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County Commissioner · District 6 · Worcester County · 2026 Primary
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 raceLou Taylor is a 65-year-old retired Superintendent of Schools for Worcester County Public Schools who filed to run for District 6 County Commissioner in Bishopville after retiring in June 2025 following a 41-year career in public education. He previously served as Principal of Stephen Decatur High School for 17 years (1995–2012) and earned Maryland Principal of the Year honors in 1998-1999, while also holding numerous board positions including Worcester County Education Foundation founder, Atlantic General Hospital Board Chairman, and Salisbury University Foundation member. Beyond his educational leadership, Taylor served on the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals from 2006–2009 and co-owns two family businesses as an entrepreneur. Running for Commissioner in District 6, he emphasizes intergovernmental collaboration with Ocean City which generates approximately 60% of the county's tax base, public safety improvements through competitive salaries and modern equipment, education quality supporting academic and career training, economic growth including affordable housing, and opposes offshore wind turbines based on aesthetic, environmental, and national security concerns.
Sources: Campaign website
"Together, we can support practical leadership that understands the area's needs and is committed to shaping a stronger future for District 6."
"My leadership roles within the Worcester County school system for 41 years required me to be an effective communicator and a good listener; I am committed to using these skills to listen to all residents and make decisions that benefit our entire county."
"I recognize the need for better communication between the County Commissioners and the Town of Ocean City, which generates approximately 60% of the county's tax base."
"I oppose wind turbines due to aesthetic concerns, environmental safety, and national security issues raised in local and national discussions. To date, I have not been approached by any resident who supports them."
Source: vote4blt.com
Education
Maintain a high-quality education system that supports academic, technical, and career training to prepare all students to become successful citizens.
“"I will work to maintain a high-quality education system that supports academic, technical, and career training to prepare all students to become successful citizens."”
Public Safety
Strengthen public safety by ensuring competitive salaries and modern equipment for law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS with well-trained professionals and high retention rates.
“"I am committed to strengthening public safety by ensuring competitive salaries and modern equipment for law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS. Our unique mix of resort and rural areas requires well-trained professionals and high retention rates."”
Economic Development
Improved strategic planning to promote affordable housing and job creation with particular concern about addressing urban sprawl along the 589 corridor regarding traffic and safety.
“"We need improved strategic planning to promote affordable housing and job creation. I am particularly concerned with addressing urban sprawl along the 589 corridor, specifically regarding traffic and safety, and streamlining our licensing and permit processes."”
Intergovernmental Collaboration
Better communication between County Commissioners and Town of Ocean City which generates approximately 60% of the county's tax base.
“"I recognize the need for better communication between the County Commissioners and the Town of Ocean City, which generates approximately 60% of the county's tax base."”
Environment
Opposes wind turbines due to aesthetic concerns, environmental safety, and national security issues raised in local and national discussions.
“"I oppose wind turbines due to aesthetic concerns, environmental safety, and national security issues raised in local and national discussions. To date, I have not been approached by any resident who supports them."”
OC Today Dispatch reports Taylor filed his candidacy paperwork at the Board of Elections in Snow Hill on November 4, 2026, expressing that community members encouraged him to consider public office after retiring from education. The article notes he wants Worcester County to move "in the right direction" and plans to focus on law enforcement staffing, offshore wind issues, sewerage system concerns, and improving commissioners' relationship with Ocean City officials which Taylor describes as "the goose that lays the golden egg for this county."
“"I will work to maintain a high-quality education system that supports academic, technical, and career training to prepare all students to become successful citizens."”
Source“"I am committed to strengthening public safety by ensuring competitive salaries and modern equipment for law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS."”
Source“"We need improved strategic planning to promote affordable housing and job creation. I am particularly concerned with addressing urban sprawl along the 589 corridor, specifically regarding traffic and safety."”
Source“"I don't think presently, the (commissioners) as a whole have been very cooperative with Ocean City. Without Ocean City, Worcester County would really struggle in a lot of ways."”
Source“"I oppose wind turbines due to aesthetic concerns, environmental safety, and national security issues raised in local and national discussions."”
Source