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County Council Member · District 2 · Cecil 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 raceRay Conger is a retired Army Master Sergeant and longtime Elkton resident running as a conservative Republican for the Cecil County Council District 2 seat. With 21 years of service in Army Aviation and deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, Conger emphasizes a disciplined, results-oriented approach to governance. He advocates for fiscal responsibility, aiming to lower the tax burden on families while ensuring county spending is tied to measurable outcomes. His platform focuses on supporting law enforcement, maintaining strong local schools, and promoting responsible growth that preserves Cecil County’s rural heritage. Conger’s extensive community involvement includes leadership roles in the American Legion and VFW, as well as serving as a former vice president of the Cecil County Arts Council. He emphasizes that his military and professional experience in operational planning has prepared him to demand accountability and transparency in county decision-making.
Sources: Campaign website
I won’t just support policies; I will measure results. Cecil County deserves leadership that asks hard questions, defines success, tracks outcomes, and delivers results for our community.
My approach is simple: fund what works, question what does not, and make sure county government lives within its means whenever possible.
Transparency is not just about releasing information after the fact. It is about making the reasoning behind decisions understandable to the public before, during, and after action is taken.
Supporting essential services does not mean writing blank checks. It means asking whether spending is tied to clear goals and measurable outcomes.
Public safety, strong schools, and reliable county services are the foundation of a strong community... But support does not mean a blank check. Every taxpayer dollar must be accounted for.
Source: congerforcouncil.com
Fiscal Responsibility & Lower Taxes
Conger advocates for disciplined spending and lower taxes, arguing that government should not take more from residents than is necessary.
“I support responsible budgeting, disciplined spending, and a serious review of how county funds are allocated. Supporting essential services does not mean writing blank checks.”
Transparent & Accountable Government
He believes county leaders must define success before acting and clearly communicate the reasoning behind major decisions to the public.
“I do not believe government should make decisions based on slogans, pressure, or appearances. Good policy requires a clear purpose, honest evaluation, and a willingness to explain how and why a decision was made.”
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Conger supports law enforcement and first responders while emphasizing that resources must be directed effectively to address crime and drug addiction.
“I strongly support law enforcement, first responders, and the public safety professionals who protect our communities. That support must include making sure resources, staffing, equipment, and facilities are directed where they will make the greatest difference.”
Strong Schools
He supports investing in education with a focus on student success, teacher support, and facility maintenance, while remaining open to options that meet parent needs.
“I support investing in education in a way that is thoughtful, accountable, and focused on student success. That means supporting teachers and staff, maintaining safe and functional facilities, and asking whether funding decisions are producing real improvement in outcomes.”
Responsible Growth
Conger favors expanding the tax base through strategic economic development that aligns with the county's character rather than relying on current residents.
“I support expanding the tax base through thoughtful economic development rather than continually asking more from current residents and families. We should seek businesses and industries that create quality jobs, strengthen the local economy, and align with the county's long-term interests.”
According to Cecil TV, Conger is campaigning on a platform of accountability, growth, and fiscal discipline, having been encouraged to run by community members from various backgrounds. He advocates for economic diversification beyond warehouses, suggesting growth in sectors like agritourism, light manufacturing, and defense contracting. External coverage also notes his support for maintaining required education funding levels while ensuring a focus on improving student outcomes and fostering communication between county and school leaders.
“I support investing in education in a way that is thoughtful, accountable, and focused on student success.”
Source“I strongly support law enforcement, first responders, and the public safety professionals who protect our communities.”
Source“I support responsible budgeting, disciplined spending, and a serious review of how county funds are allocated.”
Source“I support expanding the tax base through thoughtful economic development rather than continually asking more from current residents and families.”
Source“He advocated for limiting budget growth, finding efficiencies in government spending, and expanding the county’s tax base to reduce pressure on taxpayers.”
Source“Roads, public facilities, emergency response, and other essential services must be maintained effectively and planned responsibly.”
Source“Ray has served as a leader and volunteer in several veterans’ and nonprofit organizations, including the American Legion... and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.”
Source“Public trust is strengthened when government is open, disciplined, and willing to answer hard questions.”
Source“He emphasized supporting existing small businesses while strategically attracting industries that align with Cecil County’s character.”
Source“promoting sectors such as agritourism”
Source