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County Commissioner · District 1 · Calvert 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 racePatrick E. Flaherty is a Republican candidate for Calvert County Commissioner in District 1, running on a platform centered on the theme of "Governing the Government." With over 40 years of experience in customer service, he emphasizes a solution-focused approach to leadership rather than bureaucracy. Flaherty is committed to strict accountability measures, including a self-imposed term limit of eight years to ensure fresh ideas in leadership. His primary goals include ensuring full transparency in government decision-making, implementing zero-based budgeting, and protecting the county's rural character and the Chesapeake Bay. He specifically advocates for a total reset on data center development in the county until independent studies on their environmental and infrastructure impacts are completed.
Sources: Campaign website
If elected, I will serve no more than two terms — a maximum of 8 years — and then step aside so new leaders can bring fresh ideas. My word is my bond.
Every major decision affecting our land, water, and tax dollars must be out in the open from day one. No more backroom deals or NDAs.
I’ve learned one simple truth: complaining about problems doesn’t solve them — delivering real solutions does.
I will introduce an immediate text amendment to remove all data center language from the 2025 zoning ordinance. We need a full reset with truly independent studies on water usage, wetlands, energy demand, noise, traffic, and cumulative impacts.
Zero-based budgeting so every department justifies every dollar. Prioritize core services like roads, public safety, and parks over lower-priority spending.
Source: flahertyforcalvertcounty.com
Government Transparency
Flaherty opposes the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and redacted studies, calling for mandatory public reporting on industrial proposals and full public hearings.
“Every major decision affecting our land, water, taxes, or quality of life must be out in the open from day one. I will push for mandatory public reporting on any new industrial proposal and full public hearings before anything is approved.”
Data Center Reset
He proposes removing all data center-related language from current zoning plans until independent studies assess their impact on water, energy, and noise.
“We need a full reset with truly independent studies on water usage, wetlands, energy demand, noise, traffic, and cumulative impacts — with real public input from the beginning.”
Fiscal Responsibility
Supports a zero-based budgeting approach where every department must justify its entire budget from scratch every year, prioritizing core services.
“I support zero-based budgeting so every department must justify every dollar from scratch each year. We will prioritize core services — Law enforcement, fire/rescue, (public safety), education, infrastructure, roads, parks — and carefully review lower-priority spending.”
Protecting Rural Character
Proposes a supermajority vote (4/5) for major industrial projects and specific protections for farms, working waterfronts, and the Chesapeake Bay.
“I will champion my proposed Transparency and Protection of Rural Character Ordinance, which includes mandatory reporting, a supermajority (4/5) vote for major industrial proposals, independent studies, and a 5-year sunset clause.”
Noise and Quality of Life
Advocates for continuous 24/7 noise monitoring and reporting for industrial facilities, specifically citing concerns regarding the Cove Point LNG facility.
“I will push for continuous 24/7 noise monitoring with permanent stations and public reporting of actual levels (65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime).”
“Full Transparency — No more backroom deals or NDAs. Every major decision affecting our land, water, and tax dollars must be out in the open from day one.”
Source“Zero-based budgeting so every department justifies every dollar. Prioritize core services like roads, public safety, and parks over lower-priority spending.”
Source“Immediate removal of all data center language from the 2025 zoning ordinance, followed by public hearings and independent studies on water usage, wetlands, energy demand, noise, and cumulative impacts.”
Source“Our farms, working waterfront, historic resources, and the Bay are worth protecting for the long term.”
Source“We will prioritize core services — Law enforcement, fire/rescue, (public safety), education, infrastructure, roads, parks”
Source“The Calvert County Transparency in Economic Development Ordnance”
Source“Prioritize core services like roads, public safety, and parks over lower-priority spending.”
Source