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County Commissioner · District 2 · Saint Mary's County · 2026 Primary
This candidate has withdrawn. Information below reflects their filing at the time of withdrawal.
County Commissioners act as both the lawmaking body and the executive branch for their county, meaning they pass local ordinances and oversee all county departments. They are responsible for setting property tax rates and adopting the annual budget, which determines funding levels for essential services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency responders. Their decisions on land use and zoning also directly influence how your community grows and what types of businesses or housing can be built.
View all candidates in this raceArthur Shepherd is a 53-year-old resident of Leonardtown running for County Commissioner in District 2 of St. Mary’s County to succeed retiring Commissioner Mattingly. He has worked as a manager in the Department of Recreation and Parks for 31 years within the county government, where he credits his efforts with driving department growth. Shepherd previously served on the Commission on People with Disabilities from 1999 to 2006, chairing it during its final two years, and helped create the High Hopes for Everyone Awareness Day event. He emphasizes providing opportunities for youth and adults of all abilities while noting that St. Mary’s County remains a great place to live, work, raise a family, and retire. Both he and his wife Linda are active members at Leonardtown Baptist Church, and he graduated from Great Mills High in 1974 after attending local public schools.
Leadership and Integrity
Shepherd states that the county requires strong management and ethical governance during upcoming years.
“"In the coming years, the county needs strong leadership and management with integrity. That is something I can do and intend to use my skills to help the county through these times ahead."”
Inclusion and Accessibility
Shepherd focuses on providing opportunities for citizens of all abilities, drawing from his experience on the Commission on People with Disabilities.
“"Shepherd continues to believe it is important to provide opportunities to youth and adults of all abilities."”
Quality of Life
He views maintaining St. Mary’s County as a desirable community for various life stages as a key goal.
“"St. Mary’s County continues to be a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire."”
The BayNet reported on Shepherd's candidacy following a meeting where he discussed his background and vision for the office. External sources note that he is currently an employee of St. Mary’s County Government with 31 years of experience as a manager in Recreation and Parks. They highlight his history serving on the Commission on People with Disabilities and creating community awareness events prior to this run.
“"In the coming years, the county needs strong leadership and management with integrity."”
Source“"Shepherd continues to believe it is important to provide opportunities to youth and adults of all abilities."”
Source“"St. Mary’s County continues to be a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire."”
Source“"His efforts in St. Mary’s County with public recreation have given him a foundation of knowledge and insight that has prepared him for the County Commissioner office."”
Source