Hello I am sharing a letter that was sent to us by a Concerned Citizen in Wicomico County, MD. Regarding the June 2026 primary election over certain candidates running for office at the State & Local Level.
As we approach the June 23, 2026 Primary Election, I wanted to share my thoughts and concerns regarding several state and local races, as well as the direction our county may take depending on the individuals elected to office.
In 2021 and 2022, then-candidate and now Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano presented a vision for Wicomico County focused on strengthening public safety, supporting economic growth, and protecting the interests of local taxpayers and businesses. Through hard work and a clear message, she was elected in November 2022.
Over the past three and a half years, County Executive Giordano has demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to the county, giving many residents confidence in the future of Wicomico County under her leadership.
However, in January 2025, the Wicomico County Council, led by Council President John Cannon, proposed and passed legislation that would have significantly impacted an entire industry within our county.
The legislation imposed a heavy regulatory requirement mandating that kennels be located at least 1,000 feet from surrounding property lines or residences. Many believed this restriction would have made it virtually impossible for existing kennels in Wicomico County to continue operating.
The bill was supported by Councilmembers Joe Holloway, Jeff Merritt, and Josh Hastings, as well as publicly supported by the hosts of the local public access television program “Open Agenda” — Joe White, Joe Venosa, and Jim Adkins — all of whom are currently running for seats on the Wicomico County Council.
Had the legislation remained unchanged, residents requiring kennel services may have been forced to seek those services in neighboring counties or even across state lines into Sussex County, Delaware. This would not only have resulted in lost revenue for Wicomico County, but also for the State of Maryland. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of local jobs connected to the industry.
The bill passed with only one dissenting vote from Councilman James Winn. County Executive Giordano vetoed the legislation, citing concerns about its impact on local businesses. The Council later overrode the veto before ultimately amending the bill following significant public backlash and community concern.
There are also residents who believe the legislation may have been motivated, at least in part, by retaliation against a particular kennel owner who had publicly supported County Executive Giordano during the 2022 election cycle.
Whether or not that perception is accurate, many citizens were troubled by the appearance that government action could negatively affect an entire industry and numerous small business owners in response to disagreements involving a single business or individual.
My purpose in writing this is simply to encourage the citizens and voters of Wicomico County to carefully evaluate the candidates seeking to represent them at both the state and local level during this primary election. The decisions made by elected officials have real consequences for local businesses, jobs, economic development, and the future direction of our community.
Your vote matters, and informed participation in local elections is essential to the future of Wicomico County.