County Commissioner Candidate Dan Young Focuses on Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Senior Affordability in Interview

The following is based upon the candidate’s press release announcing his/her candidacy, interview, or published campaign platform. All claims are re-published as represented by the candidate and state board of elections records. RFHC welcomes all candidates for the upcoming election cycle to submit a candidate profile or request an interview. Additionally, candidates are welcome to submit opinion pieces on important local topics, offering further insight into their views on specific issues. To submit a candidacy announcement press release, request an interview, or submit an opinion piece, please email kbuckler@radiofreehubcity.com.

Dan Young, a candidate for Washington County Commissioner, has outlined a platform centered on leveraging his extensive public safety background to address key county issues, including infrastructure needs, fiscal responsibility, and support for senior citizens. Young’s candidacy is informed by his 18-year career in fire and rescue services, where he currently serves as a Captain and EMS Supervisor in Loudoun County, Virginia. This practical experience, he states, has provided him with a deep understanding of budget management, resource allocation, and direct emergency response, including advanced medical procedures.

Young identifies the county’s water and sewer systems as a critical, yet often overlooked, infrastructure challenge. He advocates for the development of redundant systems capable of supporting a growing population and emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation between Washington County and the City of Hagerstown on shared utility projects. His vision for development includes striking a balance between economic expansion and the preservation of the county’s agricultural heritage.

“I think we need to have smart development,” said Young. “We’ve got to make sure we protect our agriculture, balance our economic growth with what we want our county’s industry to be known for.”

A significant point of concern for Young is the rising cost of living for retirees in Maryland, noting that some seniors choose to relocate to neighboring states like Pennsylvania due to affordability issues. To address this, he proposes exploring a property tax freeze for elderly residents. Furthermore, Young expressed a desire to alleviate the burden of state-level fees and taxes on county residents, seeking opportunities for the county to offer financial relief.

In his approach to local governance, Young addresses the controversial ICE facility by acknowledging community concerns while recognizing the limitations the county may have in preventing federal projects. He has criticized state government efforts that he believes are misdirected towards fighting such facilities, suggesting that resources would be better allocated to providing tangible tax relief for residents. Young also expressed support for reinstating public comment periods at commissioner meetings, believing that providing a forum for citizen input, while managed effectively to prevent disruptions, can reduce friction and foster better communication. He underscores the importance of transparency and ethical operations in government.

“I understand there’s a lot of people scared and they don’t want the [ICE] facility,” said Young. “I think that we have a responsibility as a county to look at that and see what’s gonna be good for our community. … I think that the state government is wasting a lot of effort working against [ICE] when they should be working to reduce some of the six hundred taxes that they’ve made everybody’s stay. I would rather have a relationship with somebody I disagree with to be able to work with them for the betterment of such a community.”

Young characterizes himself as a candidate who prioritizes finding well-researched solutions over making unsubstantiated claims. He describes Washington County with affection, citing its diverse landscape and industrial base as qualities that make it akin to “Little America.” His personal history includes a long-standing connection to Hagerstown, having attended a church in the downtown area for 35 years and emphasizing his desire to serve as a positive example for his family.

“I love everything about this county… we have little America right here in Washington County,” said Young. “We’ve got a lot of rich history in this county from [Antietam] Battlefield to the [C&O Canal] at Williamsport… amazing things going on for us. … I want people to be excited with Washington County. I want to make them proud. This is their county.”

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Dan Young’s interview.

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