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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Charles County Commissioner District 3

DUTIES: Charles County is governed by a board of five County Commissioners. Their duties include raising the revenues to fund the capital and operating budgets of county departments and agencies, providing for the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the county, adopting and updating the Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and overseeing the development process. The President presides at meetings and hearings of the Commissioners. The President is the only full-time position.TERM: Four years. Limited to two (2) consecutive or non-consecutive terms.SALARY: Effective Dec. 1, 2026, the commission president’s salary will be $66,117, and the county commissioners' salaries will be $54,555.HOW ELECTED: The president is elected at large by all voters in the county. The four district commissioners are elected by a plurality of voters in their district and must live in the district.

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  • Candidate picture

    Julian D. Clark
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    James F. Wade, Sr.
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    McKayla Wilkes
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

BUDGET: What are your top three fiscal priorities for the County and why?

LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT: What specific policies will you support regarding preservation, future development, and necessary infrastructure?

ECONOMY: What three steps can the County take to best encourage economic development and job growth, and what steps will you take to implement them?

AFFORDABILITY: What specific steps will you take to make living in the County more affordable?

HOUSING: What actions will you take to ensure the availability of adequate workforce housing in the County?

QUALIFICATIONS: What else would you like the voters to know about you?

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Campaign Website http://www.votejameswade.com
Campaign Phone 2404017429
Campaign Instagram @VoteforJamesWade
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 582
Waldorf, MD 20602
My top fiscal priorities are responsible growth, strong public safety, and quality education. I believe in protecting taxpayers by using grants, reducing debt, and investing in the infrastructure families rely on, including schools, roads, water systems, and emergency services. As our county grows, we must manage resources wisely so every community benefits and our quality of life is preserved.
I support growth that reflects our values of stewardship and community balance. Development must match the capacity of our roads, schools, and public safety. We must protect rural and agricultural land, strengthen environmental safeguards, and focus new growth in established areas like Waldorf. Smart planning allows us to expand opportunity while preserving the character and quality of life that define Charles County.
To strengthen our economy, I will streamline permitting, expand workforce training, and invest in infrastructure that supports local businesses. I have organized job fairs and resource events to connect residents with opportunities, and I will continue partnering with employers and educators to build career pathways. A strong local economy keeps families working, thriving, and rooted in our community.
Keeping Charles County affordable means expanding workforce housing, maintaining stable taxes, and growing our commercial base so homeowners are not overburdened. I believe families should be able to live, work, and build their future here. By supporting local jobs and improving infrastructure, we can reduce long commutes and help residents keep more of their income in the community they call home.
I will support zoning updates that allow diverse housing options, streamline approvals, and use incentives and partnerships to expand workforce housing. Teachers, first responders, and young families should be able to live in the community they serve. Expanding attainable housing strengthens our workforce and keeps our county inclusive and sustainable.
I have spent more than forty years serving my country and community as a soldier, federal leader, and advocate for veterans and families. I am running to continue that service with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to responsible growth. My priorities include strong infrastructure, economic opportunity, public safety, and education so every family in District 3 can thrive.
Campaign Website http://www.MckaylaWilkes.org
Campaign Email info@MckaylaWilkes.org
Campaign Instagram @MeetMckayla
Campaign Mailing Address 150 Post Office Rd
Waldorf, MD 20601
My top fiscal priorities for Charles County are keeping housing and utilities affordable so residents are not overburdened, fully funding public schools using sustainable revenue sources like cannabis taxes instead of over-relying on property taxes, and pausing data center zoning changes until community-informed plans ensure growth does not harm infrastructure, the environment, or quality of life while focusing on smart, sustainable development.
I support expanding conservation districts to protect natural resources and preserve community character. Growth must be guided to respect the environment and maintain quality of life. I back sustainable development that aligns with roads, schools, utilities, and public services. Developers should fairly fund needed infrastructure while safeguards ensure costs are not passed to renters and homeowners, promoting balanced growth for the county’s future.
I would support local small businesses by cutting red tape and expanding access to grants and loans, invest in workforce development by partnering with schools, community colleges, and employers to prepare residents for good paying jobs, and promote intentional, sustainable growth that creates opportunities without straining infrastructure or harming the environment, building a stronger economy for everyone.
I support countywide rent stabilization to prevent sudden increases, expanding access to accessory dwelling units for flexible, lower cost housing, reevaluating deferred water and sewer policies to avoid unexpected expenses, and holding utilities accountable while working with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative to keep energy costs manageable. Affordability requires easing the full burden on residents.
I support expanding housing choices, including workforce housing and accessory dwelling units, providing options beyond large single-family homes. New development should be balanced with infrastructure, and developers should pay their fair share without passing costs to residents. Policies like rent stabilization and tenant protections will help preserve homes and prevent displacement, keeping our community sustainable.
I have spent years working alongside working-class families, listening to their challenges and helping turn their needs into real policy at the state level. Through advocacy and coalition work, I have seen how government can make a difference. As commissioner, I will bring that hands-on experience to Charles County, empower communities, amplify resident voices, and ensure our growth and decisions benefit everyone, not just a few.