Aaron Guy, Wicomico County District 4 candidate, makes school funding his top priority

Aaron Guy, a candidate for the District 4 seat on the Wicomico County Council, said education funding will be his top priority if elected, and urged a pragmatic, relationship-based approach to county governance.

"Investing in our families and our kids''is a great way to impact outcomes," Guy said, citing "more than 15,000 students" in the county and arguing that the county has lagged behind peers on school funding. "We're the second lowest in the state out of 24 counties," he said, adding that county maintenance-of-effort spending plus inflation and targeted investment are starting to move the needle.

Guy, a Salisbury native and Marine Corps veteran, described a background in local business and nonprofit work, including eight years representing the Pohanka automotive group and service on boards such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Salisbury Paramedic Foundation. On the foundation, he said, "we're just about to put two [AEDs] in the zoo" and that the group had provided scholarships and equipment for EMS providers.

The candidate framed his mediation and dispute-resolution training as assets for a council member. Asked whether he could work with an executive he disagreed with, Guy said he would feel immediate frustration but would rely on communication: "I want to pick up the phone and talk to folks, not just hear what people are saying. I want to call that person regardless of party and go, 'What's the pros? What's the cons?'"

Guy discussed redistricting challenges in District 4, describing boundaries that extend from Main Street Futland to Old Ocean City Road and observing that some voters do not realize the district lines changed. He said he is increasing outreach and sign placement to reach voters who may be uncertain which district they now inhabit.

On public-safety financing and collective bargaining, Guy said county involvement could be part of a sustainable approach. "They're afraid that they can't pay the bills," he said of local emergency services, and suggested shared responsibility between municipalities and the county could improve sustainability.

Guy identified a primary opponent, Aaron Patterson, and said he has also drawn general-election opposition. He described his campaign style as "people over party," noting that he ran nonpartisan in a previous school board race and that he seeks to work with officials from both parties.

The interview concluded with Guy urging voters to evaluate him on his community ties and record of local engagement. "I'm invested in our community," he said. "I have a lot to gain by making sure that the schools look good now because my kids have a long runway until they're out of it."