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County Council Member · District 6 · Baltimore 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 raceMike Ertel is an insurance broker from Towson who was elected to represent District 6 on Baltimore County Council in 2022 and is seeking re-election in 2026. He grew up in Hamilton and has spent two years working with feet on the ground throughout neighborhoods including Rosedale, Overlea, Parkville, and Towson. Ertel identifies key issues impacting his district including illegal dumping and trash, development concerns, school overcrowding, and crime. External sources note he has for decades championed community causes related to school construction, noise pollution, and development.
Sources: Campaign website
"I grew up in Hamilton. I saw what happened when government stopped caring. I won't let that happen here." –Mike Ertel
"We have a lot of things in the 6th District that need to be addressed."
"There is not necessarily anything nefarious or criminal. This just puts another set of eyes on the system."
Source: tellertel.com
Education
School overcrowding and infrastructure improvements including Towson High School renovation project
“"We have a great school system," said Ertel, before noting that it accounts for about half the county's budget in a given year. "There is not necessarily anything nefarious or criminal. This just puts another set of eyes on the system."”
Housing
Illegal dumping and trash, short-term rental limitations to address fire hazards from illegal rentals cramming college students into homes
“"Towson is seeing an epidemic of landlords illegally cramming college students into homes. That is creating fire traps according to Baltimore County Council Chairman Mike Ertel, who is proposing legislation to make it easier for the code enforcement office to investigate complaints."”
Infrastructure
Crumbling roads and budget concerns without tax increase
“"Crumbling roads, tight budget, no tax increase, Baltimore County leaders say | WYPR County Council Chairman Mike Ertel said there is uncertainty again this year about how much money the county will be getting from the federal government and from the state."”
Community Development
Development issues, illegal dumping, trash management across district neighborhoods
“"Mike was elected in 2022 to represent the 6th District and has spent the last two years with feet on the ground in neighborhoods throughout the district — from Rosedale and Overlea to Parkville and Towson — identifying the issues impacting the communities and taking steps to address them. Issues have included everything from illegal dumping and trash to development, school overcrowding, and crime."”
External coverage from The Baltimore Banner describes Mike Ertel as an insurance broker who has for decades championed community causes related to school construction, noise pollution and development. Del. Cathi Forbes, a Towson representative who has worked with Ertel for years on local issues like school overcrowding, said the West Towson resident has been a well-known figure in the Towson area for decades and has earned a position on the council.
“"We have a great school system," said Ertel, before noting that it accounts for about half the county's budget in a given year.”
Source“"Towson is seeing an epidemic of landlords illegally cramming college students into homes. That is creating fire traps according to Baltimore County Council Chairman Mike Ertel, who is proposing legislation to make it easier for the code enforcement office to investigate complaints.”
Source“"Crumbling roads, tight budget, no tax increase, Baltimore County leaders say | WYPR County Council Chairman Mike Ertel said there is uncertainty again this year about how much money the county will be getting from the federal government and from the state.”
Source“"Mike was elected in 2022 to represent the 6th District and has spent the last two years with feet on the ground in neighborhoods throughout the district — from Rosedale and Overlea to Parkville and Towson — identifying the issues impacting the communities and taking steps to address them.”
Source