About Chad Shrodes

Now more than ever, a strong candidate is needed that will best represent the views of the northern Harford County families, farmers and small businesses.

In running for Harford County Council, I feel I am that strong candidate. My background gives me a well-balanced perspective to deal with the many challenges facing the County now and in the future. I am passionate about northern Harford County and am proud to have grown up in Norrisville. My family's deep roots give me an inherent historical point of view, which will help to guide me while making decisions as a legislator on the Harford County Council.

Advocate of Harford County's Agriculture

I believe protecting farmers and supporting farming families to help them become more productive and profitable is number one in keeping the agricultural industry healthy in the County. Protecting farmland through County and State land preservation programs, limiting development through innovative land use planning tools and protecting farmers’ water resources for irrigation purposes is vital in assuring that farmland is available for future of farmers.

Prior to being appointed by Governor Bob Ehrhich as a Land Preservation Planner as part of his transition team to the Maryland Department of Planning and for Harford County; I was a promoter of Harford County’s Land Preservation Program that became law by referendum in 1993. In 1999, I successfully advocated for Harford County’s Rural Legacy Application after Harford County did not receive funding the previous year. My letter to the editor published in the Aegis Newspaper pleaded with residents to write letters to various State agencies in support of the application. This effort was followed by successfully garnering the support of hundreds of students attending North Harford High School.

I feel those grassroots efforts had a substantial impact in Harford County, receiving $1.75 million in funding that year. Those students were invited to accept the check on behalf of Harford County. In 2002, I supported the farming community’s in their efforts to prevent the City of Aberdeen from taping into Deer Creek as a water source for promoting new growth to the City.

Education:

• Towson University, 1997 Graduate
  (B.S. Degree Environmental & Land Use Planning)
• Harford Community College,
  Political Science concentration (County Council Internship)
• North Harford High School, 1992 Graduate
• North Harford Middle School
• Norrisville Elementary
• Harford Leadership Academy, 1999 Graduate
  (Program Sponsored by Harford County Chamber of Commerce and Harford Community College)

Work experience:

I began working for the Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning as an intern while attending college in 1993. In 1994, I also participated in an internship program between Harford Community College and the Harford County Council. I became a full-time employee of the Department of Planning and Zoning in 1997, the same year I graduated from Towson University. Since then, I’ve worked in various capacities throughout the department; I currently administer the county’s Forest Conservation program. My prior planning experience includes working on the county’s Land Preservation Programs and Historic Preservation Program. In 2003, I was appointed by Governor Robert Ehrlich to work on the State’s land preservation programs.

Please contact me by email (chad@chadshrodes.com) or phone (410) 688-5557 with any questions, concerns or comments.