Larry Porter
Caroline County, Vice President, Board of County Commissioners
Republican
Email: lporter@carolinemd.org
A lifelong resident of Caroline County, Larry Porter is a former mayor of Denton, a trustee of the Caroline County Library, and a lifetime member of the Denton Fire Company. As president of the Cabell Corporation, a real estate development and management company, Porter believes government should be more business-like, particularly because Caroline County has difficulty attracting business since it borders the Delaware line where there is no sales tax. Additionally as a firefighter Porter voices concern with the financial stability of the county as it relates to emergency services. Caroline operates with all volunteer fire companies, a system which may become problematic as the population increases.
Porter is an avid sports fan who played baseball in college. He has taken his devotion to his favorite team to the next level by attending the Oriole Fantasy Camp twice. The adventure involves a week in Florida where former team members coach the participants. His favorite movie is The Godfather and his favorite television series is Lonesome Dove. Porter and his wife Barbara enjoy being with their two children and three grandchildren. The Porter’s own a home in Ocean City where they like to spend time there whenever they can. One of Porter’s dreams for the future is to play golf in Ireland.
Bill Valentine
Allegany County, Commissioner, At-Large
Republican
Email: commissioner.valentine@allconet.org
Bill Valentine stands for more openness and transparency in government and is dedicated to increasing economic opportunities in Allegany County. While the state focuses on “Smart Growth” legislation to deal with the sprawl and overgrowth in other counties, the population in Allegany County has decreased over the past two decades. With 25% of its land tied up in forested areas such as Rocky Gap State Park and the C & O National Historical Park, Allegany County has a lower effective tax base than most Maryland jurisdictions. Valentine intends to create a friendly atmosphere to attract start-up companies.
Valentine has owned and operated a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company for the past 30 years and feels that government should operate more like a business. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, the Western Maryland Home Builders’ Association, and Horizon Goodwill Industries.
Valentine’s interests reflect the rugged nature of his county’s terrain. He is an avid rafter and hunter, and has traveled to Northwest Alaska for unguided river-float bow hunting trips. He has camped on the tundra for up to 27 days hunting bear and caribou. Valentine and his family also enjoy attending auto races and street rod shows. He has built and shown custom cars and has raced various classes of automobiles for over 30 seasons.