Get Real With SOMD Politics: AnnMarie Abell Highlights Leadership, Housing and Community-Centered Solutions In Commissioner Race

ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — Republican candidate AnnMarie Abell says stronger leadership, smarter planning and a more proactive approach to local government are central to her campaign for St. Mary’s County commissioner president, according to a recent appearance on The BayNet’s podcast “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics” hosted by Chris Hill.

Abell, a retired federal civil servant and longtime St. Mary’s County resident, said her decision to run stemmed from frustration with recurring local challenges and what she described as stagnant leadership.

“I’m running because I looked at the commissioners’ table and … saw … a lack of leadership,” Abell said. “There seems to me to be a feel of, like, a Groundhog Day. It’s the same old, same old.”

According to her campaign website, Abell’s platform emphasizes community-focused leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency and sustainable growth throughout St. Mary’s County.

Breaking The Cycle On Budget Discussions

Education funding and county budgets became an early focus of the conversation.

Abell referenced annual school budget debates, where educators and residents often advocate for additional funding.

“For the last few years … the community, the educators and all, have had to come to the budget hearings and beg and plead,” Abell said. “For a while there, it didn’t look like it was a different day, but it was the same result.”

Rather than repeating previous approaches, Abell said local leaders should explore alternative revenue sources and evaluate how investments are made.

“We have to look at what are some of the other alternatives to revenue,” she said, noting partnerships with state delegation members may be necessary to secure additional funding opportunities.

Experience In Federal Service And Change Management

Abell discussed her professional background working as an internal business consultant supporting naval aviation operations, including technology transitions, logistics and major workforce changes tied to installations such as Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

She said much of her career centered on helping organizations navigate change while maintaining continuity.

“I’m on a mission right now,” Abell said. “I’m on a mission to help make our local governing better than what it is, and I have the skills and the knowledge and the background to help bring that to fruition.”

Abell described her leadership philosophy as “community-centered leadership,” emphasizing local priorities and long-term prosperity.

“We need to put our community first,” she said.

Housing Shortages Remain A Major Concern

Like several candidates appearing on the program, Abell identified housing availability as a critical issue facing St. Mary’s County.

She said the county remains significantly short on housing inventory for working families and young professionals.

“We’re somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 homes short for families,” Abell said.

Abell said the shortage affects multiple generations, including young adults seeking independence and older residents hoping to downsize.

“I have children too … and it’s hard for them,” she said.

She also shared that she and her husband have considered downsizing but face the same affordability challenges affecting many residents.

Growth, Trade-Offs And Protecting Community Character

Throughout the interview, Abell stressed that future growth must be balanced with preserving the qualities residents value most about St. Mary’s County.

She acknowledged conversations around economic development and housing expansion can involve difficult trade-offs.

“There may be some trade-offs,” Abell said. “We have to look at what those trade-offs are and ask, what is it worth? What’s the cost of it?”

Abell said evaluating community impacts means considering more than financial costs.

“It’s not just the cost measured in dollars,” she said. “It’s the cost measured in … how you feel about something.”

Commissioner President Role Requires Representing Entire County

Because the commissioner president serves all of St. Mary’s County, the conversation touched on balancing differing needs among communities from northern St. Mary’s to the southern end of the county.

Abell acknowledged those differences but emphasized shared values across communities.

“We have to work on [local issues] together,” she said later in the interview. “St. Mary’s County works hard, and I’ll work just as hard as you do.”

Family Roots And Campaign Priorities

Closing the interview, Abell spoke about her background, including her Polish heritage, nearly five decades of marriage, raising three sons and life as a retired federal employee.

She said resilience learned from family history shapes how she approaches public service.

Abell summarized her campaign priorities as proactive thinking, imaginative solutions and stronger leadership.

“I want proactive thinking, and I also want imaginative solutions,” Abell said. “We can’t afford to have continued Groundhog Days.”

Ending with a direct appeal to voters, Abell said:

“I’m ready to work, I’m willing to work, and I’m AnnMarie Abell. I’m running for county commissioner president, and I humbly ask for your vote.”

About AnnMarie Abell

According to her campaign website, Abell is a retired federal civil servant with experience in technology, business analysis, organizational change and strategic planning. She has lived in St. Mary’s County for decades, is married to a retired firefighter and says her campaign focuses on community-centered leadership, economic sustainability and improving county government.

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.

Chris Hill