparent and Open Government
Residents deserve accountable leadership that listens and communicates. I will promote transparency to rebuild trust and address concerns from employee and resident surveys about governance, decision-making, and community engagement. I will establish regular listening sessions across District Two to hear from all voices. Neither the District nor the county benefits from leaders who are not concerned with the citizens’ voices. My representation will be in stark contrast to the current leadership's lack of true representation and low public profiles. You cannot represent Race Street if you refuse to set foot on it.
Committing to open financial systems and audits, I'll use my scandal-free record and ICF Certified Professional Coach credentials to foster a high-functioning, proactive government. And I will address the community’s current mistrust of leadership and resistance to change by releasing detailed plans with measurable outcomes. I will unify stakeholders around shared visions of adaptability and partnerships.
It's time for a government that works openly and effectively for you!
Prioritizing Economic Growth and Job Creation
Dorchester's economy has been stagnant under our current leadership. I will activate untapped potential through strategic development, focusing on job opportunities that retain our youth and support families county-wide. Capitalizing on my economic development expertise and the strength of my network, I will attract industries, improve workforce training, and enhance tourism as an engine for growth, addressing concerns about missed opportunities. I'll highlight the value of the Gateway into Cambridge off the bridge by advocating for infrastructure upgrades that boost visitor traffic and local businesses, benefiting areas from Hurlock to Vienna. And I'll commit to a "Jobs & Resilience Plan" with remote-work incentives and ag-tech investments, directly responding to community forums calling for better-paying jobs and economic diversification.
Let's ignite our economy with bold, forward-thinking ideas that create prosperity for all!
Advancing Infrastructure Improvements
Infrastructure gaps, including roads, wastewater, and transportation, are top concerns in recent county surveys and forums. I will pursue aggressive grant funding to modernize these essentials, protect our rural character, and support growth across Dorchester. Drawing on resident and employee survey data that highlight infrastructure as a key area for improvement, I'll prioritize projects such as road repairs and wastewater upgrades, leveraging my experience as Economic Development Coordinator for Snow Hill, MD, to secure state and federal grants. Partnering with environmental and planning experts, I will address gaps in land-use strategy, ensuring upgrades enhance public safety and economic competitiveness from Cambridge to Toddville. And I'll host ongoing "Infrastructure Town Halls" countywide, building on the strategic planning process to unify stakeholders around concrete outcomes such as better transportation and erosion control, all funded externally to avoid tax hikes.
This is about building a stronger, more connected county for generations to come!
Making Education a Top Priority
I will champion educational enhancements and mentorship to build a stronger future, drawing on community input to improve schools and retain talent. Partnering with schools and nonprofits, I will champion vocational training and recreational programs and ensure that Dorchester County is taking advantage of all that Gov. Moore's ENOUGH Act has to offer our children. I will advocate for countywide investments in educational outcomes and counter the incumbent's reactive approach with proactive measures, such as mentorship networks through community and church groups, to help keep our children and their families thriving locally.
Our young people deserve a hopeful path right here at home—let's invest in them now!
Building Stronger Relationships Between the City and County
Dorchester needs a representative who unites people across districts, strengthens ties with the Cambridge City Council and civic groups, and ensures every voice shapes our future. I will foster city-county collaboration on infrastructure and economic issues, addressing past strained relations, to improve coordination on shared challenges. like workforce capacity and health services. As a Cambridge resident and grandmother, I'll listen and advocate for all—seniors, families, and youth—through "Your Voice Matters" events, ensuring diverse representation that honors our heritage while driving forward momentum.
Together, we'll build bridges, not barriers!