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County Council Member · District 6 · Anne Arundel 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 raceJoe Toolan is a lifelong Anne Arundel County resident seeking election as County Council Member for District 6, emphasizing environmental stewardship, affordability, and inclusive growth. He grew up in Pasadena exploring the woods behind his home and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, and now lives in Annapolis after attending AACPS and the University of Maryland, College Park. Professionally, he has focused on environmental and social impact work at the Chesapeake Bay Trust and GreenLatinos, where he oversees nearly $100 million in grants supporting climate action and conservation. His community leadership includes serving as the first chair of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, chair of Annapolis Pride, and president of Adoptees with Guatemalan Roots. Toolan's platform centers on five areas: affordability, education, environment, public safety, and transparency in government spending to ensure residents thrive.
Sources: Campaign website
Affordability
Addressing economic pressures, inflation, and housing costs to ensure residents can live fully and authentically.
“"Anne Arundel County residents are feeling the pressures of the economy, job market, and inflation... I plan to: Improve zoning and permitting in Anne Arundel County, to ensure the implementation of mix-income and affordable housing development across the county... Find solutions to support residents to reduce costs for childcare, healthcare, and other necessities so everyone can live their lives fully and authentically."”
Education
Ensuring all students have resources regardless of background, supporting teachers with competitive salaries, and addressing aging infrastructure.
“"All students have every resource available to achieve academic excellence no matter their background... Our teachers are afforded competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, as well as reduced class sizes prioritizing retention, and Address the issues of aging infrastructure with buildings prioritizing safety, security, and technology integration."”
Environment
Co-creating nature-based solutions for stormwater runoff and sea level rise, increasing access to parks, and investing in clean energy.
“"Co-create nature based solutions with communities to address environmental challenges including, stormwater runoff, sea level rise, and tree equity in our district... Increase access to parks, water, recreation, and greenspace for everyone... Invest in sustainable clean energy programs to ensure homeowners and businesses have access to community driven solar and electric vehicle infrastructure."”
Public Safety
Protecting communities through policing models that meet residents where they are, ensuring immigrants feel protected, and investing in youth programming.
“"Ensure that our communities are protected through community policing, firefighting and EMT models... work to find common solutions, including ensuring immigrants feel protected and not surveilled... Invest in community programming that provides opportunities to young people, elders, and teens to feel safe and secure."”
Transparency and Accountability
Making budget decisions transparent on real impacts and implementing a holistic strategy for long-term financial health.
“"Budget decisions will be made with transparency on the real impacts to our residents... Review and implement a holistic strategy to ensure long-term financial health and resilience to economic shocks and the challenges our county may face in the future."”
The Eye On Annapolis article reports that Toolan has entered the race for District 6, emphasizing environmental stewardship, affordability, and inclusive growth. It notes his background as a lifelong resident who grew up in Pasadena and now lives in Annapolis, highlighting his experience at Chesapeake Bay Trust and GreenLatinos where he managed nearly $100 million in grants. The coverage also details his community leadership roles, including serving as the first chair of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs and chair of Annapolis Pride.
“"All students have every resource available to achieve academic excellence no matter their background..."”
Source“"Improve zoning and permitting in Anne Arundel County, to ensure the implementation of mix-income and affordable housing development across the county"”
Source“"Ensure that our communities are protected through community policing... work to find common solutions, including ensuring immigrants feel protected and not surveilled"”
Source“"Co-create nature based solutions with communities to address environmental challenges including, stormwater runoff, sea level rise... Invest in sustainable clean energy programs"”
Source“"Budget decisions will be made with transparency on the real impacts to our residents... Review and implement a holistic strategy to ensure long-term financial health"”
Source“"work to find common solutions, including ensuring immigrants feel protected and not surveilled"”
Source“"Address the issues of aging infrastructure with buildings prioritizing safety... Energy bills are higher due to outdated infrastructure"”
Source“"Find solutions to support residents to reduce costs for childcare, healthcare, and other necessities"”
Source