Etting, Hanley Win Bel Air Town Commissioners Election 2025

BEL AIR, MD — Voters have chosen Paula S. Etting and Gavin O. Hanley to fill the two seats on the Bel Air Board of Commissioners.

The three candidates on Tuesday's ballot were commission chair Paula S. Etting, 66, an attorney who served a four-year term previously and was looking to fill another term. Current board member Mary Chance did not seek re-election, but Matthew F. Gullion, 43, an associate pastor, and Gavin O. Hanley, 28, a software developer for a defense contractor, both ran for a seat on the board.

Town Clerk Michael Krantz posted the unofficial results Tuesday to the city's website.

The unofficial results of the 2025 Town of Bel Air Municipal Election as of the closing of polls on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. are:

• Paula S. Etting – 595 (unofficial winner)
• Gavin O. Hanley – 589 (unofficial winner)
• Matthew F. Gullion – 347

The canvass of provisional ballots and absentee ballots is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. at Bel Air Town Hall. A second canvass has been scheduled for Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. at Bel Air Town Hall.

Official results will not be available until a couple of weeks later.

Etting said these issue(s) are most important to Bel Air residents and how she would address them:

"The most pressing issue facing our town is managing growth while preserving our small-town family-friendly character. If re-elected, I will continue to work:

• to protect our small-town values
• to keep our town a family friendly place to live
• to encourage economic growth that maintains our town’s character
• and to support our police in keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe."

" We chose Bel Air to raise our children because it is a safe and welcoming community. I am running for re-election because I want to preserve that same experience for future generations," Etting said.
Gullion, 43, an associate pastor, said these are the most important issues to residents:

Responsible Growth & Development – Balance future development with common-sense planning that protects small-town charm and revitalizes key properties like Harford Mall.

Public Safety & Staffing – Address upcoming retirements in police and public works with proactive recruitment, retention, and leadership development.

Infrastructure Preparedness – Strengthen roads, services, and safety systems to meet growing demands.

Senior Support – Develop initiatives for senior safety, accessibility, and community connection.

"I believe in hands-on preparation and training, strategic staffing, and sensible planning to keep Bel Air thriving."

Hanley, a software developer for a defense contractor, said these are the most important issues to residents:

"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."