Patrick Flaherty And Kenneth Lee Announce Commissioner Candidacies During Calvert Public Comments

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Elections are fast approaching, and Calvert locals are ready to run for public office close to home.

At the Feb. 24 Board of County Commissioners meeting, two residents took the opportunity to announce their candidacy during the public comment period that comes at the end of each meeting.

Kenneth Lee of Huntingtown began by voicing his opposition to high-density developments in Calvert County, citing new high-density housing near Calvert High School and calling it “utterly ridiculous.” Lee also criticized tax hikes in the county when people were having trouble paying their electric bills or putting food on the table and added that he was against building data centers for similar reasons.

Lee said he planned to run for the District 2 Board of County Commissioners seat, a seat currently held by Mark C. Cox Sr. Cox took office in December 2022.

Patrick Flaherty of Lusby also announced his candidacy for District 1, criticizing current County Commissioner Mike Hart for seeking a fourth term when he said he would not run after his second term.

Flaherty said leaders drive leaders who hold themselves to the standards they once set. He pledged that he would only serve two terms maximum and then step aside “no ifs, no buts, no extensions.” After eight years, he said he would “proudly pass the torch to the next generation of young leaders.”

“That’s how we keep our government innovative, responsive and truly of, by and for the people,” Flaherty said.

Both speakers have active candidate filings with the Maryland State Board of Elections.

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