County Executive Cassilly: Moving Harford toward well-planned growth

During our first 10 months in office, my administration has worked hard to move Harford County away from indiscriminate development and toward well-planned growth that supports our quality of life, good-paying jobs, and economic prosperity. Understandably, this has resulted in backlash from those who profited from the old ways of insider influence as a substitute for good governance.

Some who profit from large warehouses and apartments will argue that county government also profits in the form of increased tax revenue any time green space is converted to buildings. While this is true in the short run, my goal for the county I love extends beyond quick financial gain. I was elected and I am dedicated to ensuring that our county embraces development that offers the highest possible return in the long run, promotes our quality of life, and protects our environment.

In addition to legislation that I initiated to moderate the development of warehouses and apartments outside the urban centers, I have directed my staff to pursue better opportunities for economic growth. One area of significant potential is manufacturing. According to Chmura Economics & Analytics, the average annual wage in manufacturing in our region is $72,053 compared to an average of only $43,327 in warehouse and distribution.

Similarly, manufacturing in Harford County generates $448,000 per worker, compared to only $160,000 per worker in the warehouse and distribution sector. Fortunately, Harford County has a strong manufacturing base and potential to expand.

One of the most effective ways my administration supports local businesses is by refraining from imposing higher taxes. In my first budget as county executive, I resisted intense political pressures to overspend; my FY24 budget meets our needs while reducing the county's structural deficit by a substantial 25%. Rest assured, my administration remains committed to prudent spending and will resist pressure from powerful interests that could result in higher taxes and harm our local economy.

Already, my administration’s policies have supported private sector expansion, resulting in 342 new jobs, 418,918 in square footage acquired for new business, and $83,822,743 in capital invested. And we’re just getting started.

I am bullish on Harford County's potential for business growth and prosperity. Our county is blessed with an educated and skilled workforce, which we should leverage to attract the most advantageous businesses to our community. I refuse to settle for easy, expedient, and inferior solutions. That is why I will never waver in my commitment to making Harford County a premier destination to live, work, and thrive.

Bob Cassilly

Harford County Executive