ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — Republican candidate Greg Kolarik says his campaign for St. Mary’s County commissioner president centers on community engagement, practical problem-solving and preserving the character that has long defined St. Mary’s County, according to a recent appearance on The BayNet’s podcast “Get Real With SoMD Politics” hosted by Chris Hill.
Kolarik, who recently retired after more than two decades with the Maryland Department of the Environment, said his decision to run stems from a desire to continue serving residents.
“I really joined the race because I really love St. Mary’s County,” Kolarik said. “What better way to continue my service as a civil servant to the highest degree than being the county commissioner president?”
Kolarik entered the race following the term-limited departure of outgoing Commissioner President Randy Guy, saying he saw an opportunity to lead without displacing an incumbent.
According to his campaign website, Kolarik’s priorities include strengthening county services, protecting natural resources, supporting economic growth and maintaining St. Mary’s County’s quality of life.
Environmental Background Shapes Leadership Approach
Kolarik moved to St. Mary’s County in 1989 to attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he studied biology before beginning a career in environmental health and regulation.
He later worked for the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Water and Science Administration for 26 years and spent decades addressing issues involving wastewater systems, permits and environmental concerns.
Kolarik said those experiences built relationships across local, state and federal agencies that could prove valuable as commissioner president.
“One of my strong suits is contacts and relationships,” he said. “I’ve built so many relationships really across federal, state and local agencies.”
Working With State Agencies And Local Government
The conversation explored tensions between local governments and state mandates, particularly around education funding and environmental regulation.
Kolarik said understanding how state agencies operate and maintaining professional relationships can help local leaders advocate more effectively.
“I always know who to call or someone to call who will put me in touch with the right person,” Kolarik said.
He added that conversations with state leaders should focus on understanding the intent and impact behind policies before deciding whether counties should support or challenge them.
Reopening The Elms Environmental Center
One initiative Kolarik highlighted during the interview was reopening the former environmental education program at The Elms Environmental Education Center.
Kolarik said outdoor education experiences offer long-term benefits for children and foster appreciation for local natural resources.
“I believe those kind of experiences are transformational,” Kolarik said.
He noted some children in St. Mary’s County have limited exposure to waterfront environments and nature despite living nearby.
“Some kids in Lexington Park don’t get to play on the shoreline … don’t get to learn,” he said.
Kolarik said he has already begun discussions about what it would take to restore or retrofit the center.
Housing Affordability Requires Multiple Solutions
Like several candidates appearing on the program, Kolarik identified housing affordability as a major challenge.
He described the issue as broader than local development patterns, citing mortgage rates, supply shortages and shifting buyer expectations.
“Housing affordability … is not only St. Mary’s County or Maryland-wide, it’s statewide, it’s nationwide,” Kolarik said.
Kolarik shared his own experience purchasing a modest home early in life and suggested first-time buyers may need to think differently about starter homes.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel for people to buy something that maybe doesn’t fit their eye quite now,” he said.
He also acknowledged broader affordability pressures, noting median home prices remain out of reach for many residents.
Preserving What Makes St. Mary’s County Unique
Toward the end of the discussion, Kolarik repeatedly returned to preserving community identity and rebuilding what he described as the county’s social connectedness.
“I think we’ve lost what really made St. Mary’s County St. Mary’s County,” Kolarik said. “I think we’ve lost the uniqueness and the neighborliness that St. Mary’s County always had.”
He said maintaining strong communities means encouraging social interaction, local events and positive experiences with county government.
“I want people to have a little bit of joy back in their lives,” Kolarik said.
Kolarik also expressed interest in spending time directly with county departments, schools and staff to better understand challenges residents face.
“I really want to be involved,” he said. “I’m retiring. I have nothing to do but a great job for St. Mary’s County.”
Campaign Focused On Service And Accessibility
Closing the interview, Kolarik emphasized his commitment to serving all county residents if elected.
“I’m looking to do a great job for everyone, for all 116,000 of you,” Kolarik said while asking voters for support.
He also encouraged residents to attend campaign events and discuss priorities directly with him.
About Greg Kolarik
According to his campaign website, Kolarik is a retired environmental professional with decades of experience working in state government, environmental health and public service. His campaign emphasizes community engagement, environmental stewardship, economic sustainability and improving local government responsiveness.
Watch the full interview below:
About Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics
The interview is part of The BayNet’s new candidate video podcast series, “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics,” which features conversations with Southern Maryland candidates running for county commissioner, state delegate and state senator.
Upcoming election coverage can be found at https://thebaynet.com/elections.
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