Editor’s note: The Carroll County Times is publishing a series of stories leading up to the July 19 primary election about candidates in the Board of Carroll County Commissioners race. There are five commissioners on the board, each of whom represents a home district. Commissioners are responsible for legislative and executive county functions; they set the county tax rate and determine its annual budget allocations. For more on these and other candidates, see The Baltimore Sun Voter Guide at https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/elections/voter-guide/.
Both candidates running for the District 2 seat on the Board of Carroll County Commissioners are Republicans, meaning the winner will be decided in the July 19 primary election.
Richard Weaver currently represents District 2. He is in his second term and is not eligible for reelection. The two candidates to replace Weaver are Carroll County Board of Education member Kenneth A. Kiler, of Manchester, and Dave Reese Sr., of Hampstead.
District 2 encompasses most of the northeast section of the county, including Manchester and Hampstead.
Ken Kiler
Kiler, 71, is president of the county’s school board and believes his work on that board, along with volunteer experience, make him a qualified candidate.
“As a commissioner, I will roll up my sleeves and use all the tools in my toolbox to continue making Carroll a better place to work, live and raise a family,” he stated in an email.
“I bring proven experience and conservative leadership and have intimate knowledge of Carroll County government,” Kiler said. “As a contractor, I dealt with the county government on a daily basis while completing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of work. ... As a lifelong Carroll County resident, my experiences as a contractor, on the BOE, as well as my community involvement, have given me the tools to be a commissioner.”
Kiler graduated from North Carroll High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in math from Washington College.
Kiler’s most recently available campaign finance report covering June 8 to July 3 and filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections, shows that he raised $4,900 and spent $6,977.48 on media, printing and campaign materials, mailing and fundraising. Kiler has a cash balance of $13,177.04.
Carroll County Breaking News
One of the largest contributions to Kiler’s campaign is $1,500 from the Maryland Realtors Political Action Committee.
Dave Reese Sr.
Reese, 53, works as a procurement officer with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to that job, Reese worked as deputy director of the county’s Department of Public Works, overseeing roads, engineering, fleet management, solid waste and transit operations, he stated in an email.
“I have over 34 years experience in county government operations, which is paramount with the daily operations and knowledge of all bureaus,” he stated.
“As a citizen of Carroll, I feel it is unfair to all if every one of the commissioners would not know what to do, where to go for answers. This is where I differ from the other candidates. I have served the citizens of Carroll for many years and want to continue this service. I [have] more experience than my opponent and all the candidates. I have helped thousands of citizens with their needs and want to continue do so in a different capacity and make decisions that is good for all.”
Reese attended North Carroll High School, Towson State University and Carroll Community College.
His most recently available campaign finance report shows he raised no money during the period of June 8 to July 3. He spent $2,669.90 in printing, campaign materials and other expenses and has a cash balance of $1,630.42.