2023 Candidate Questionnaire: Sharon Jacobs For Havre De Grace City Council

HAVRE DE GRACE - The Havre de Grace Patch asked Sharon Jacobs about her history, why she is running for office, and her positions on local issues.

Below are Jacobs's responses to our candidate questionnaire.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

"I believe the role of any city council is to set policies and provide essential services to the residents of their municipality. Those services include ensuring there is adequate infrastructure for all residents, an effective law enforcement service to establish city ordinances and public safety policies, and providing utilities such as clean water and trash removal to include maintenance of sewer lines. One of the roles of the City Council is to listen to the people whom they legislate -- the residents and the business owners and provide them with the greatest quality of life -- right here in Havre de Grace. I am looking to provide my best community service to all residents of Havre de Grace and use my skills and talents to support job creation, business development, and growth."

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

"The single most important priority to me is maintaining open lines of communication with our residents, business owners, public school administrators, neighboring city leaders, and county officials on what is occurring in Havre de Grace. I want to strengthen working relationships and invite other countries, states, and local county citizens to discover Havre de Grace and all it has to offer."

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

"I am no different than any other candidate; we are all good-hearted individuals with a will to serve the people of Havre de Grace. Our only differences are the experiences we have had in our personal and professional lives. I am a retired Lieutenant Colonel with a 20+ year military service career and who led troops into battle during the Gulf War. Although I was not in Kuwait with my troops, I commanded a small Task Force that survived the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996. In the rear with the families, my responsibility was to ensure we provided the families with accurate information about the terrorist attack and the status of their loved ones. As a strategic planner in 2010, I led the relocation of my unit from Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, to Aberdeen Proving Ground. This move consisted of over 300 military and government civilian employees and over 800 pieces of military equipment. I have led technology programs and worked with international Coalition Partners during my service."

Where do you work, and what is your job title?

"I am the CEO/President of Strategic Alliances Group, Inc and the Founder of the nonprofit organization New-Service Training Employment Program (N-STEP), Inc. I am also a part-time employee for Harford Community College as the Aberdeen Proving Ground Strategic Liaison to provide senior leader collaboration and support services with Aberdeen Proving Ground tenants."

What is your age and birthplace? Other family information you'd like to share?

"My hometown is Wrens, GA. I am married to Ronald Jacobs, Jr., and have one daughter, Joycelyn."

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and when.

"I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from Georgia Southern College and have a Master of Science degree in Systems Acquisition Management from the Naval Postgraduate School."

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?

Jacobs did not provide a response for this question.

How long have you lived in Havre de Grace?

"Over ten years"

What's your favorite thing about Havre de Grace?

"Havre de Grace reminds me of my hometown. It is quaint yet charming."

What is the biggest issue facing Havre de Grace?

"I believe the biggest issue facing Havre de Grace is the water and sewer rates and maintaining clean and safe water. The city leaders must ensure that there is an adequate water supply for all residents and business owners. The city leaders must strategically plan for new developments and assess capital cost recovery charges appropriately, and they must monitor and plan for infrastructure improvements continually. Having experienced individuals to communicate with residents and business owners will be necessary as the city develops and grows over the next ten years."