Wicomico County Executive: Meet the candidates primary election 2022
What do those running for election for the Wicomico County Executive have to say about the county's top issues?
What about their pitches for why they are the best person for the position?
Delmarva Now/The Daily Times sent questionnaires to each Republican and Democratic candidate seeking election to Wicomico County Executive.
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. Their answers are published unedited.
The questionnaire were emailed in mid-June, with additional attempts to reach those who did not list an email address on their filing paperwork. Those who didn't answer by June 29 are listed below as "Did not respond."
In the primary race for Wicomico County Executive, Republican voters will decide between two candidates. Candidates' answers to our Q&A appear below biographical information:
WHO IS RUNNING
Republican
Julie Giordano
Age: 40
Twitter: @giordano4CE
Online: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076140556402
Occupation: Teacher
Primary residence: Hebron
John Psota
Age: 59
Online: https://www.countyexecutivepsota.com/ facebook.com/John-Psota-for-County-Executive-103927275442644/
Occupation: Acting County Executive & Director of Administration
Primary residence: I reside in the county, and do not live within the corporate limits of a municipality
Democrat
Ernest Davis
(unopposed in Primary)
Age: 58
Occupation: Self Employed-Transportation
Primary residence: Salisbury
Libertarian
Muir Boda
(Nominated by party to appear in the general election only)
Q&A
What makes you the best candidate for this office?
Giordano: I am the best candidate for this position because I bring forth a unique set of skills that no other candidate possesses. I have experience in the private sector as a human resources manager and events coordinator, but most importantly in the public sector as a 17-year veteran teacher. I have also formed a great rapport with our state and local leaders. I have a vision for our county and want us to thrive and prosper.
Psota: As Acting County Executive and Director of Administration with seven years prior experience as City Manager of the county's 2nd largest municipality, and as a 25-year veteran of the Maryland State Police, I have an understanding of how to efficiently and effectively provide government services to our citizens. I am proud of my record of leading the county government people expect and deserve by managing public resources, addressing concerns, investing in our future and keeping Wicomico County safe.
Davis: Lifelong resident of Wicomico County. Created and maintained two businesses in Wicomico. Democratic Central Comm. 2010-2014. County Council 2014-2022, VP 2022. School board building committee 2018-2022, LMB, 2014-2022. I have been able to work with all parties on council. I have a good vision on how the county government works. I have been around long enough to see what it will take to move forward on the issues facing our county.
What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?
Giordano: The top issue is the lack of leadership. We have had a stagnant administration for 18 months. This has led the executive office to a major disconnect with not only the state leaders, but also the town municipalities, first responders and county citizens. We have over 80 vacancies, underpaid employees, and a lack a vision for growth and development. My plans to address this issue are to be actively involved in our county and improve relationships with local and state officials.
Psota: Recruitment and retention is a major issue. An organization is propelled by the quality and dedication of its people. This is true for all county departments, particularly with regard to our public safety personnel. A negotiated three-year agreement with our deputies increased salaries and benefits by $1 million annually. We also implemented retention and signing bonuses for correctional officers and 911 communication specialists. A salary study was implemented across all other county positions.
Davis: Broadband, water, sewer, attract, compensate and retain government employees and educators, Promote economic development. Advertise to fill all the vacate government vacancies, which would include a grant writer. Create a Sanitation Deparment with a director so they can head the development of the water and sewer plan. With the new grant writer, go and obtain any and all federal funding for broadband and water and sewer. Work close with the school system to retain teachers
What steps would you take to increase transparency in your office?
Giordano: One major step would be an an increase in communication. The Executive Office should be in consistent communication with state and local officials. We will also be an active administration, keeping the media and county citizens informed through improved social media presence and press releases. Lastly, I would like to travel the county with my department heads, hosting town halls. Citizens could attend and ask questions directly. We want to improve civic engagement.
Psota: Transparency is a priority. Under my leadership, we have refreshed the county website to make it easier to find information, and we are currently updating an accounting transparency portal to ensure the most current data is available. I also increased cooperation with the county’s internal auditor and fully support the anonymous hotline reporting system established for employees to report potential fraud, compliance and ethics issues.
Davis: Keep the County Council updated on projects that my office is working on, so they don't get broadsided with anything that is brought before them.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Wicomico County Executive: Meet the candidates primary election 2022
