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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Harford County Executive

DUTIES: The County Executive is the chief administrative officer of the county. The County Executive provides executive direction to all county departments and proposes plans, programs, budgets, policies and legislation to the County Council. SALARY: $105,136. TERM: 4 years. No term limit. HOW ELECTED: Countywide.

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  • Candidate picture

    Matthew J. Brown
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Bob Cassilly
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Spencer D. Dagner
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Barbara Osborn Kreamer
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Patrick Vincenti
    (Rep)

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?

Campaign Phone 4103228332
Campaign Twitter Handle @Matthew Brown
Harford County’s long-term fiscal health depends on three core priorities: strengthening the county’s revenue structure, maintaining a stable and effective school budget, and responsibly managing the county’s operating budget. These three areas are interconnected, and together they determine whether the county can provide reliable services, maintain affordability for residents, and prepare for future growth.
Land use and development decisions shape the long-term character, affordability, and economic stability of Harford County. My approach focuses on balancing three priorities: preserving the rural and natural character that residents value, encouraging responsible development in appropriate areas, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth. When these elements are aligned, the county can grow sustainably without placing unnecessary strain on communities or public services.
Three steps the County can take to encourage economic development and job growth are modernizing zoning, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening workforce partnerships. Updating zoning in commercial corridors can attract new businesses by allowing more efficient use of land. Strategic infrastructure improvements support economic activity and accessibility. Partnering with schools and local employers can align workforce training with the needs of growing industries.
I will focus on lowering long-term cost pressures by diversifying the County’s revenue base so homeowners are not carrying the entire tax burden. Encouraging responsible commercial growth can increase revenue without raising tax rates. I will also prioritize infrastructure investments that improve mobility and economic opportunity, support strong public schools, and promote smart land use that balances preservation with sustainable development.
I support responsible housing policies that ensure workers can afford to live in the communities they serve. This includes encouraging mixed-use development in appropriate commercial corridors, promoting workforce housing incentives, and aligning zoning with infrastructure so growth occurs where services already exist. The goal is to expand housing options while preserving rural areas and maintaining the quality of life residents expect.
I bring experience working directly in our public schools and in operational leadership roles where accountability and teamwork matter. I believe local government should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term politics. My goal is to make Harford County more affordable, economically competitive, and better prepared for the future while ensuring residents feel heard and represented.
Campaign Email BobCassilly@Verizon.net
Campaign Mailing Address 112 E Broadway
Bel Air, MD 21014
Public Safety - Funding for police, ambulance, and fire. Education - Provide adequate funding for our outstanding school teachers. Highways - Our roadways are far too dangerous and packed.
I have fully supported our all important agricultural preservation program and will continue to do so. I have invested in preserving open space and our parks. We must not expand the development envelope.
Our work force is our future economy. We must continue to invest in our work force at the high school, college, and beyond. I am working with HCC to open a new work force development center in Aberdeen to ensure that our work force is prepared to meet the jobs of the future. I am working closely with Aberdeen Proving Ground, our number one employer to expand opportunities for well paying jobs. My administration is supporting small and medium businesses through a number or programs.
We continue to provide substantial assistance to first time homebuyers so they can cover down payment costs. Numerous improvements to our public transportation system make it far more user friendly. We must continue to develop a workforce that is able to perform the well paying jobs available in our county.
I will continue our current programs that provide housing assistance to low income workers.
I am a lifelong resident of our county. My wife and I have been married for 45 years. I am a war veteran, awarded the Bronze Star for service in Iraq. I served 8 very impactful years in the Maryland Senate.
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Campaign Phone 410-272-3831
Education is top priority for county budget. When a council member for District E, dramatically increased schools' budget share. Needs to be done now. Administration is my #2 priority. While not the second largest number, my supervision would be direct; I would ensure the permits process is efficient, honest & swift, the building & plumbing inspections are careful, prompt & thorough & the procurement process is savvy & incorruptible. Public safety, #2 $ amount, is key; my oversight paramount.
I support land preservation, especially wooded areas, through MD Project Open Space, County Parks and Recreation and the Harford Land Trust. My top priority is preservation in the Development Envelope. The Development Envelope needs some expansion where public water & sewer can be secured. The Churchville bottleneck of Route 22 must be addressed. A by-pass is long overdue. Weekend rail service by the MARC train is necessary infrastructure improvement. Weekend intra-county bus service is needed.
Develop employability certification to bolster respect for high school diplomas; foster business incubators in underused retail space (like Harford Family House for housing); develop Chambers of Commerce partnerships with high schools; protect the environment to maintain quality of life features so executives will bring growing companies to Harford.
Increase transit network; more nodes of bus routes inside County (not just Aberdeen train station & Harford Mall); tighten cable company regulation; promote energy-saving in heating & cooling with incentives since federal government is pulling back. With state partners, crack down on car insurance scalping.
Provide incentives for grocers and fast food purveyors to provide dormitories for workers (like the Army's BOQ's); offer roommate/housemate screening to citizens with space in their homes; supplement state first-time homebuyers program funds for first responders & teachers; foster rent stabilization.
Exper'd, pro-choice legislator. Chaired House of Delegates Procurement committee & rep'd County Council to Board of Estimates: prepared 4 wise spending. Two 4-yr terms in Hse of Delegates, a 4-yr term as County Council Member & 28 yrs on State Democratic Central Committee (volunteer) plus 8 yrs MD Comm'n 4 Women (volunteer) = servant leadership. Passed state overhaul 4 comparable worth (pay equity); alt programs 4 disruptive youth, ended corporal punishment in schools, banned alcohol 2 minors.
Harford County is a great place to live, learn, work and raise a family. Investing in our children's future through education, providing the best public safety for our communities and supporting a strong economy are my continued top fiscal priorities, all while continuing to preserve the great amenities that we have here in Harford County.
I will continue to support a balanced approach to land use and development. I am a strong supporter of Agricultural Preservation and organizations like Harford Land Trust and deeply care about preserving our open green spaces. This, balanced with informed investments in infrastructure and growth - where it was designed to be - will allow our county to continue to thrive.
Harford County should continue to support our largest employer, Aberdeen Proving Ground, both inside and outside the gate, by working with our local state and federal partners. This will ensure we maintain the positive economic impact this installation has on our economy. We need to continue to support our healthcare community and educational institutions by advocating for enhanced workforce training, as well as support our non-profits and tourism sectors to assure a diversified economy.
I will continue to hold the line of taxes and fees as many of our Harford County residents are on fixed incomes.
I believe everyone should have the opportunity to own their own home. Through expanding access to first-time buyer education programs and other partnerships, along with enhancing job opportunities with higher earning potential, in our County, we can make sure that the next generation is afforded the American dream.
As a lifelong resident of Harford County, small business owner and non-profit volunteer, I believe great communities are built on strong schools, safe neighborhoods, thriving local economies, and the preservation of our rural roots. As Harford County grows, I am focused on balanced, common-sense solutions that keep our quality of life front and center – now and for generations to come.