County Commissioner Candidate Breeding Pledges Fiscal Discipline and Enhanced Public Safety in Interview

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Robert “Matt” Breeding, a candidate for Washington County Commissioner in Washington County, Maryland, is campaigning on a platform emphasizing fiscal responsibility, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to transparency, according to his recent campaign statements. Drawing from his extensive background as a retired Maryland State Trooper and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, as well as his current experience as Washington County Treasurer, Breeding asserts his leadership is guided by military principles of team-building and unwavering loyalty, aiming to bring a distinct approach to county governance.

“A favorite phrase of mine is I’d rather break my leg than break my word. I live that way,” said Breeding. “Like everyone I have mistakes in their life and in their past, and I embrace Oscar Wylde’s famous quote ‘Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future’.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This interview was conducted prior to current accusations against Breeding while in office, which we are still waiting to hear from Washington County regarding supporting evidence for these accusations. So far, we have been unable to verify any of the accusations of conduct while in office as true, and two of the accusations have been proven false by municipal MPIA requests.

Breeding positions himself as a fiscal guardian, highlighting his decision to forgo certain elected official benefits as a demonstration of his commitment to taxpayer savings. He claims that by opting out of the county’s health insurance subsidy and pension plan, he has saved approximately $100,000 for taxpayers over a four-year period as Treasurer. His approach to financial management focuses on “common sense” efficiencies, such as outsourcing the mailing of tax bills, which he states reduced the cost per bill to 11.2 cents. He also points to the utilization of simple, cost-effective measures, like printing “Tax Sale Pending” in red ink, as methods to improve tax collections without incurring additional expenses. Furthermore, Breeding proposes integrating vocational training programs, suggesting that students from the local Tech High could assist with county maintenance tasks, such as vehicle repairs and carpentry, thereby saving money and fostering community engagement among young residents.

In terms of policy, Breeding is advocating for specific tax reforms, including the elimination of a $250 penalty for individuals redeeming property from tax sales, which he describes as an unjust fee structure. He also supports the gradual phasing out of the business personal property tax, a move he believes will enhance Washington County’s competitiveness with neighboring Frederick County.

“I talked to a business owner yesterday who had a business in Washington County,” said Breeding. “He settled in Frederick… He said, ‘Why would I want to do business in Washington County with that tax, right?'”

On infrastructure, Breeding has also voiced his support for the establishment of a regional water authority. He contends that the current ownership of the water system by the City of Hagerstown gives the city undue influence over development decisions within the broader county.

Regarding public safety, Breeding believes that Washington County must transition to a fully paid fire and EMS system, citing a decline in volunteerism as a primary driver for this necessary change.

When asked about the ICE facility in Williamsport, Maryland, unlike some of his opponents Breeding views the federal ICE facility as a largely neutral or even positive asset, with the sole drawback being the loss of approximately $700,000 in annual tax revenue. He suggests that the presence of the facility could be leveraged to secure federal funding for the county’s aging water and sewer infrastructure.

“What about some federal money to fix our aging infrastructure system for the water and take advantage of it? Take this lemon and make lemonade out of it,” said Breeding.

Breeding has also expressed significant concerns regarding transparency within the current Board of County Commissioners. He advocates for the reinstatement of open public comment periods during meetings, criticizing what he perceives as an avoidance of direct engagement with citizens and critics by current officials. He attributes his current unpopularity with some sitting commissioners to his refusal to be controlled or compromised, citing an instance where he utilized a Public Information Act request to debunk allegations made against a former colleague. Breeding’s core message to voters centers on his commitment to being an accessible and trustworthy public servant, prioritizing his word and integrity over personal career advancement. He promotes a vision of limited government that intervenes minimally while ensuring robust and efficient public safety and infrastructure services.

“I’m not the most popular… with the commissioners. But I’m fine with that. I sleep at night,” said Breeding.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Matt Breeding’s campaign inteview.

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