Calvert County Candidate, Kelly McConkey stopped by Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com to talk about his position on a number of issues and his candidacy for the District 3 Commissioner’s seat serving the northern portion of the County.
When asked why he chose to run, McConkey stated, “The main reason I have decided to run is my family … They inspire me every day to work hard and strive to make the community we live in better.”
McConkey, owner of Kelly’s Tree and Landscaping knows the struggles small businesses have and continues to face and wants to help promote a better business environment in the County. “I see how important it is to preserve our way of life here in Calvert County. That means businesses need to thrive and we need to keep our communities safe.”
The Democrat candidate stated that part of protecting Calvert’s way of life is increasing support for all areas of public safety. “I will make sure that we provide our Sheriff’s department with adequate staffing and funding necessary to protect our citizens. I want our Sheriff’s department to have the resources they need, the staffing and the best technology available.”
He also feels strongly that Calvert’s 100 percent volunteer fire, rescue and EMS system needs to be supported. “We need to keep that system working. The all volunteer system saves $19 million that the County would otherwise have to spend to keep the same level of protection and safety,” said McConkey.
He stated that in addition to ensuring that fire, rescue and EMS are fully equipped, that he intends to promote partnerships within the public safety community and work to promote recruiting and retaining volunteers.
When asked about safety in schools, McConkey stated, “I have four sons in public schools, two sons are in elementary, one is leaving middle to attend High school, and the other has graduated and will be attending college in the fall. I will work closely with the board of education and the Sheriff’s department to ensure the safety of our children. If keeping our schools safe means that we need a stronger police presence or other measures; I will work hard to make sure we have funding to make these things possible.”
When discussing education, McConkey said, “Calvert County continues to rank in the top ten percent of school systems in Maryland. It is my goal to ensure that every child has access to an education that maximizes their potential. We need to ensure that our schools are safe and well maintained and to establish better communications with our teachers and staff.”
McConkey also stated that he would like to see a healthier lunch plan for school children and to work with the school system to promote greener operations to improve the environment. “We also need to make sure our teachers and staff and properly compensated,” said McConkey.
McConkey talked about the challenges he faces as a small business owner. “As a small business owner, I experience every day the challenges that our businesses here in Calvert County face. We must allow our businesses to become diversified so they can become more competitive. In our current economic climate it is imperative that we support businesses. I believe in sitting down at the table and working things out.”
McConkey is committed to the concept of common sense growth where property rights are respected. “Both residential and commercial development needs to be directed where it is most feasible and respec
