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County Council Member · District 1 · Frederick 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 raceEric Smothers is a retired Maryland State Police paramedic currently serving as a Brunswick City Council member who is running for Frederick County Council District 1. At 62 years old, he brings 37 years of experience in law enforcement and rescue services to the campaign. He aims to attract new businesses, particularly light to moderate industry, while supporting fire and rescue services and improving county parks. Smothers also emphasizes preserving agriculture within the district. His candidacy includes a focus on proactive governance based on his background in emergency services.
Economic Development
Attracting new businesses to the county with a focus on light to moderate industry so local workers can live and work here.
“If elected, he said, he wants to look at attracting new businesses to the county, especially light to moderate industry, so the local workforce can both live here and work here.”
Public Safety
Supporting fire and rescue services.
“...supporting the fire and rescue service...”
Agriculture
Preserving agricultural land within the district.
“...preserving agriculture.”
Tax Policy
Exploring short-term and long-term tax incentives for businesses, especially small start-ups.
“He said he would like to explore short-term and long-term tax incentive for businesses, especially for small start-ups.”
Youth
Encouraging youth involvement in the volunteer fire service.
“...encourage youth involvement in the volunteer fire service.”
The Frederick News-Post reports that Smothers is one of three Democrats running for the Frederick County Council District 1 seat in the upcoming primary election. He previously served on the Brunswick City Council and worked as a paramedic with Maryland State Police where he helped establish an advanced life support program. External coverage highlights his volunteer history at the Brunswick Volunteer & Rescue Company, noting his current role as president of the company.
“If elected, he said, he wants to look at attracting new businesses to the county, especially light to moderate industry, so the local workforce can both live here and work here.”
Source“...supporting the fire and rescue service...”
Source“...preserving agriculture.”
Source“He said he would like to explore short-term and long-term tax incentive for businesses, especially for small start-ups.”
Source“...encourage youth involvement in the volunteer fire service.”
Source