Kent County commissioner candidate outlines how county partnerships could deliver affordable, accessible homes and greater accountability for public investment.
Watch the full forum with the Chestertown Spy to hear more about Sam Shoge’s plan for Kent County.
Kent County commissioner candidate Sam Shoge presented detailed affordable housing proposals and called for more proactive, accountable county leadership during the League of Women Voters candidate forum on Oct. 21.
The six candidates answered advance questions on Maryland’s Blueprint education plan and affordable, accessible housing before taking questions from the audience. Shoge connected his proposals to his professional community development experience, explaining how county government could take a more active role in addressing residents’ needs.
His housing proposals appear in the housing volume of Expanding Opportunities, his campaign platform series.
Affordable housing with enforceable public benefits
Shoge proposed using county land, funding, or other assistance to secure enforceable commitments from developers. Those agreements would specify how many homes would be affordable, whom they would serve, how long affordability would last, and what accessibility features they would include.
“Public support should produce a clear public benefit,” Shoge said.
While other candidates emphasized construction costs, permitting, and existing developments, Shoge explained how county participation could help determine what gets built and ensure that public assistance delivers specific benefits.
He outlined a county-owned real estate development corporation to help secure sites, assemble partnerships, and pursue financing, along with a land bank to prepare vacant or underused properties for redevelopment. He also called for additional funding for home repairs and improvements that help seniors remain in their homes.
“As commissioner, I will make housing development an active county responsibility,” Shoge said.
Education investment tied to measurable results
On education, Shoge supported expanded preschool, stronger reading instruction, and family support while questioning the Blueprint’s current implementation schedule and rising costs.
He called for clear performance checkpoints, protection of effective services, and changes to programs that fall short. He also proposed working with other counties to seek legislative changes to the implementation timetable.
“We cannot keep asking families to pay more without showing what their investment achieves,” Shoge said.
His response emphasized both educational opportunity and accountability: “Our children deserve an investment that delivers. Our taxpayers deserve proof that it is working. I will fight for both.”
Seniors and stronger partnerships with towns
Asked whether seniors are an asset or a challenge, Shoge answered directly that they are an asset. He explained that better health care access, transportation, and affordability would benefit residents of all ages.
“What is good for seniors is good for our community,” he said.
On municipal taxes and economic growth, Shoge called for closer cooperation between the county and its towns. He proposed using the Council of Governments to develop shared strategies for housing, economic development, and pursuing outside funding.
Accountability and community benefits from solar
Responding to a student representative’s question about accountability among commissioners, Shoge emphasized listening to different views, engaging residents, and supporting proposals with data and research. He also stressed the importance of reconsidering positions when new information warrants it.
On solar development, Shoge distinguished between projects generally and those occupying land intended for town growth. He opposed installations that would obstruct planned community expansion and proposed a community benefit fund through which developers could support local priorities such as workforce development and parks.
Shoge directly addresses pointed Bay Bridge question
The final audience question singled out Shoge’s past support for a Bay Bridge crossing into Kent County, asking candidates whether they would support such a proposal.
Shoge responded with humor, acknowledged his earlier position, and clearly stated that his view had changed.
“I am no longer an advocate for a third span to Kent County,” he said. “Besides, it is a moot point. That decision has already been made.”
Although the question revisited a position from 2017 on a crossing Shoge noted was no longer under consideration, he handled the exchange graciously. With limited forum time available to discuss current challenges and decisions within the commissioners’ authority, he answered directly and returned the conversation to the county’s future.
Shoge reaffirmed the need for economic growth and a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities in Kent County, explaining that neither requires a new bridge. He also announced that his economic development plan would soon be available through his Expanding Opportunities campaign platform, giving residents specific proposals to consider for the county’s next chapter.
Specific proposals and a commitment to results
Across the forum, Shoge paired calls for change with specific proposals, including enforceable housing agreements, education performance checkpoints, and stronger county-town collaboration. He recognized existing accomplishments while making the case for a more consistent, active county effort.
“I am running to change the culture of Kent County government to make it more proactive, more open to new ideas and more accountable for results,” Shoge said in closing.
Residents can read more about his proposals in Expanding Opportunities.
Watch the full forum with the Chestertown Spy to hear more about Sam Shoge’s plan for Kent County.
