Candidate Profile: Mary Chance For Bel Air Town Commissioner

BEL AIR, MD — Four candidates are running for two seats in the Bel Air municipal election. Incumbent Mayor Amy Chmielewski will face off against Lawrence Russell, Mary Chance and Paula Etting for a seat on the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners.

Incumbent Patrick Richards is not running for reelection, meaning at least one newcomer will join the board.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Sample ballots are available online from the town of Bel Air.

Mary Chance

Age (as of Election Day): 74

Position sought: Town Commissioner

Party Affiliation:

Family: Heather Krout (daughter); Shawn Krout (son-in-law); grandchildren Eve, Maci and Livvy. All live in Bel Air and enjoy walking and biking in the town.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: Son in law - Harford County Economic Development

Education: College - Non-Profit Administration

Occupation: Harford County Government - 28 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Director of Community Services and Director of Administration - Harford County Government

Campaign website: Chance for Bel Air

Why are you seeking elective office?

To preserve the beauty and safety of Bel Air, and support Economic Development while preserving our neighborhoods.

The single most pressing issue facing our town is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Ensuring a balance of economic growth while preserving neighborhood communities is critical. It is of the upmost importance that while there is growth we provide oversight to ensure the code is upheld.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have years of experience working not only as a volunteer myself as well as the Director of the Department of Community Services and Director of Administration - Harford County Government. I respect and understand the contributions volunteers make to the town, they are a very valuable asset. My experience as the Director of Community Services has enabled me to understand the needs of citizens of all ages and abilities in the county. As Director of Administration, I was responsible for managing all the departments within county government. While in that position, I worked closely with the other two municipalities here in the county and State Government.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The most important thing an officeholder can do is be responsive to citizens and address their needs with respect. It is an honor to be elected to the position of commissioner, and I expect professionalism on every level.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I believe they responded responsibly, while at the same time worked to help businesses and non-profits survive.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I will work to preserve a safe, family-friendly community that enables neighbors and businesses to enjoy the benefits of working and living in the town. I will promote economic development that will strive to enrich the downtown business district and protect the downtown charm. I will work closely with neighbor community groups to address their concerns.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

While Director of Community Services, the MacFaul Center was built. The department secured grant funding from the State and the County to build the facility but the plan met with some citizens who led the charge against building the facility.

Today the MacFaul Center is used daily. The Office on Aging, Parks and Recreation, the Boys and Girls Club, Election Polling Site and many other events are held at the center. It is a valuable asset to the community. Yes, there was opposition to the project but today it serves the community well.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Attitude is more important than education, money, circumstances, failures or success. We are in charge of our attitudes. — Charles Swindoll

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will work daily to address the concerns of all of our citizens and to preserve the beauty of Bel Air. Our citizens deserve a community that is safe to walk and bike in and enjoy the amenities provided by local businesses.

See Also:

• In Bel Air, 2020 Is The Year Of The Woman — Mary Chance
• Bel Air Election 2021: Candidates, How To Vote