Hodge Files for County Commissioner

For Immediate Release....

October 17, 2007
Hodge Files for County Commissioner

Today, Robert Hodge filed papers with the local Board of Elections to become an official candidate for County Commissioner " District 5.

The election is just a few short months away and with the presidential races in full swing, there is a lot of interest already in the 2008 elections, said Hodge. I needed to start right away doing the things necessary to run a successful county-wide campaign and earn the support of voters.

Hodge has already earned the respect of State Senator Nancy Jacobs.

Robert Hodge will work hard in his campaign to meet and listen to Cecil County voters. Once elected, he will work even harder to build a consensus and tackle the critical issues this county faces," said Jacobs. "Robert Hodge represents the very best Cecil County has to offer as a candidate for County Commissioner. I am glad to see that Robert is running because he will bring a sense of urgency to the Board to preserve the rural character of the county and protect our pocketbooks.

Hodge decided to run for County Commissioner because he sees a need for action by local leaders to address the needs of Cecil County.

We are getting squeezed for more money from every angle " property assessments are through the roof, Annapolis wants to raise taxes on nearly everything, and gasoline prices are continuing to rise, said Hodge. During these tough financial times, Cecil County deserves local leaders who will look critically at the budget and do more with less, said Hodge.

Robert Hodge, who owns and operates several businesses in the area, believes that his business management experience will prove an asset to Cecil County taxpayers at budget time.

As a business owner I bring a unique perspective to the County Commissioners. In my businesses, week in and week out I have to balance the budget and meet payroll, said Hodge. Often, this means finding creative solutions which cut costs and bring the budget in line with actual revenue. It is a practice that I would follow as County Commissioner " making government more efficient and productive.

Robert Hodge wants to take a more active role in the leadership of the county. In 2005, he graduated from the Cecil County Leadership Institute and recently served as the Chairman of the Land Use Sub-committee for the BRAC Action Plan. Additionally, Robert serves as Chairman of the Cecil County Republican Central Committee.

Robert Hodge is a member of the Cecil County Farm Bureau and the Economic Development Commission. He was also recently appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee for the County.

The reality of BRAC is that while we could attract many new jobs to the area, it could also mean an increase in residential growth. We must act quickly to take advantage of the positive aspects of BRAC while minimizing the negative, said Hodge. Implementing an infrastructure plan in the growth corridor of Cecil County is the best way to solve many of the growth issues that we face.

Cecil County is a great place to live because of its rural character. As county commissioner, I'll work to keep it that way.

Robert Hodge lives on a cattle and horse farm outside North East. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Agricultural Economics from Penn State University and has made Cecil County his home for the past 25 years.

He hosts his Kick-Off Fundraiser at the Chesapeake Inn on November 15th, 2008 from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Those interested in learning more about Robert Hodge can visit his web site at www.Hodge2008.com.