Bob Schaller first learned about business as a kid working at his father’s country store, Don’s Superette in Compton. He parlayed that into a Master’s in Business Administration at Loyola University (and later a PhD at George Mason), 17 years with Fortune 500 companies, professor and chair of the Business, Economics and Legal Studies Department at the College of Southern Maryland, and five years as St. Mary’s County Director of Economic and Community Development.
On Sunday Schaller, now a Democratic candidate for county commissioner from the 2nd Commissioner District (Leonardtown-Hollywood area), brought his campaign home to his roots with a fundraiser at Cryer’s Back Road Inn, immediately next store to what used to be Don’s Superette, and now is Vintage Sources.
The well-attended fundraiser included music by 25th Hour Band, hot dogs and watermelon, and plenty of socializing at the outdoor bar and courtyard.
The candidate took time to address his well-wishers. He starts and punctuates his speech often by telling everyone: “I am Bob Schaller and I want to be your county commissioner.” He added, “I ask for your vote November 4th. St. Mary’s County is my homeland and I proudly serve her each and every day. I am running for commissioner because I truly care and want to protect this county and help bring her into the future through positive leadership and a vision that considers the entire community.”
Noting his roots, Schaller said he now lives two miles from where he grew up in Compton and has been blessed to have traveled the world. “I want to put all of this experience to work for the good of this community,” he said.
Schaller talked about his family. “Wendy, my wife of 40 years and I have raised seven children and we are now blessed with eight grandchildren. My family’s taught me a life lesson that I try to live by, and that is: ‘Do What is Right, Not What is Easy.’ It is not easy running for public elected office, but it is the right thing to do, especially now as we face new challenges and opportunities. I am someone who gets things started and done. I wish to bring this can-do attitude to the commissioners’ table because I honestly think we can use some more ‘Can Do’.”
Schaller’s primary election opponent is Republican Mike Hewitt. He is a former school board, planning commission and appeals board member. He has not yet announced a fundraiser for the primary election.
