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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Saint Mary's County Commissioner District 3

DUTIES: The Board of County Commissioners is the governing body of St. Mary’s County. The Board exercises both executive and legislative powers granted to it by the laws of Maryland, though the Maryland General Assembly retains power to adopt laws applying specifically to St. Mary’s County. The Commissioners review and approve annual budgets, conduct public hearings, appoint members of boards and committees, and serve as the county’s chief elected officials in dealing with other counties and the state government. They also appoint a County Administrator who oversees the work of county agencies.TERM: Four years. Limit of three consecutive terms.SALARY: $50,000 (2023)HOW ELECTED: Five County Commissioners are elected by the voters of the entire County; one is to be elected from the First Commissioner District, one from the Second Commissioner District, one from the Third Commissioner District and one from the Fourth Commissioner District. The fifth Commissioner, who will be President of the Board, will run at large.

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  • Candidate picture

    Joshua Kyte
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    John O'Connor
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: How do your skills, experience, and/or accomplishments support your candidacy for this office?

GOALS: What are your specific goals for this term in office and what, if any, challenges do you foresee?

EMPLOYMENT: What steps should the county government take to encourage economic development and job growth and what steps would you take to implement them?

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: What specific ideas do you have to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing and to preserve existing affordable housing?

DEVELOPMENT: What specific policies would you support regarding preservation, future development, and necessary infrastructure?

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

PRIORITIES: What other issues are priorities for you?

I was born and raised in St. Mary’s County, so I care a lot about where this county is headed. I’ve spent my life here, which has given me a good understanding of the challenges our community faces and what people here care about. Through my work, I’ve learned how to solve problems, work with different people, and make practical decisions. I believe in listening to residents and making sure taxpayer money is spent correctly. I want to do my part to help St. Mary's County stay St. Mary’s County.
My goals are to make sure county government spends taxpayer money responsibly, plans for the future, and manages growth in a way that makes sense for our community. I want to make sure the people of St. Mary’s County are being heard and that decisions reflect what residents actually want. One of the biggest challenges will be balancing growth while still protecting the character of our county and planning ahead for schools, roads, and public safety.
I think the county’s job is to create the right environment for businesses to grow and create good jobs here. That means investing in infrastructure, supporting our local and small businesses, and working with our schools and workforce programs so people have the skills employers are looking for. We also need a permitting process that’s clear and efficient so projects don’t get stuck in unnecessary delays. That way we can grow our economy while still protecting the character of St. Mary’s County
We need to make sure people who live and work in St. Mary’s County can actually afford to live here. That means planning growth in a way that includes a mix of housing options, not just one type of development. The county should also make sure the permitting and approval process is clear and efficient so projects don’t get unnecessarily delayed. At the same time, we should look for ways to preserve existing affordable housing so longtime residents aren’t pushed out of their communities.
Growth in St. Mary’s County needs to be planned and done the right way. I support protecting our rural areas and natural resources while focusing development in places where infrastructure can support it. At the same time, we need to make sure roads, schools, and public services keep up with that growth. If we’re going to grow, we need to do it responsibly and with a plan that protects the character of our county.
My top priorities are making sure taxpayer money is spent responsibly, keeping up with infrastructure like roads and schools, and making sure our public safety services have what they need to do their jobs. County government should focus on the basics and plan ahead so we’re not creating bigger problems down the road. We need to be smart about how we spend money while still making the investments our community needs.
Another priority for me is making sure county government is actually listening to the people who live here. Too often people feel like decisions are made without their input. I also think we need to keep focusing on responsible growth and long-term planning so we’re not just reacting to problems later. My goal is to help make sure St. Mary’s County stays a great place to live for the next generation.
Campaign Website http://JEOConnor.com
Campaign Phone 2402983999
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 822
Mechanicsville, MD 20650
I bring over 25 years of experience across federal, county, and municipal government, with a proven record of delivering results. I am a highly decorated U.S. Army Combat veteran and a public servant who has led complex initiatives, secured funding, and strengthened public safety and infrastructure. As a small business owner and community leader, I bring accountability, transparency, and a results-driven approach to serve St. Mary’s County.
My goals are to cut waste, lower taxes, and make government live within its means while delivering core services effectively. I will prioritize public safety, fix failing infrastructure, and stop overdevelopment that strains our roads, schools, and quality of life. I will demand accountability and transparency at every level.

The biggest challenges are runaway spending, growth pressures, and a government that has grown too comfortable without results.
The county must get out of its own way by cutting red tape, speeding up permitting, and creating a predictable, business-friendly environment. We should lower unnecessary fees, support small businesses, and target industries that bring real jobs, not just more traffic and strain on services.

I will push for streamlined processes, hold departments accountable for delays, and ensure economic growth is driven by opportunity, not bureaucracy.
Affordable housing does not mean government-subsidized housing. We need to increase attainable, market-driven housing options without overbuilding or lowering standards. That means cutting unnecessary regulations, speeding up approvals, and encouraging responsible redevelopment of underused properties.

We should support workforce housing for teachers, deputies, and working families while protecting existing neighborhoods. Preserving housing starts with maintaining what we have
I support policies that protect our rural character, preserve open space, and prevent overdevelopment. New development should not move forward unless roads, schools, and public safety can handle it.

I will support developer-funded improvements, enforce existing zoning, and prioritize redevelopment of existing properties over expansion into undeveloped areas. Development should strengthen our community—not strain it
My top priorities are cutting wasteful spending, lowering the tax burden, and restoring fiscal discipline. The County has been borrowing millions for unnecessary infrastructure while also increasing taxes, which is unacceptable.

I will require a clear justification for capital projects and refocus spending on core services like public safety and the maintenance of existing infrastructure. We must live within our means and stop passing costs onto taxpayers.
My priorities include strengthening core services, protecting property rights, and preserving the quality of life in our communities. I am focused on making sure the government stays within its proper role and works for the people, not the other way around.

I will not support unfunded state mandates being pushed onto the County. The State should not balance its budget on the backs of St. Mary’s residents or shift blame to local governments for its failures.