Get Real With SOMD Politics: Tom Phelan Emphasizes Public Safety, Smart Growth And Fiscal Discipline

ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — On a recent episode of “Get Real with Southern Maryland Politics,” host Chris Hill met with Tom Phelan, a candidate for the District 2 seat on the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners, to discuss his background, priorities and vision for the county’s future.

Phelan, a retired U.S. Navy captain and longtime St. Mary’s County resident, brings decades of leadership experience to his campaign. Originally from Northern California, he first came to Maryland to attend the U.S. Naval Academy before serving nearly 27 years as a Navy pilot. His career included multiple tours at Patuxent River, command of a fleet squadron and service during the Gulf War. After retiring from the military, he spent another 20 years working as a defense contractor supporting test and evaluation efforts at Pax River before recently retiring.

Now, Phelan says he is ready to give back to the community he has called home for nearly four decades. “This is my home,” he said, emphasizing his desire to preserve the qualities that make St. Mary’s County unique, particularly its rural character.

During the conversation, Phelan pointed to public safety, education and responsible growth as his top priorities. He stressed the importance of ensuring that first responders and law enforcement agencies have the resources they need, while also supporting the school system to maintain strong academic outcomes for students.

Growth and development, a recurring theme across Southern Maryland, also played a central role in the discussion. Phelan acknowledged that while growth is inevitable, it must be managed carefully to ensure infrastructure — such as roads, schools and public services — keeps pace. He also recognized the need for more diverse housing options, particularly for younger residents and those earlier in their careers, suggesting that smaller homes and more attainable price points could help address affordability challenges.

The conversation touched on the condition of local school facilities as well, with both Phelan and Hill noting that many buildings are aging and require ongoing investment. Phelan indicated that maintaining these facilities is essential to avoid more costly replacements in the future.

Fiscal responsibility emerged as another key theme. Drawing on his experience managing and building budgets in both the military and private sector, Phelan emphasized the importance of closely examining county spending and making difficult decisions when necessary. He said commissioners must be willing to ask tough questions and prioritize funding where it is most needed, including considering a more “zero-based” approach to budgeting.

“You have to look at what is being spent and how it’s being spent,” he said, adding that identifying inefficiencies could free up resources for higher-priority needs.

Phelan’s District 2 constituency spans the Hollywood and Leonardtown areas, though all county voters participate in the election. As he made his case to voters, he highlighted both his leadership experience and long-standing involvement in the community, including participation in Leadership Southern Maryland and service with local organizations.

“I want to make sure St. Mary’s County remains a great place to live,” Phelan said, framing his campaign around maintaining quality of life while preparing for future challenges.

Hill closed the interview by reiterating the goal of the series — to give voters an opportunity to get to know candidates — and encouraged residents to stay engaged and participate in the 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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