A pair of Cecil Whig articles highlighted the two candidates who are vying to become Cecil County’s second county executive – County Council Vice President Alan McCarthy (R) and Port Deposit Mayor Wayne Tome (D). As previously reported on Conduit Street, the County’s first executive, Tari Moore, is stepping down after the conclusion of her current term. Moore, along with County Council President Robert Hodge (who also not running again), guided the County through its successful transition from a commission form of government to a charter form of government.
It’s no secret that McCarthy’s focus is on economic development.
He has said from the day he first became a candidate for public office four years ago that his biggest priority is to connect all the missing links for water, sewer, gas and broadband utilities in the growth corridor. …
He wants to develop more partnerships and agreements with the eight municipalities within Cecil County.
“We can accomplish more with economies of scale by working together on things like utilities,” he said. “I will promote economic development, education and tourism with the end goal of improving the quality of life for Cecil County citizens.” …
McCarthy hopes to bring a better diversification of job opportunities to Cecil County if he becomes county executive.
“I think it’s important to offer a variety of career paths to allow people to work close to home,” he said. …
McCarthy, a resident of Chesapeake City and a county resident for the last 36 years, is a 1978 graduate of University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine. He has practiced as a veterinarian and has many real estate investments.
Tome, a Democrat who is now in his third term as mayor of Port Deposit, is well-known in the firefighting community because his volunteer service at Water Witch Fire Company extends beyond 35 years and his professional career at Baltimore County Fire Department is in its 33rd year. …
“Robust economic development is the answer to creating new revenue for the county that would enable us to improve the quality of life for all citizens,” he said. “I’m a pragmatic candidate who takes a grassroots approach to issues.”
Tome hopes the county can become more diversified in its job offerings and consequently entice the next generation to live and work in Cecil County.
“If jobs are local, then families have more time to spend together and pride in the community grows,” he said. …
However, Tome believes that his top budget priority would be all of public safety. …
“[Crime, drug abuse, and domestic issues] are all intertwined,” he said. “Crime has a social and economic impact on communities, creating more accidents, demand on services and health issues.”
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