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County Council Member · District 7 · Baltimore County · 2026 Primary
County Council Members serve as the legislative branch of county government, passing local laws and approving the annual budget that funds public schools, roads, and emergency services. They set local tax rates and make final decisions on land use and zoning, which determines where new homes and businesses can be built. This office is responsible for prioritizing how your tax dollars are spent and managing the long-term growth and infrastructure of your community.
View all candidates in this raceDavid Marks is a Baltimore County Councilman representing District 7 who has served on the council since at least 2012 and identifies as the first special educator ever elected to the position. A lifelong resident of Kingsville, he graduated from Perry Hall High School in 1991 and holds a master's degree in public policy from Johns Hopkins University, having previously worked for the Federal Highway Administration and Maryland Department of Transportation. His campaign emphasizes bipartisan leadership that puts communities first, citing endorsements from unions representing police, firefighters, teachers, as well as the Sierra Club. Marks focuses on defending the rural north against overdevelopment by protecting the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line, strengthening schools including aging high schools, ensuring public safety for first responders, and reducing the cost of living through fiscal reform.
Sources: Campaign website
Land Use and Environment
Protecting farms, forests, waterways, and reservoirs by opposing overdevelopment in the rural north and supporting charter changes to protect farmland.
“"Since 1967, the Urban–Rural Demarcation Line has directed growth toward areas with existing infrastructure. This boundary protects our reservoirs... David Marks championed a change to our county charter that will protect our farms and reservoirs. He proudly supports Question A."”
Public Safety
Ensuring first responders have necessary tools, filling vacancies in police and fire departments, and modernizing policing without crippling law enforcement.
“"Government's top priority must be protecting its citizens—period. Baltimore County must focus on filling vacancies in the Fire and Police Departments and ensuring that first responders have the tools they need to keep our communities safe."”
Education
Prioritizing improvements at aging high schools, supporting teachers and students, and securing funding for new elementary and middle schools.
“"As the first special educator ever elected to the Baltimore County Council, David Marks understands the need to always support teachers, parents, and students... The next step is to prioritize our aging high schools, including Loch Raven, Overlea, and Perry Hall High Schools."”
Fiscal Policy
Opposing tax rate hikes and seeking ways to make life more affordable for residents struggling with the cost of living.
“"Councilman Marks has consistently opposed tax rate hikes... Baltimore County must do everything in its power to make everyday life more affordable for its residents."”
Infrastructure and Government Reform
Improving neighborhood maintenance like potholes and abandoned homes, reforming the inefficient permitting process, and completing stalled capital projects.
“"Baltimore County's permitting process is notoriously inefficient... The county should move toward a concurrent permitting system in which multiple agencies work together to identify potential issues."”
“"In 2017, the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy recognized David Marks as one of their 'Heroes of the Green,' and The Baltimore Banner has called David Marks 'an ardent environmentalist committed to conservation.'"”
Source“"David Marks is not just a public school graduate and Baltimore County Public Schools parent; he's also the first Councilmember to work as a special educator."”
Source“"David Marks has been endorsed by Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 and the Baltimore County Professional Firefighters Association in every election."”
Source“"Downzoned more land than any other Councilman in Baltimore County history, creating zoning that has protected more than 4,000 acres from development."”
Source“"Councilman Marks has consistently opposed tax rate hikes... He will continue to look for ways to make life more affordable for every Baltimore Countian."”
Source“"David Marks secured funding for the Honeygo Boulevard traffic circle and the Gerst Road Park in Perry Hall, and he will work with the new County Executive to complete these projects that have been slowed down in the county bureaucracy."”
Source“"Baltimore County must have a culture that treats everyone with respect and gets things done — faster, more affordably, and better."”
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