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County Council Member · Talbot 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 raceFrank Gunsallus is running for Talbot County Council Member, drawing on his experience as former President of the Easton Town Council and current Business Operations Consultant. He describes himself as a 'Proven Public Servant' with deep community roots, having graduated from Easton High School in 2006 and returned permanently to live in the county in 2016 after teaching English abroad. Currently active on the Executive Committee of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce and President of the Easton Rotary Club, he emphasizes a platform built on fiscal prudence, common-sense governance, and protecting the quality of life for his family and residents. His candidacy is driven by a desire to ensure stable tax rates, fully fund first responders, and preserve local control over environmental health decisions without undue regulatory burden.
Sources: Campaign website
Fiscal Policy
Gunsallus commits to reviewing every line item of the county budget to root out waste and ensure stable tax rates for homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes, and local businesses.
“"Spending Control is Tax Control: I will meticulously review every line item of the county budget to root out waste... Stable Tax Rates: My goal is to hold the line on tax rates and provide stability and predictability for homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes, and local businesses."”
Public Safety
He prioritizes fully funding and supporting the Talbot County Sheriff's Office, EMS, and Volunteer Fire Departments as a non-negotiable requirement for safety.
“"Safety in Our Neighborhoods: As a parent, funding for our Sheriff's Office and first responders is non-negotiable. Our families deserves the security that comes from fully supported public safety."”
Infrastructure
Gunsallus advocates ensuring roads, bridges, and critical services are properly maintained and future-proofed as a basic government responsibility.
“"Infrastructure Essentials: Ensuring our roads, bridges, and critical services are properly maintained and future-proofed. This is basic government responsibility that directly impacts safety and commerce."”
“"I believe that government should live within its means, just like every family and small business in Talbot County."”
Source“"Fully funding and supporting the Talbot County Sheriff's Office, EMS, and Volunteer Fire Departments is my highest priority."”
Source“"I want to ensure that our county's education system is fiscally responsible and focused on delivering the best results in the classroom for our children."”
Source“"We must protect our precious land and water with practical, locally-driven conservation efforts."”
Source“"Ensuring our roads, bridges, and critical services are properly maintained and future-proofed."”
Source“"My goal is to hold the line on tax rates... for homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes, and local businesses."”
Source“"I will advocate for policies that create a favorable business environment (not tax incentives) to naturally grow the county's tax base."”
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