Teacher Rebecca Baucom Challenges Nathan Volke For 3rd District

ANNE ARUNDEL CO., MD — Ahead of the primary elections in June, Patch has invited candidates running to represent the Pasadena area on the Anne Arundel County Council to complete a questionnaire touching on a variety of key issues.

Candidate responses will be published verbatim in the run-up to the primaries on Tuesday, June 23.

Related: Who's Running For Annapolis In 2026 Primary

Questionnaire responses for Rebecca Baucom, who is running to represent the county's 3rd District, can be found below:

Name: Rebecca Baucom

Age: 51

Hometown: Pasadena, MD

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office.

I have served on the Democratic Central Committee in 2023.

As a special education teacher and previous member of the Central Committee, I've spent years working directly with families and other community members.

That experience has taught me how local government decisions directly affect families, schools, and communities, and it’s shaped my hands-on, problem-solving approach to public service.

What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?

In Anne Arundel County Council District 3, the biggest issue is growth outpacing infrastructure. People see it every day in traffic, overcrowded schools, strained public services, and rising costs.

Residents want smarter growth that keeps up with roads, schools, and the needs of working families. New growth should be tied to infrastructure readiness, with investments in schools, roads, and public transportation so communities are not left playing catch-up after development is approved.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

I’m not a career politician or backed by big money interests. I’m running to make county government more responsive, transparent, and focused on the needs of working people.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?

My experience as a public school special education teacher has taught me how to solve problems, work with diverse communities, and advocate for families. It’s also given me firsthand insight into the impact local government decisions have on schools, infrastructure, and working families.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current officeholder, and how will you improve on it?

The current officeholder has been responsive on some community issues, but residents want stronger action on growth, traffic, infrastructure, and transparency.

I also believe people are tired of developers having too much influence in local politics, and I would support decisions that put residents and community needs first.

How do you believe Anne Arundel County should address data centers?

Anne Arundel County should be thoughtful about data centers. If they move forward, they need strong oversight to make sure infrastructure, energy demands, environmental impacts, and nearby communities are protected.

Do you believe there should be a data center moratorium or a temporary pause? Explain.

I would support a temporary pause until we have clear standards set up to protect our water, infrastructure, and communities.

Do you believe there should be data center regulations put in place? Explain.

There should be regulations to ensure our communities are protected, our infrastructure is able to handle it, and our water supply is protected.

What steps would you take to offset data center impacts to residents’ standard of living, such as rising energy prices?

Data centers should be responsible for the infrastructure and energy costs they create, rather than passing those burdens onto residents and working families.

I would push for strong community benefit agreements and infrastructure and environmental standards.

How would you distinguish between a good vs. bad data center? Or do you believe no data centers should be in the county/district?

A good data center is one that is planned responsibly, with clear infrastructure support, environmental protections, and real community input. A bad one is pushed through without transparency and leaves residents dealing with the traffic, energy costs, and infrastructure strain afterward.

Gov. Wes Moore signed bills banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials in February. What is your opinion of the legislation?

I believe local law enforcement should stay focused on local public safety priorities. Clear boundaries help police focus on keeping communities safe and building trust with residents.

What steps would you take to support or readjust that initiative?

I would support clear implementation of the policy while making sure public safety remains the priority, including maintaining a fully staffed police department focused on community safety and response times.

What is your stance on the establishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the county and/or your district?

I do not support detention centers in Anne Arundel County or in District 3.

What actionable plans would you undertake to address illegal immigration?

Immigration policy is primarily a federal issue, but at the local level, I believe we should focus on public safety, enforcing the law fairly, and making sure county resources are being used responsibly and transparently.

Education: What is the biggest issue facing Anne Arundel County Public Schools? How would you address it?

The biggest issue is the staffing shortages and overcrowding. We need to invest in recruitment, retention, and smarter growth planning so our schools can keep up.

A student brings a gun/weapon to school, which is not fitted with any metal detectors. What security measures would you advocate for to ensure student and staff safety?

I believe school safety starts with prevention and preparedness. We need fully staffed schools with counselors, support staff, and school resource officers so problems are addressed before they become crises. We also need secure buildings, clear emergency protocols, and strong communication systems.

Do you believe schools need stricter security measures? Metal detectors?

Each setting is different, so safety decisions should be based on actual needs and risks, not one-size-fits-all policies. I believe prevention, strong relationships, mental health supports, secure buildings, and trained staff are just as important as physical security measures.

Anne Arundel County is experiencing a housing shortage. What steps would you take to address the crisis?

I would support mixed-income housing and redevelopment of existing spaces while making sure roads, schools, and infrastructure keep pace so communities are not overwhelmed.

What will you do to encourage affordable/public housing?

Incentives for mixed-income development, redevelopment of underused properties, and public-private partnerships can encourage affordable/public housing. The county can also streamline approvals for projects that include affordable and workforce housing options.

How will you address crime in the county/your district?

I would support a fully staffed police department and emergency services while also investing in prevention, youth programs, and mental health resources.