2022 Candidate Questionnaire: David Marks For Baltimore County Council District 5

PERRY HALL - The Perry Hall Patch spoke to David Marks about his history, why he is running for office, and his positions on local issues.

Marks is running against Crystal Francis  for Baltimore County Council District 5.

Below are Marks' answers to our candidate questionnaire.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

"I've been a resident of the Fifth District for my entire life and was a volunteer and community leader long before running for office. I view my role as an elected official as an extension of this work. A County Councilmember has the ability to make a strong impact by improving public safety, strengthening our schools and neighborhoods, and preserving open space. I want to continue the progress we have made so far--we've advanced three new schools, created eleven new parks, and strengthened communities from Kingsville to Perry Hall. I want to bring that leadership to White Marsh and Middle River."

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

"Public safety is the most urgent need right now. I'm proud to have been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the union that represents our local firefighters and paramedics. I'm working hard to increase the number of police officers in our communities, and I'll provide the leadership to build new fire stations in Bowleys Quarters and Middle River, as we were able to do in Kingsville and White Marsh."

What sets you apart from your opponent?

"My opponent is a partisan activist who served as chair of the Baltimore County Democratic Party and as a delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention. She is running on a coordinated campaign to defeat Republicans up and down the ballot. I offer a different approach. For three decades, I've worked across party lines to get things done. I'm also an independent voice on the County Council, voting to cut a historic amount of waste and opposing bad development and every tax increase. My opponent talks a lot about diversity, but we are not well served if we have no differences of opinion on the County Council."

Where do you work, and what is your job title?

"I am a special educator in Harford County. I'm the only public school teacher on the Baltimore County Council."

Age and birthplace? Other family information you'd like to share?

"I'm 49 years old, have two children who have attended Baltimore County Public Schools, and am a lifelong resident of this district."

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and when.

"I graduated from Perry Hall High School in 1991, from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1995 with a bachelor of arts degree in government and politics, and Johns Hopkins University in 1997 with a master's degree in public policy."

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?

"I expect to spend approximately $75,000 in the campaign, almost entirely raised from local businesses and residents."

How long have you lived in Baltimore County District 5?

"I'm a lifelong resident of this district. I was the longest-serving president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, leading that organization from 1999 to 2003 and 2006 to 2010."

What's your favorite thing about Baltimore County District 5?

"I love the diverse communities in this district, from the rolling farms in Kingsville to the growing neighborhoods in Perry Hall and White Marsh to the waterfront areas in Middle River. I will represent everyone, regardless of place or party."

What is the biggest problem in Baltimore County District 5?

"People are concerned about crime and public safety. They fear the encroachment of violence from Baltimore City. I've been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and will continue to provide support as we grow a robust law enforcement presence.

Patch has reached out to Marks' opponent Crystal Francis, and hopes to post her interview later this week.