Three candidates running for Harford County executive

Jan. 26—The 2022 midterm elections are slowly approaching, and the run for Harford County's next county executive is already underway.

County Executive Barry Glassman cannot run for reelection because of terms limits. He is a candidate for state comptroller.

Three candidates — two Republicans and one Democrat — have entered the race so far. Here's a look at who they are:

Billy Boniface

Billy Boniface's current role as Glassman's chief adviser is not his first serving Harford County. He's previously been the county's director of administration and served two terms as president of the County Council.

"I enjoy being part of the process that really makes a difference in people's lives," said Boniface, a Republican. "When you're in a federal position or state position, you're kind of disconnected from the day-to-day issues that affect folks, and local government can be very rewarding."

He wants to continue initiatives from Glassman's administration, such as cutting taxes and expanding internet access within the county. He's also an advocate for land preservation and funding law enforcement.

Boniface would seek state funding to improve the county's roadsand, as county executive, would support parks and recreation efforts, such as finishing construction of the connector segments of the Ma & Pa Trail.

He knows the ins and outs of county budgeting, having been part of the process as a council member and a member of the administration, and wants to continue with strong, conservative budgeting.

"I think I have the most experience to continue moving forward, with the county under a lot of pressures with growth and what the inflationary issues are doing right now," he said. "There's a lot of concerns on the future. I want to be at the helm steering the ship."

Boniface lives in Darlington, but grew up in Creswell. He's a 1982 graduate of John Carroll High School.

Robert "Bob" Cassilly

Republican state Sen. Robert Cassilly has deep roots in Harford County. His mother's and father's families both trace their histories back to the Revolutionary War.

"We're no longer that little agricultural community with a military base stuck on the side of us," Cassilly said. "This is the big leagues. Now we got to play A-ball; you're either going to play A-ball or you're going to get kicked to the side."

Before his two terms as state senator, he served as mayor of Bel Air and on the Harford County Council. He's also served in Iraq with the Army Reserves.

His No. 1 issue is public safety, and he pledges to ensure adequate funding for the police as county executive.

"We often overlook public safety," he said. "It's that one thing that you don't need until you need it."

As executive, Cassilly said he would work with the state to find "creative, affordable solutions" for traffic safety and congestion.

He would also try to give a boost to small businesses and provide more jobs for young people so they stay in the county, among other plans.

Cassilly said he's in the county for the "long haul."

"It's not just a location I moved to for convenience," he said, noting he has several friends and family members in the county.

"I realize how communities and life are fragile, and I understand that it's important always to do the right thing," Cassilly said. "And if we're always doing the right thing, that's how we'll get ahead."

Cassilly was born in Belcamp, but grew up in Bel Air, where he still lives today. He's a 1976 graduate of Bel Air High School.

Blane H. Miller III

Miller is a former member of the Harford Republican Central Committee and previously ran for County Council as a Republican. But he's running for county executive as a Democrat.

"I could care less about party politics, and to prove that, I went from being a Republican to switching to Democrat," he said. "My show of allegiance isn't to a party, it's to the people in Harford County."

Miller identifies as a moderate conservative, and said he would run the county like a business by lowering taxes and working with small businesses. He runs his own small business, BH Miller Group, LLC, a construction management firm. He has also served in the military

Miller plans to fund his campaign with his own money.

He said his "newness" and "fresh ideas" would make him an asset for the position.

"I don't bring up your accuracy," he said. "That's not that's what I'm willing to do."

Miller grew up in Havre de Grace, where he still lives today. He's a 1993 graduate of Havre de Grace High School.