The June 23 Democratic Primary will decide the race for Worcester County Commissioner District 2, where incumbent Commissioner Diana Purnell faces challenger Roxie Dennis. Because both candidates are Democrats and Maryland operates under a closed primary system, only registered Democrats living in District 2 will be eligible to vote in the primary election. Voters may change their party as late as three weeks prior to the election, with the deadline falling on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
As part of The Pocomoke City Arrowhead’s 2026 local election coverage, both candidates for District 2 were invited to complete a questionnaire covering housing, education, tourism, infrastructure, taxes, public safety, and local growth.
Dennis submitted responses to the questionnaire. Purnell did not respond to repeated requests for participation.
Below are the candidates’ responses as submitted.
Background
1. Why are you running for County Commissioner?
Roxie Dennis:
“I have been an educator for over thirty years and have served on various boards. I am on the Board of Directors of our teachers’ union, and I serve on the bargaining and negotiation team in which I have gained a wealth of experience. I have attended county budget meetings and hearings. I currently serve as the chairperson of the Worcester County Central Committee, and this has helped to enhance my leadership qualities as well. My desire is to see growth in our communities and to see the residents of Worcester County living an improved quality of life. I would like to play a key role in being a link between the residents and government. I know that each township has its own set of challenges. My intention is to work with the county commissioners and other partnerships by being a voice for the people. I want to ensure that our community’s needs are heard and met.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
2. What experience best prepares you for this role?
Roxie Dennis:
“I have worked closely with the union over the years, and it has allowed me to gain experience in budgeting, planning, bargaining and negotiating and attending county meetings. I feel that the various positions that I have held have prepared me to become a county commissioner. My dedication and commitment would be an asset to this position. Also, I try to view online commissioner meetings frequently.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Priorities & Challenges
3. What are your top three priorities if elected?
Roxie Dennis:
“My top three priorities [are] number one being housing. We are in a housing crisis. We need affordable and obtainable housing, and this will also allow our future generations to remain in the area. Rent is at an all-time high, too.
Education is very important and we need to hire quality teachers and support staff. They need to receive better pay and benefits for the work that they do. We must adhere to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
We need jobs and better wages, fostering economic development to see our counties flourishing.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
4. What is the biggest issue facing Worcester County right now, and how would you address it?
Roxie Dennis:
“I believe one of the biggest issues is housing. Possibly looking at zoning regulations that would allow for more houses, apartments and condos to be built. We have a large homeless population as well. The rent is at an all-time high and most residents cannot afford it. Another problem that rates high is the sharp increase in utility bills so something needs to be considered such a form of solar energy.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Economic Growth & Tourism
5. Worcester County relies heavily on tourism. How do you balance supporting Ocean City’s economy while ensuring inland communities like Pocomoke City also benefit?
Roxie Dennis:
“I believe each community must get a fair share. The Comprehensive Plan will help to make sure that funds are spread across the county as needed.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
6. What is your approach to supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs in Pocomoke City?
Roxie Dennis:
“We must utilize as many local, county and state initiatives which focus on grants, tax incentives and marketing. There are programs that provide access to capita data and support starting businesses. Partnering with the Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce would be a good idea.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Budget & Taxes
7. What is your overall approach to taxes and county spending?
Roxie Dennis:
“Again, the Comprehensive Plan must be followed closely and make sure that state and federal grants are being used appropriately.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
8. Are there specific areas where you would increase or cut funding?
Roxie Dennis:
“Currently, all the money that is being used in legal fees concerning the Wind turbines. I think whether it is a good use of taxpayers’ money when it could be used for other beneficial projects.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Public Safety & Infrastructure
9. What are your priorities for public safety funding?
Roxie Dennis:
“My priority for funding these public safety services is to fully fund them. Substantial budget increases should be allocated to law enforcement [&] emergency response. We need them!”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
10. What infrastructure improvements are most needed in the county?
Roxie Dennis:
“Transportation safety, water and sewer modernization and broadband expansion are needed throughout the county.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Education
11. Do you believe the county should fund public schools at or above the state-required Maintenance of Effort (MOE)?
Roxie Dennis:
“I believe the county should provide the same pupil funding, at least if there is absolutely no money. The county must abide by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future which is more. It would be great if the county would fund beyond the baseline which could support any additional programs and even fund more for teachers’ salaries and benefits. Worcester County needs to maintain qualified teachers. Programs are needed to maintain low class sizes. The funding of flat per pupil does not allow for the steady increase in students and the materials needed to enhance student learning.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
12. What do you believe are the impacts of investing in public education in Worcester County?
Roxie Dennis:
“When we invest in our schools, we are also investing in our future. Our students will become productive citizens in our communities, attend colleges and hopefully return to live here. That is another reason why affordable housing is mandatory too. Investing in our schools leads to higher teacher recruitment and teacher retention. For instance, the Grow Your Own Program has a great impact on teacher shortages. Investing in our education system can improve community and economic stability and lead to academic success. Make grants available to support other school programs such as summer school. This will help promote academic achievement, mental health support, transportation and provide nutritious meals. We must make sure that our students and teachers have a productive working environment and learning resources available to them to teach and students learn.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Local & Community Issues
13. How should the county manage growth while protecting rural character and farmland?
Roxie Dennis:
“This will involve a lot of long-term planning. Worcester County must work closely with other partnerships such as the Lower Shore Land Trust. We must make sure that farming continues to grow and be profitable. Farmers must be included in any means to increase their income also. There are various zoning strategies and land use that can be implemented as needed. This keeps large scale commercial and residential growth developments from taking away an abundance of farmland in Worcester County. The Comprehensive Plan also helps to maintain new commercial and residential growth towards other towns and planned growth areas.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
14. How should the county work with municipalities like Pocomoke City when addressing shared issues?
Roxie Dennis:
“Infrastructure and utility sharing are also important in Pocomoke City, making the Comprehensive Water and Sewage Plan must be adhered to. More grant funding should be assessable to Pocomoke City. Funds may be shifted to other areas and allocated to Pocomoke, and it could be used for assistance in home revitalization and help support local businesses. All the community partners must work together for the betterment of Pocomoke City. Commission[er]s must always keep in mind that Pocomoke must get a fair share of revenue as well as other opportunities to increase growth in the city of Pocomoke. The city’s Education and Public Services are equally important.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Transparency & Leadership
15. How will you keep residents informed and involved in county decisions?
Roxie Dennis:
“Residents can be directed to use the available social media platforms. There is a Worcester County Government News and announcements page which is updated daily. Residents will be informed that commissioner meetings are live streamed online and archived and the agenda and minutes are posted in advance. Public meetings are made known and feedback is welcomed from the Worcester County residents. Each commissioner has a website page that is available for residents to access to ask questions are make comments. The direct contact number of the commissioner is listed as well.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
16. Why should voters choose you?
Roxie Dennis:
“I am willing to be a voice for the people, and I am open for change when it comes to the betterment of Worcester County District 2. I currently serve on the Worcester County Central Committee and I am the chairperson. I have been elected for the last several years. I am a Lifetime member of the Worcester County NAACP and serve as the vice-president. Through the years, I have been able to see the challenges and issues that Worcester County has faced and have been a part of the problem solving. Growing up in Worcester County and attending the Worcester County School System has given me great love for the county. Due to my experience as a Pastor, I am spiritually and socially intertwined. I am often called upon to assist at various county events and to assist families one on one. As an educator for over thirty years, I have held the position of teacher, counselor and student advisor. I am pro-union and I have been involved with the Wicomico County teachers’ union throughout my career which has enabled me to gain a wealth of information such as bargaining and negotiating for teacher and support staff benefits and taking part in budget and hearing meetings. I am in favor of fully funding the teachers.”
Diana Purnell:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
