Meet the Candidates: Wicomico County Executive
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — This November, voters will choose between incumbent Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano and challenger Ernest Davis in the race for county executive.
Tuesday evening, PACE, The Greater Salisbury Committee and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum for the position.
Giordano said she is running to keep the county affordable, strengthen public safety, protect farmland and grow the economy.
“We have invested in our future by fully funding our local commitment to education, moving important school construction projects forward, expanding opportunities at the Salisbury Regional Airport, advancing the Port of Salisbury and improving infrastructure,” Giordano said.
Giordano highlighted academic development, including the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Aviation and Maintenance Technician School, as part of her efforts to invest in the county and create jobs. She said now is the time to build on the foundation established over the past four years.
“Affordability will remain a priority, and we have demonstrated that we can invest in essential services and infrastructure while still maintaining financial discipline and reducing the property tax rate,” Giordano said.
Former Wicomico County Councilman Ernest Davis is running on a platform of accountability, transparency, investment and safety. He said his goal is to engage residents and hear their ideas.
Davis said Wicomico County is facing a lack of trust among residents and employees. He said county employees are concerned about opportunities for advancement and being valued in the workplace. Davis said the county needs to “rebrand.”
“I will not lead from a distance; I will be in the community listening to your concerns, hearing your ideas, engaging with residents, working with the county council and state representatives,” said Davis.
Davis also said he will focus on investing in the business community and housing development. He said building those investments starts with working on the school system, lowering the crime rate and addressing water and sewer infrastructure.
“The first thing in December, they’ll be open. Maryland water infrastructure, financial administration, which will give us finances to go and move the infrastructure, the water system further on down the road,” Davis said.
Wicomico County residents will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate on Nov. 3.
