I am throwing my hat in the ring for a seat on the Allegany County Board of Commissioners as a Republican candidate.

I have been a resident of Allegany County for over 30 years and recently retired from a long career as Forest Manager at Green Ridge State Forest.  My wife Cindy, a Lonaconing native, and I have two sons, both of whom still live and work in this area.  We live in LaVale.

I am a graduate of West Virginia University, a Vietnam Veteran who served four years in the United States Navy, and I earned an M.S. degree in Management from Frostburg State University.  I also recently graduated from the 2009 Class of Leadership Allegany!, an incredible nine-month program that gives future leaders a deeper understanding of regional issues facing our County.  This program, supported by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, provided many opportunities for the leadership class to meet and network with other leaders working hard throughout the community to resolve those issues.

I am a licensed professional forester and just retired as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer, having served most recently as a lieutenant with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  My education, work experience, and background in natural resources and law enforcement give me a unique perspective and the necessary leadership skills that will enable me to serve the people of Allegany County well.

My personal history as a law enforcement officer provides a unique perspective regarding public safety and the current debate involving the Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Police.  We need to tone down the rhetoric and take the politics and personalities out of the police issue.  I support initiating an independent audit that reviews the budgets of both groups and measures the performance and effectiveness of law enforcement both before and after the creation of the Bureau of Police.  With public input and thoughtful consideration, decisions can be made that will preserve our public safety and benefit the citizens of Allegany County.

Certainly, there are many more issues to be discussed during this campaign season, not the least of which is the county’s challenging financial circumstances.  As Green Ridge State Forest Manager, I managed an asset that encompasses one-fifth of the county’s landscape, I created budgets, dealt with personnel issues, and served approximately 100,000 visitors to Allegany County annually.  I am ready and willing to put these skills to work for the benefit of all Allegany County citizens.

Allegany County is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise our families.  I will promote all the good things about Allegany County on the campaign trail – our natural resources and our people – and will celebrate our culture and history.

As I travel through the county, I look forward to sharing ideas about how to grow our economy and bring jobs to our area.  I am dedicated to open, accountable, and responsive government that will meet the needs of the people it serves.  Most of all, I am looking forward to robust conversations and great exchanges of ideas with everyone I meet.

Champ Zumbrun