BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Ahead of the 2026 general election in November, Patch has invited candidates running to represent Baltimore County to complete a questionnaire touching on a variety of key issues.
Candidate responses will be published verbatim in the run-up to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Related:
Questionnaire responses for Joe Hooe, who is running to represent the 1st District, can be found below:
Name: Joseph D. "Joe" Hooe
Age: 58
Hometown: Arbutus
Political Affiliation: Unaffiliated
Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office.
Yes. I have been actively involved in local politics and community affairs for more than 23 years, including campaigns for the Maryland House of Delegates and other public offices. Throughout that time, I have attended community meetings, listened to residents, challenged government decisions, and advocated for improvements in our neighborhoods.
My political experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the issues facing Baltimore County, including public safety, overdevelopment, infrastructure, taxation, and constituent services.
I have also learned that effective representation requires listening to people with different political views, finding common ground, and holding government accountable.
Although I have not previously held elected office, my decades of civic involvement have helped prepare me to serve as an accessible, knowledgeable, and independent County Councilman. My guiding principle will remain the same: People Before Parties.
What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you're looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?
The most important issue facing District 1 is responsive, accountable local government. Residents deserve safe neighborhoods, quality schools, reliable infrastructure, and responsible use of their tax dollars.
As Councilman, I will prioritize education and public safety. Our children should not have to study in trailers. I will support our police officers and firefighters, advocate for a new Lansdowne firehouse, address deteriorating roads and stormwater drainage problems, and oppose irresponsible overdevelopment.
I will also work to repeal the county's annual 10-visit limit at its residential drop-off facilities and collaborate with county, state, and federal officials to advocate for funding and timely reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
My guiding principle is simple: government should serve the people, not the political parties.
How do you differ from other candidates running against you?
Unlike my opponents, I am running as an unaffiliated candidate, independent of both major political parties. Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters helped place my name on the ballot through a successful citizen petition.
I am a lifelong area resident with deep family roots in District 1. My parents, grandparents, and extended family have proudly called this community home for more than a century.
My mother, Ann O'Neill, who passed away this July, was the Catonsville girl whose remarkable recovery from childhood leukemia on Good Friday in 1952 was recognized by the Catholic Church as the second miracle attributed to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
I am also a small business owner, former volunteer firefighter, and longtime community advocate. I bring decades of firsthand knowledge of District 1, its neighborhoods, and the challenges facing our residents.
My approach is centered on constituent service, independent judgment, fiscal responsibility, and putting people before parties. I believe good ideas should be judged on their merits, regardless of which political party proposes them.
How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you've outlined in your campaign and/or the office you're seeking?
As a longtime small business owner and president of The Tire Network, I understand budgeting, managing employees, solving problems, and providing dependable customer service.
My experience as a former volunteer firefighter taught me the importance of public safety, teamwork, and responding when people need help. As a Maryland State Inspector, I understand the importance of accountability and regulatory compliance.
I am also a Johns Hopkins University graduate and have spent decades participating in community affairs. My experience includes hosting members of Finland's Foreign Affairs Committee in Catonsville in 2004, which broadened my perspective on international relations, diplomacy, and cooperation.
Together, these experiences have prepared me to evaluate county spending, support local businesses, address constituent concerns, work with people from different backgrounds, and approach problems with practical solutions.
What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If you're running for reelection, please explain the lessons of your previous term and how they would impact your next term.
I respect Councilman Young for his service to our country as a United States Marine and for his service to our communities as a public official. However, I believe District 1 deserves stronger constituent representation, greater transparency, and increased accountability in county government.
Residents continue to express concerns about overdevelopment, public safety, aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, stormwater runoff, and decisions made without sufficient community input and oversight.
As Councilman, I would prioritize responsive constituent services, improve communication with residents, increase transparency in zoning and development decisions, and work closely with neighborhood and community associations. I would advocate for responsible spending, protect taxpayers, and ensure that residents have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods.
For more than two decades, I have actively worked to improve our communities. I fought against the proposed Royal Farms truck stop in Lansdowne, challenged CSX Transportation over sagging utility poles along the Hammonds Ferry Road corridor, and opposed the proposed Maglev train project. These efforts reflect my longstanding commitment to protecting our neighborhoods and standing up for residents.
I believe public service is about helping people, solving problems, and leaving our communities better for future generations. My commitment is to be an accessible, independent Councilman who listens, responds, and follows through.
I am running independently because I believe the people of District 1 deserve representation that puts their interests ahead of political parties.
People Before Parties.
How do you believe Baltimore County should address data centers? What type of legislation — moratorium or temporary pause — should be put in place? Explain.
I support a moratorium on new data center development in Baltimore County while the county evaluates the long-term consequences for our communities.
Data centers can place substantial demands on electricity, water, infrastructure, and emergency services. Before considering any new facilities, the county must establish clear zoning restrictions, environmental safeguards, infrastructure requirements, and protections for residential neighborhoods.
I believe economic development should improve residents' quality of life, not compromise it. Any future consideration of data centers must include meaningful community input, transparent environmental and fiscal impact studies, and assurances that taxpayers will not subsidize private development.
What steps would you take to offset data center impacts to residents' standard of living, such as rising energy prices?
Baltimore County residents and small businesses should not be forced to subsidize the extraordinary energy demands of large data centers.
I would advocate for requiring developers to pay the full cost of infrastructure improvements directly attributable to their projects, including necessary electrical, water, sewer, and road upgrades.
I would also work with state officials and the Maryland Public Service Commission to protect residential and small-business ratepayers from costs attributable to new data center development.
Any proposed development should undergo an independent assessment of its projected energy consumption, infrastructure demands, environmental effects, and long-term economic benefits before receiving county approval.
How would you distinguish between a good vs. bad data center?
A responsible data center would demonstrate measurable economic benefits, comply with strict environmental and zoning standards, minimize water and energy consumption, and pay its fair share of infrastructure costs without shifting those expenses onto residents.
An unacceptable data center would burden the electrical grid, increase costs for existing ratepayers, strain water resources, negatively affect residential neighborhoods, or require substantial taxpayer subsidies without sufficient public benefit.
I believe every development must be evaluated on its actual impact on the surrounding community, not simply the promises made by developers. Protecting residents, taxpayers, and our environment must remain the priority.
Gov. Wes Moore signed bills banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials in February.
What is your opinion of the legislation? What steps would you take to support or readjust that initiative?
I believe immigration policy must balance public safety, respect for the rule of law, constitutional protections, and the dignity of every individual.
Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility. Baltimore County police officers should remain focused on protecting our neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and maintaining public trust.
I support lawful cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities on serious criminal matters, consistent with Maryland law and constitutional protections.
As Councilman, I would evaluate the practical effects of this legislation on public safety, police resources, and community relationships, and work with state officials to address any problems identified.
What is your stance on the establishment of ICE centers in the county and/or your district? What actionable plans would you undertake to address illegal immigration in the county?
Any proposal to establish an ICE detention or processing facility in Baltimore County should receive careful review regarding public safety, zoning, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and effects on surrounding communities. Residents deserve transparency and an opportunity to be heard before decisions affecting their neighborhoods are made.
I believe immigration laws should be enforced fairly and consistently, with respect for constitutional rights, due process, and human dignity. Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, while Baltimore County government is responsible for protecting residents, maintaining public safety, and providing essential local services.
As Councilman, I would seek complete information about any proposed ICE facility, encourage public participation, and examine the county's authority under state and federal law. I would also support lawful cooperation among appropriate agencies to address criminal activity, protect residents, and prevent worker exploitation.
For decades, I have advocated for an innovative federal immigration reform initiative that I call the "Pay to Work" program. My proposal would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for temporary, renewable employment authorization through a structured registration process.
Under this proposal:
This program would require congressional authorization and federal implementation. It would establish a lawful employment framework, encourage tax compliance, improve government accountability, and generate revenue while allowing eligible workers to contribute openly to our economy.
As a longtime small business owner, I understand the importance of a dependable workforce, fair employment practices, and protecting American workers from unfair competition and exploitation.
I believe America can uphold its immigration laws while recognizing the economic contributions of people who work, support families, and participate in our communities.
My approach is rooted in public safety, economic responsibility, fairness, and the rule of law. I believe practical solutions are more productive than political division.
Education: What is the biggest issue facing Baltimore County Public Schools? How would you address it?
I believe the biggest challenge facing Baltimore County Public Schools is ensuring that every child receives a quality education in a safe, properly maintained learning environment.
Our children should not have to attend classes in overcrowded trailers while aging school buildings need repairs and modernization. We must prioritize classroom instruction, teacher recruitment and retention, school safety, and responsible management of education funding.
As Councilman, I would work with the Board of Education, superintendent, parents, and teachers to address overcrowding, improve school facilities, and ensure taxpayer dollars are directed toward measurable educational improvements.
Education is an investment in our children's future, our workforce, and the long-term prosperity of Baltimore County. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, whether pursuing college, vocational training, or a skilled trade.
Although voters approved public campaign financing, I believe county government must continually examine its spending priorities. Personally, I would rather see additional taxpayer resources directed toward classroom instruction, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, improving school facilities, and providing educators with competitive compensation than toward financing political campaigns.
A student brings a gun/weapon to campus without setting off any red flags.
What security measures would you advocate for to prevent such an incident? Do you believe schools need stricter security measures? Metal detectors? Explain.
Nothing is more important than protecting our children, teachers, and school employees. I support a comprehensive, layered approach to school security that emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and rapid emergency response.
Schools should have controlled entry points, functioning surveillance and communication systems, trained security personnel, and effective coordination with law enforcement. I also support behavioral threat assessment teams, accessible mental health services, and clear procedures for reporting concerning behavior.
I would support evaluating metal detectors and modern weapons-detection technology where a documented security assessment demonstrates their necessity and effectiveness. Any such measures should be implemented consistently, with appropriate privacy protections and without unnecessarily disrupting education.
As a former volunteer firefighter, I understand the importance of emergency preparedness. I would advocate for regular safety assessments, coordinated emergency planning, and sufficient resources to protect our schools.
What will you do to encourage affordable/public housing in the county?
Affordable housing is an important concern for working families, young adults, seniors, and residents on fixed incomes. Baltimore County must pursue housing opportunities while protecting established neighborhoods, green spaces, and essential infrastructure.
I support responsible redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties, rehabilitation of existing housing, and partnerships that expand affordable housing opportunities without encouraging irresponsible overdevelopment.
Housing proposals should be evaluated for their impact on schools, roads, stormwater management, public safety, and surrounding communities. Residents must have a meaningful voice in zoning and development decisions.
I would also support programs that help seniors remain in their homes, assist first-time homebuyers, and address homelessness, particularly among veterans.
Our goal should be safe, affordable housing that strengthens communities rather than overwhelming them.
How will you address crime in the county/your district?
Public safety is one of government's most fundamental responsibilities. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, neighborhood, school, and workplace.
As Councilman, I would prioritize adequate funding for police staffing, recruitment, retention, training, and modern equipment. I support community policing, increased neighborhood engagement, and effective cooperation between law enforcement and community organizations.
We must also address the underlying factors that contribute to crime, including substance abuse, untreated mental health problems, lack of economic opportunity, and youth disengagement.
As a former volunteer firefighter and longtime community advocate, I understand the importance of supporting our first responders and ensuring they have the resources necessary to protect the public.
I believe effective crime prevention requires accountability, consistent enforcement of the law, community involvement, and opportunities that help young people choose productive paths.
The county has seen a spike in incidents involving teen brawls. What steps would you take to curb incidents? What role does the county play in clamping down on the fights, or what's become known as "teen takeovers"?
Large-scale teen fights and disruptive gatherings threaten public safety, place young people at risk, and negatively affect residents and local businesses. These incidents require a coordinated response involving law enforcement, schools, parents, community organizations, and youth service providers.
I support proactive communication between police and school officials, appropriate monitoring of credible threats, and timely intervention when large gatherings are expected to become dangerous.
Parents and guardians must be engaged, and young people who participate in violence or property destruction must be held accountable through fair, lawful, and age-appropriate consequences.
At the same time, we must provide constructive alternatives, including recreation, mentorship, vocational training, after-school activities, and employment opportunities.
As Councilman, I would advocate for coordination among county agencies, adequate public safety resources, and measurable prevention programs.
Our objective should be to prevent violence before it occurs, protect residents and businesses, and help young people develop into responsible, productive members of our community. I also believe we must give our law enforcement professionals the resources, training, and support necessary to address these incidents effectively while protecting the safety and rights of everyone involved.
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