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County Commissioner · District 2 · Saint Mary's 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 raceTom Phelan is a long-time resident of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and a retired U.S. Navy captain seeking election as a County Commissioner. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Phelan served 26 years in the Navy as a pilot and test pilot, which included flying combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and serving as a Commanding Officer at Patuxent River. Following his military retirement in 2006, he spent nearly 20 years in the private sector as a defense contractor supporting Test & Evaluation programs. Phelan’s platform focuses on fiscal discipline, responsible leadership, and maintaining the balance between the county’s rural character and its partnership with NAS Patuxent River. He emphasizes his experience in managing large budgets and his deep community involvement through various local boards and organizations.
Sources: Campaign website
St. Mary’s County deserves representation that understands our unique mix of historic communities, rural land, and growing neighborhoods, as well as our partnership with NAS Patuxent River.
Every contribution makes a difference to help spread the message of fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible leadership.
I am seeking election to provide my knowledge, experience, and values to the governing of St. Mary’s County. I can positively influence decision making that best serves public interests.
Decades of service in the Navy and private sector — not politics. A public servant, not a career politician.
Source: tomphelanforcommissioner.com
Fiscal Policy
Phelan advocates for controlling spending and managing debt to ensure long-term economic stability and avoid tax increases.
“Will support fiscal discipline by controlling spending, and managing debt levels to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Will support cost savings to avoid increases in taxes and fees.”
Land Use and Growth
He aims to manage residential and commercial growth responsibly to preserve the county's character while ensuring infrastructure is adequate for new developments.
“Preserve the character of our county through responsible residential and commercial growth to enhance the quality of life in the county. Will support new growth consistent with adequacy of essential public facilities and services.”
Education
Phelan supports funding for local public schools to achieve academic excellence.
“Will support the funding of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools in the pursuit of academic excellence for our students.”
Public Safety
He pledges support for law enforcement, emergency services, and the State Attorney’s office.
“Will support law enforcement and emergency services agencies, as well as the State Attorney’s office in the interest of public safety.”
“Will support fiscal discipline by controlling spending, and managing debt levels to ensure long-term economic sustainability.”
Source“Will support cost savings to avoid increases in taxes and fees.”
Source“Preserve the character of our county through responsible residential and commercial growth”
Source“Will support the funding of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools in the pursuit of academic excellence for our students.”
Source“Will support law enforcement and emergency services agencies, as well as the State Attorney’s office in the interest of public safety.”
Source“Will support new growth consistent with adequacy of essential public facilities and services.”
Source