Office Sought:   Harford County Executive

Name:   David R. Craig

Age:  56                     

Marriage:  38 Years to Melinda Craig

Education:                

Graduated Havre de Grace High School 1967

B.A. 1971 Towson College

M.A. 1983 Morgan State University

Work Experience:     

Began career as a Harford County Public School educator 34-years ago as a history teacher at Edgewood Middle School .  Retired last year as Assistant Principal at Southampton Middle School upon taking the office of Harford County Executive. 

Political Offices Held: 

Havre de Grace City Council, 1979 to 1985 

Mayor of Havre de Grace, 1985 to 1991 

Maryland House of Delegates, District 34, 1991 to 1995 

Maryland State Senate, District 34, 1995 to 1999 

Mayor of Havre de Grace, 2002 to July 2005 

Harford County Executive, July 2005 to present

Brief Biography:       

I married my high school sweetheart and together we raised three children in our historic home in Havre de Grace. We have seven grandchildren and my focus is to ensure those grandchildren, along with all Harford County children, inherit a strong, safe, and beautiful Harford County . 

I am an enthusiastic Harford County history buff and writer.  I co-authored the book “Greetings from Havre de Grace” and I have written pieces for the Harford Historical Society

1.   Why are you running for this office?

I share the same wishes and concerns that every citizen has for Harford County ’s future. At every level I have found that we all want well-managed growth and to see revitalization efforts supported in existing communities and developments.  I know everyone is concerned about crime and safety.  Everyone wants our children and grandchildren to learn from qualified teachers in safe and efficient buildings.  I want to continue to work for Harford County on these issues.

2. If you are elected, what do you intend to do to improve the quality of education in Harford County ?

I have initiated a 10 year Capital Improvement Plan that includes building or renovating 7 schools by 2010 and eliminating the need for portable classrooms.  I will support programs that help expand workforce development skills and continuing education.  I will require more accountability from the Board of Education and the Harford County Public School system to ensure our education dollars reach the students.  I will continue to improve salaries to retain and attract the best teachers and support staff.  I will require the system to maintain a rigorous course of study and high standards in grading.

3.  What do you intend to do to prepare Harford County for the influx of 30,000 new jobs created by BRAC?

In November 2005 I created the BRAC Planning and Advisory Committee that was tasked with creating a report to address land use, transportation and infrastructure, education, technology, and workforce development, and public safety, health, and community service issues.  This effort continues and the BPAC executive committee, including APG Garrison, will address those report recommendations with specific actions.  The County, along with our regional partners, has participated in a number of relocation activities and visits with new APG organizations.  We successfully requested Office of Economic Adjustment fund which resulted in over $300,000 initial funding.  Two more phased-in requests will occur by calendar year end, with the last phase emphasizing regional needs.   I have hired a Regional BRAC Coordinator to work with the APG Garrison to ensure Harford County has the latest information about to enable us to provide the infrastructure needed so that APG can successfully meet their mission to provide the most up to date combat equipment to keep our soldiers safe in battle.

4.   What in your mind is the biggest problem facing Harford County as it enters the twenty first century and how do you expect to correct this problem?

I don’t see problems.  I see challenges.  The most significant challenge for Harford County is managing growth.  During the next year I will instruct the Planning and Zoning Department to rewrite the zoning code emphasizing better design standards and more citizen input at the beginning of the process.   I will contain growth to the development envelope with an emphasis on revitalization of the Route 40 corridor.  I will strictly follow the Land Use and Water and Sewer Master Plans.  I have directed each County Department Director to outline proposed Capital needs for the next ten years so that the County can plan for roads, schools, libraries, fire and police protection, parks and recreation facilities, and maintenance and equipment purchases so that every Harford County citizen is well served by Harford County Government.