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County Council Member · District 7 · Wicomico 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 raceMegan Outten is a lifelong resident of Wicomico County who grew up spending summers with her grandfather on the Wicomico River and going on bike rides to find honeysuckles in Fruitland. She graduated from Parkside High School, earned a degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from Salisbury University, and is currently pursuing an MBA. Outten was appointed to serve on the Salisbury City Council in 2023 representing District 3, where she worked to deliver community-driven results including helping pass the Eastern Shore's first municipal labor code. She now serves as Chair of the Wicomico County Commission for Women and remains active with organizations like the Salisbury Jaycees, Friends of the Library Foundation, Kind SBY, and Blending Cultures Society. Her campaign focuses on shifting away from reactive government toward proactive planning across schools, infrastructure, housing, waterways, public safety, and economic development.
Sources: Campaign website
I'm not running because it's politically convenient. I'm running because this is home.
Service isn't just politics in my family. It's how you belong to a place. It's how you prove you care.
This campaign is not mine. It's ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.
For me, leadership is not a title; it's continuously showing up for your community again and again.
Source: meganoutten.com
Education
Fully fund Wicomico schools by increasing county allocation to restore decades of underfunding. Treat schools as core infrastructure essential as roads, bridges, and broadband. Support school safety with practical cost-efficient solutions. Retain educators with fair pay, better resources, and professional support.
“Wicomico County is the fastest-growing school system on the Eastern Shore, and our resources have not kept pace with this growth. In FY 2025, Wicomico ranked last out of Maryland's 24 counties in local per-pupil funding for education.”
Infrastructure
Implement infrastructure strategy that plans ahead instead of reacting to crises. Develop long-term waste management plan and extend landfill life. Update and finish Wicomico's Water & Sewer Masterplan with sanitary district to extend sewer access into rural areas.
“For too long, Wicomico has managed its infrastructure by reacting to crises instead of planning ahead. From the landfill reaching capacity to rural communities struggling with failing septic systems, residents are left frustrated and footing the bill for poor planning.”
Housing
Incentive diverse housing options including affordable rentals, starter homes for young families, and mixed-use communities for seniors. Expand opportunities for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Focus development in areas with sewer/water access to reduce urban sprawl.
“Wicomico is facing a housing crisis that affects every generation. Young adults need affordable homes and rental options, and our aging population deserves diverse housing choices that allow them to remain in the communities they've always called home.”
Environment
Invest in flooding & shoreline resilience through community-based long-term planning including shoreline stabilization and stormwater system upgrades. Proactively address TCE and PFAS contamination by expanding water quality testing.
“Protecting Wicomico's rivers, farms, and open spaces requires proactive planning, responsible river maintenance, and transparent community involvement.”
Public Safety
Maintain staffing and equipment for fire, EMS, and law enforcement. Develop long-term plan to support both volunteer and career fire service members with fair funding. Address dwindling volunteer recruitment by exploring stipends, tax credits, or benefits.
“Too many of our volunteer fire companies are stretched thin, operating with limited manpower and resources.”
Economic Development
Build economic opportunity leveraging Wicomico's second largest port in Maryland, airport, major highways, rail access. Invest in workforce development.
“Wicomico has always been the economic heart of the Lower Shore: with the second largest port in Maryland, an airport, major highways, rail access,”
Common Sense Eastern Shore reported that Outten kicked off her District 7 campaign on October 4, 2025 at Salisbury's Historic Poplar Hill Mansion before nearly 100 supporters who also helped pack care kits. AFSCME Local 3 representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council and credited her with helping pass the Eastern Shore's first municipal labor code. Councilman Josh Hastings endorsed Outten as crucial for carrying forward progress on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning.
“Wicomico County is the fastest-growing school system on the Eastern Shore, and our resources have not kept pace with this growth. In FY 2025, Wicomico ranked last out of Maryland's 24 counties in local per-pupil funding for education.”
Source“For too long, Wicomico has managed its infrastructure by reacting to crises instead of planning ahead. From the landfill reaching capacity to rural communities struggling with failing septic systems, residents are left frustrated and footing the bill for poor planning.”
Source“Wicomico is facing a housing crisis that affects every generation. Young adults need affordable homes and rental options, and our aging population deserves diverse housing choices.”
Source“Protecting Wicomico's rivers, farms, and open spaces requires proactive planning, responsible river maintenance, and transparent community involvement.”
Source“Too many of our volunteer fire companies are stretched thin, operating with limited manpower and resources.”
Source