Bel Air Board Of Commissioners 2025: Meet Gavin Hanley

BEL AIR, MD — Voters head to the polls Nov. 4 to fill two seats on the Bel Air Board of Commissioners. There are three candidates running in the election, including Gavin Hanley.

Hanley chatted with Patch about his campaign and issues that are important to him. Below are his responses.

Elected office sought? Bel Air Town Commissioner

Political party? Republican

Profession? Software developer for a defense contractor in Aberdeen

Age on election day? 28

Campaign Facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/gavin.hanley.9/

Campaign email? gavinhanley21@gmail.com

Past political involvement? This would be my first elected position.

What do you believe makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? I am a lifelong resident of the town of Bel Air, I know the issues our town faces and I am well acquainted with many community leaders. I have been an active participant in town government over the last year; attending meetings, providing public comment, and keeping the community engaged through the 'Bel Air Town Crier' Facebook group. I am well-informed about what is happening in the town, and I have developed relationships with many of the current commissioners. I plan to hit the ground running immediately to serve the citizens of Bel Air.

What issue(s) do you believe are most important to Bel Air residents and how would you address them? The rapid rate of residential growth in Bel Air and the surrounding area has led to increased strain on public services and infrastructure, while also threatening the small-town charm for which Bel Air is known. With much of the recent residential growth being in the form of large, high-density multifamily rental dwellings that are not consistent with the town's existing character, the Board of Commissioners must continue working to incentivize smart, sustainable development that serves to benefit town citizens. I do not want the town to continue the trend of increased rentership; rather, I would like for any new residential growth in town to be opportunities for ownership, which I believe fosters strong communities and builds wealth.

What platforms are you focusing on? I am focusing on preserving the historic character and small-town charm of Bel Air. While progress in Bel Air is certain, the citizens of Bel Air will determine what their town will look like in the future. We must strike a balance between economic growth and embracing the beautiful architecture, vibrant local businesses and friendly people for which Bel Air is known. Additionally, traffic and pedestrian safety will be a priority in order to enhance the walkability in our neighborhoods and downtown area. I grew up riding bikes and walking all over town, and I would like to make sure that pedestrians are able to traverse the town in a safe manner. I will support the Bel Air Police Department in enforcing traffic laws to deter unsafe driving, and I will consistently push for more pedestrian safety measures such as lighted crosswalks.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am young, energetic and ready to fight for the interests of the citizens of Bel Air. I will bring a youthful perspective to the board, with a focus on protecting the quality of life for current town citizens and ensuring that the next generation of town citizens have an opportunity to raise families in the safe, friendly, tight-knit community that I grew up in.