Commissioner candidates answer our questions about budget surpluses, top issues
Five Republicans and two Democrats are running for Washington County commissioner.
Currently, all five of the commissioners are Republicans. Three of them, Jeff Cline, Wayne Keefer and Randy Wagner, are on the November ballot. Terry Baker chose not to seek reelection, instead seeking a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates. Charlie Burkett lost in the primary.
The two other Republicans on the ballot are former commissioner John Barr and newcomer Derek Harvey.
From the Democratic Party, Sterling Sanders and Dave Williams are on the ballot.
Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the candidates for U.S. Senate
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, but early voting runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. A request for a mail-in ballot must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 1.
In early October, the Herald-Mail sent questionnaires to the candidates.
Included were basic biographical questions, as well as opportunities to list websites and social media accounts so voters can learn beyond just answers to the questions we asked.
Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets.
Republicans
John F. Barr
From: Clear Spring
Occupation: Electrician
Age as of Nov. 8: 69
Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnbarrWashCo/
Jeffrey A. Cline
From: Williamsport
Occupation: County commissioner
Age as of Nov. 8: 66
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068747146547
Derek Harvey
From: Smithsburg
Occupation: National security consultant
Age as of Nov. 8: 62
Campaign website: votederekharvey.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/votederekharvey
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/colonelderekharvey
Wayne Keefer
From: Hancock
Occupation: Financial controller, community banker; county commissioner
Age as of Nov. 8: 36
Campaign website: www.waynekeefer.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CitizensforWayneKeefer
Randall Wagner
From: Hagerstown
Occupation: County commissioner, Realtor
Age as of Nov. 8: 72
Campaign website: randallwagner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/randy.wagner.372
Instagram: @randywagner2534
Democrats
Sterling Sanders
From: Hagerstown
Occupation: Security officer
Age as of Nov. 8: 25
Campaign website: www.citizensforsterlingsanders.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sterlingsandersforwashingtoncounty
Dave Williams
From: Smithsburg
Occupation: Retired
Age as of Nov. 8: 67
Campaign website: electDaveW.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/electDaveWilliams
Surplus funds
In the rare occasions when Washington County has a budget surplus, what is your philosophy, generally, on what to do with that money?
Barr
One-third should be put in reserve for emergency and difficult times when tax revenue is not as anticipated. One-third should be used for current one-time capital improvement initiatives. The other one-third to insure public employees pensions/benefits and retention needs are fully covered.
Cline
Invest in our infrastructure: roads, bridges, water/sewer facilities, broadband, 911 Radio System. The County has over 900 miles of roads that need upgraded and using the surplus reduces the need to borrow. Paying down our overall debt service ... funding our employee pension and maintaining our reserve account (rainy day fund). By doing all of this Washington County's three AA Bond Ratings will be secured saving the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars from higher interest rates.
Harvey
Since the county already has a number of underfunded programs and obligations, I would prefer to target any “surplus” funds towards a number of partially funded or under funded areas to include farm land conservation, funding for police, fire and EMS; teacher salaries and schools; the maintenance of roads; drug abuse and mental health treatment, and finding a way to fund a targeted long-term senior citizen property tax freeze.
Keefer
Surpluses are not rare occasions at all. In fact, Washington County saw surpluses in the tens of millions of dollars each of the last three years, not including COVID funding. I cautioned about the rising tax revenue when I voted against the 2019 tax increase. What we tax — homes and income — has never been higher, and we had record tax revenues before the misguided tax increase. This tax surplus is overtaxation. Keep some for a rainy day (it's coming), but give some back to the taxpayer.
Wagner
County should always have a reserve available for emergency funding. Surplus will help maintain the County's AA+ bond rating. Surplus will be beneficial in assisting, first and foremost our First Responders along with our Non-profits and infrastructure needs. County did use surplus to reduce income tax and property tax.
Sanders
I personally believe that in the case of a budget surplus; money should be given back to the citizens.
Williams
In general, use surpluses for non-recurring expenses. Fund infrastructure projects selected from the 10-year capital improvement plan. Increase capital funding for school projects. Fully fund the local match to receive maximum state funding. Increase funding to buy easements to permanently protect farmland. Fully fund the local match to receive maximum state funding. Revisit general fund budget requests to find cuts that should be restored. Consider emergency needs arising post-budget process.
The No. 1 issue
What do you see as the single-most important issue facing Washington County over the next four years?
Barr
Building unity with local municipalities, fire rescue, School Board and Washington County’s position in relationship to the broader State of Maryland challenges.
Cline
Public Safety. Law enforcement, Fire & Rescue and especially EMS are in critical need of staffing. On the worst day of your life it is our "first responders" who are there to answer your call. Providing the necessary equipment, training and compensation will ensure our County to have safe communities. And an added benefit of attracting economic development.
Harvey
It is important that we find a way to protect the values, traditions, character, and history of Washington County while encouraging and managing economic growth. We need to wisely invest for the future while taking care of the needs of citizens today. I will provide strong, conservative leadership and management to make sure we remain fiscally responsible, efficient, and accountable to the public. I will collaborate with stakeholders to find solutions for the many challenges facing our county.
Keefer
The long anticipated needs of emergency services. In particular, Washington County Government taking on an increased responsibility and funding for emergency services, while supporting and assisting existing volunteer responders. We have taken strides, but more needs done. Another top level need to address is how dangerous I-81 has become with added warehouses and truck stops. This increased traffic makes our roads more unsafe.
Wagner
First Responders, Police, Fire and EMS.
Sanders
Over the next four years, I would say public safety is the single-most important issue. Whether we continue to develop housing or commercial structures or finally prioritize education or focus on money-saving initiatives, the largest concern will always be public safety in all aspects (crime, infrastructure, recruitment and retainment of police officers, properly funding fire & rescue services, etc.) As our population and employment opportunities grow, so will the concern for safety.
Williams
Leadership. Thoughtful, honest, proactive, decisive leadership. Leadership determines how successfully we deal with ALL issues. Leaders who consider differing viewpoints make the best decisions. When voters elect a bipartisan Board of County Commissioners, they not only guarantee differing viewpoints will be considered, they also add checks and balances, increase transparency, encourage commissioners to hold each other accountable, and in the end, make the best decisions possible for all issues.
Mike Lewis covers business, the economy and other issues. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MiLewis
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Washington County commissioner candidates talk budget surplus, issues
