Get Real With SOMD Politics: Barbara Warner Highlights Experience, Budget Challenges And Transparency

CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — On a recent episode of “Get Real with Southern Maryland Politics,” host Chris Hill sat down with Barbara Warner, a lifelong Calvert County resident and candidate for the at-large seat on the Board of County Commissioners, for a wide-ranging conversation on her background, priorities and challenges facing the county.

Warner, who has lived in Calvert County for more than 50 years, recently retired after a nearly 33-year career in county government, where she worked across multiple departments, including the State’s Attorney’s Office, Circuit Court, procurement, finance and budget, and public safety. As a grant writer in her final role, she secured roughly $25 million in funding, an accomplishment she highlighted as a point of pride and evidence of her ability to deliver results.

Much of the discussion focused on the county’s financial outlook, with Warner acknowledging that maintaining current budget levels will be increasingly difficult as costs rise. She emphasized that the county will need to explore new revenue sources to preserve its strong financial standing, including its AAA bond rating, while continuing to fund essential services.

At the same time, she pointed to the political reality that many residents oppose both tax increases and additional growth, creating a difficult balancing act for current and future commissioners. “The hardest part is being able to say no,” she said, noting that nearly every department comes forward with legitimate funding needs.

Growth and housing affordability emerged as another key theme. While many residents have voiced opposition to new development — particularly large housing projects due to traffic and infrastructure concerns — Warner acknowledged the ongoing housing shortage that is making it difficult for younger families to remain in the county. She shared that her own daughter and son-in-law are only able to stay locally because of a family rental arrangement, underscoring the broader challenge. Warner said any meaningful solution would require collaboration among commissioners rather than individual action.

The conversation also turned to the ongoing debate over data centers, one of the most talked-about economic development issues in the county. Warner described the community as divided, with some residents strongly opposed and others open to the idea if appropriate safeguards are in place. While she stopped short of taking a firm position, she noted that projects like data centers represent potential revenue streams at a time when the county is searching for new ways to fund services without overburdening taxpayers.

Throughout the interview, Warner repeatedly emphasized the need for improved transparency and communication between county government and residents. She expressed concern about the use of nondisclosure agreements and said she believes officials should be more open and proactive in sharing information. She also highlighted accessibility issues with public hearings, noting that many are held during the workday, making it difficult for residents to participate. Expanding evening meeting options, she said, would help ensure broader public engagement.

Education funding also factored into the discussion, particularly the gap between what the county has proposed and what the school system says it needs to maintain teacher salaries. Warner voiced strong support for educators but acknowledged the broader budget constraints, noting that increasing funding in one area often requires difficult decisions elsewhere. She also raised concerns about the state continuing to shift financial responsibilities, such as teacher pensions, onto local governments.

As she made her case to voters, Warner pointed to her decades of hands-on experience within county government as a key qualification, arguing that her understanding of how departments operate — and how decisions are made — would allow her to contribute immediately if elected. She is one of several candidates competing in a crowded primary field, with five Republicans and three Democrats vying for the at-large seat. Hill closed the interview by encouraging residents to stay engaged in the process and participate in the upcoming election.

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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