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County Council Member · Talbot 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 racePete Lesher is a Talbot County Council member who has served since 2018 and currently holds the position of Council Vice President as of 2024. He was appointed by the governor to serve on the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority through his role representing the Maryland Association of Counties. Beyond county government, he serves as Chief Curator at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and is a Scout leader with Easton Troop 190. Lesher is married with two children and has served as Council liaison to the School Board, Library, Arts Council, and Upper Shore Aging organizations. His campaign emphasizes preserving rural character while supporting County Comprehensive Plan principles that channel development toward towns with adequate infrastructure.
Sources: Campaign website
Preserve Rural Character Support County Comprehensive Plan principles to channel housing and commercial development toward towns and places with adequate public facilities and infrastructure.
Protect Water Quality Keep Talbot County waters swimmable and fishable by improving in stormwater management, upgrading sewer systems, and extending sewer to rural areas with failing septics.
Expand Broadband Access Complete project to make broadband available to every address in Talbot County.
Support Public Safety Support compensation and facilities for Sheriff's deputies and emergency services to improve recruitment and retention.
Lead By Example Treat other leaders and members of the public with respect and act with transparency.
Source: petelesher.com
Rural Character Preservation
Support County Comprehensive Plan principles to channel housing and commercial development toward towns and places with adequate public facilities and infrastructure
“Preserve Rural Character Support County Comprehensive Plan principles to channel housing and commercial development toward towns and places with adequate public facilities and infrastructure”
Water Quality Protection
Keep Talbot County waters swimmable and fishable by improving in stormwater management, upgrading sewer systems, and extending sewer to rural areas with failing septics
“Protect Water Quality Keep Talbot County waters swimmable and fishable by improving in stormwater management, upgrading sewer systems, and extending sewer to rural areas with failing septics”
Broadband Expansion
Complete project to make broadband available to every address in Talbot County
“Expand Broadband Access Complete project to make broadband available to every address in Talbot County”
Public Safety Support
Support compensation and facilities for Sheriff's deputies and emergency services to improve recruitment and retention
“Support Public Safety Support compensation and facilities for Sheriff's deputies and emergency services to improve recruitment and retention”
Leadership Ethics
Treat other leaders and members of the public with respect and act with transparency
“Lead By Example Treat other leaders and members of the public with respect and act with transparency”
A January 2024 Talbot Spy article reports on Lesher's proposal to settle a Lakeside resolution confusion involving Resolution 347, 348, and 338. The piece describes how Lesher and Council member Mielke believe the largest project in Talbot County history should have received public input and Planning Commission determination before proceeding. External coverage notes that some council members feel otherwise or are tired of dealing with the issue, while the developer has resisted increased county involvement.
“Protect Water Quality Keep Talbot County waters swimmable and fishable by improving in stormwater management, upgrading sewer systems, and extending sewer to rural areas with failing septics”
Source“Preserve Rural Character Support County Comprehensive Plan principles to channel housing and commercial development toward towns and places with adequate public facilities and infrastructure”
Source“Expand Broadband Access Complete project to make broadband available to every address in Talbot County”
Source“Support Public Safety Support compensation and facilities for Sheriff's deputies and emergency services to improve recruitment and retention”
Source“Lead By Example Treat other leaders and members of the public with respect and act with transparency”
Source