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County Commissioner · District 3 · Garrett 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 raceRyan S. Savage is a native of Garrett County who resides in McHenry near Deep Creek Lake with his wife and children Weston and Ada. He graduated from Northern Garrett High School in 2000 and worked as a carpenter before an ATV accident in 2001 left him paralyzed, which he states led him to the path of County Commissioner. He currently serves on the Board of Health, Deep Creek Lake Policy & Review Board, and other committees while advocating for accessible outdoor recreation structures. Savage emphasizes his business experience in sign work and auto body repair as foundational to his candidacy.
Sources: Campaign website
I was born and raised in Garrett County.
The only reason I mention this is because it is what led me to the path of County Commissioner.
It was this combined with my business experience that led me to run for the Office of County Commissioner.
I will always be grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working for the citizens of Garrett County to continue to move our county in a positive direction.
Source: garrettcountymd.gov
Accessible Outdoor Recreation
Savage advocates for structures to assist disabled members in outdoor recreation, citing his personal experience with paralysis.
“I became an advocate for accessible outdoor recreation in Garrett County. With the help of elected officials, we were able to accomplish some of the first of its kind of structures in our region (if not the nation) to assist disabled members in outdoor recreation.”
Community Action Funding
Commissioners support continuous funding for community action programs that provide emergency food and senior services.
“County Commissioners Support Continuous Funding For Community Action Programs”
External coverage from the Garrett County Community Action Committee notes that County Commissioners support continuous funding for community action programs. The article details GCCAC services including emergency food pantries and senior center dining, which align with Savage's service on the Board of Health and Mental Health Advisory Committee. This external reporting highlights the commissioners' collective stance on sustaining these vital resources.
“Senior Center Dining Every Senior Center welcomes individuals aged 60 years or older (and companions of any age) for meals served weekdays at Noon, pay what you can.”
Source“Garrett County Mental Health Advisory Committee”
Source“we were able to accomplish some of the first of its kind of structures in our region (if not the nation) to assist disabled members in outdoor recreation.”
Source“Garrett County Community Action Committee (GCCAC) Inc. is part of the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), a hub that links the nation's +1,000 community action agencies to each other and to leaders looking for solutions that connect Americans to greater opportunity.”
Source