AFFORDABILITY: Unfortunately, the Eastern Shore has not escaped high prices of groceries, fuel,  electricity experienced nationwide. From housing to childcare, there is increasing unaccessible and unaffordability for many residents. Child care costs continue to devastate the income of many families leaving little funds left to cover other daily necessities such as health care, medication, food, and transportation. While the cost of housing may be lower on some parts of the Shore, low wages ignite and perpetuate the vicious cycle of poverty for many Eastern Shore residents.

EDUCATION: Crystal believes education is key to reducing poverty and increasing access to good paying jobs, healthcare, and affordable housing. Education leads to better financial stability, a stronger economy, and opens the door to increased job opportunities as well as personal and social growth.  Crystal will seek solutions to make educational opportunities more accessible and pursue strategies to overcome barriers such as income indigency and lack of transportation. Support of education infrastructure is critical for job growth, economic prosperity, and access to affordable healthcare and housing. Providing a more accessible and affordable pathway to education will incentivize more of our young people to stay on the Shore after graduation to raise their families and to become contributing members of our communities. 

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT:  Crystal grew up on the Choptank River in Cambridge, MD and spent her childhood crabbing, fishing, and swimming in our most precious natural resource – our Chesapeake Bay. Crystal believes in being a responsible steward of our natural resources by growing our renewable energy sources and reducing nutrient and toxin pollutants which are critical elements to sustaining a healthy environment and economy. Crystal believes taking care of our environment will ensure that generations to come can continue to enjoy recreational activities.

TRANSPORTATION: While congestion along Rt. 50 and the "reach the beach" route is no longer seasonal, extending and increasing the Shore's mass transit capability would enable our residents to easier and safer access to healthcare providers, work, and school. We need to direct responsibly and strategically identify and allocate resources to relieve bottlenecks and reduce commuter frustration.