County Council District D Republican Chad R. Shrodes

 

Office Sought:  Harford County Council District D

Name:   Chad Shrodes

Age:  32        

Marriage Status:  Single     

Website:         www.ChadShrodes.com

 

Education:

Towson University --- Bachelor of Science Degree, Environmental & Land Use Planning, 1997

Harford Community College Political Science, (including an internship with the Harford County Council in 1994)

Transferred to Towson University in 1995

North Harford High School Diploma, 1992

Harford Leadership Academy Sponsored by the Harford County Chamber of Commerce and Harford Community College, Graduate, 1999

Maryland Smart Growth Leadership Program Sponsored by the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education, Graduate, 2003

Work Experience:

I began working for the Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning as an intern while attending college in 1993.  In 1994, I also participated in an internship program between Harford Community College and the Harford County Council.  I became a full-time employee of the Department of Planning and Zoning in 1997, the same year I graduated from Towson University.  Since then, I’ve worked in various capacities throughout the department.  Currently, I lead the county’s Forest Conservation program.  My prior planning experience includes working on the county’s Land Preservation Programs and Historic Preservation Program.  In 2003, I was appointed by Governor Robert Ehrlich to work on the State’s land preservation programs. 

Political Offices Held:

I have never held public office.

Brief Biography: 

I am a lifelong resident of northern Harford County, Living beside the farm where my grandfather was born and raised, and where my great-grandfather farmed.  I am a graduate from North Harford High School and Towson University with a degree in Land Use and Environmental Planning.  I am very active in the community as a member of Jarrettsville Lions Club, the Harford County Farm Bureau, North Harford Alumni Association and a team sponsor of the Jarrettsville Hawks football program. 

1.       Why are you running for this office? 

My decision to run for the County Council has come from through my love and belief that Harford County is a great place to live.  I feel that my background as a lifelong resident as well as a preservation and land use planner gives me a well-balanced perspective to deal with the many challenges facing our County and the agricultural industry.  I am an advocate who will stand up to protect our quality of life and will work to enhance the economic viability of agriculture in the County.

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

I believe it is important to provide our children in Harford County with the best possible public education that prepares them for challenges they will face as adults.  Students must progressively learn as advances of technologically are made in keeping pace with neighboring counties and states.  Recruiting new teachers and retaining our existing teachers is essential in educating our youth.  We must provide teachers with competitive salaries, benefits, retirement packages and a support system to foster a successful education system.

3.  What do you intend to do to prepare Harford County for the influx of 30000 new jobs from BRAC?

As a result of my background and expertise in land use principles, I have a deep understanding of what must be done to prepare for BRAC. 

First, we must proactively encourage new investment within the development envelope and Route 40 corridor to create revitalization in a way that compliments BRAC. 

Second, we must be our own advocates and directly lobby for funding for projects related to APG.   I pledge to push for infrastructure projects and transportation improvements to support our long range needs including water and sewer capacity demand, as well as multi-modal transportation hub.   

Finally, I believe we must continue investing in our great public education system and support innovative public-private partnerships to create the strongest public education system in Maryland.  Through these types of partnerships we can best prepare our children for the many exciting and well paying opportunities in our own backyard as a result of BRAC. 

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 think the biggest problem is the need to establish an appropriate balance that plans for our future growth without jeopardizing our productive farmland.  Farmers earning modest profits are the key to maintaining a rural landscape and preserving our heritage.  I want to create an approach that proactively enhances our County’s land preservation program by working together with landowners to make it an attractive alternative to selling for development.  Planning for future growth and preservation over time will help to circumvent many potential challenges facing our County in the future.