Proven leadership

Our Calvert, Our Future.

 
 

"As County Commissioner, I have delivered on the promise to bring people together and solve complex challenges. I look forward to the continuing my service to the residents of Calvert County and will continue to work with drive and determination."

- Earl "Buddy" Hance

 
buddy-hance.jpg
 
 

Meet the candidate

Earl "Buddy" Hance

 

Earl “Buddy” Hance is a farmer and lifelong resident of Calvert County.

Hance is currently serving his first term on the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and is President of the Board (2020 - present). He and his wife reside in Port Republic. They have four children and five grandchildren. Hance is a fourth generation Calvert County farmer. He owns and operates Hance Family Farms, a 400-acre corn and soybean farm.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Strong Fiscal Management

  • Calvert County Earned Three AAA Bond Ratings for the Sixth Consecutive Year

  • Continuously passed a balanced budget for Calvert County

  • The fiscal year 2021 budget was balanced and totaled $318.4 million, with a $642,755 surplus.

  • The current fiscal year budget invests in education, providing nearly $145 million to Calvert County Public Schools (approximately 45% of the total county budget), and public safety with more than $43 million allocated for the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.

Tax Relief for Citizens

  • Taxes have remained flat during Hance’s term and the current budget provided much-needed taxpayer relief, with a decreased real property tax rate ($0.932 from $0.937)

Balanced Growth

  • Completed three rounds of PAR purchases (retiring transferable development rights)

  • Expanded Rural Legacy Area, opening new opportunities for land preservation

  • Voted against expansions of the Huntingtown and Prince Frederick Town Centers

Supported Public Safety

  • Initiated paid EMS at the request of volunteers who were struggling to meet the demands of citizens

Supported Business During the Pandemic

  • Disbursed more than $1.8 million in direct support to local businesses and nonprofits through the Departments of Economic Development and Community Resources

Calvert County Commissioner Buddy Hance
 

Earl "Buddy" Hance is the President of the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners. As an active member of the community, Buddy is also a member of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.

Hance is the former Maryland Secretary of Agriculture (2009 - 2015) and has served in a number of leadership roles throughout his career. As Secretary of Agriculture, Hance managed 400 employees and a budget of $117 million during a time of recession and considerable budget reduction.

Leadership Experience:

  • Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (2018 - present), President of the BOCC (2020 - present)

  • Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture (2009 - 2015)

  • Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture (2007 - 2009)

  • President, Maryland Farm Bureau (2003 - 2007)

  • 1st Vice President, Maryland Farm Bureau (2001 - 2003)

  • 2nd Vice President, Maryland Farm Bureau (1999 - 2001)

  • Chairman, Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (1998 - 2007)

  • Treasurer, Maryland Grain Producers Association (1992 - 1994)