Getting To Know Delegate Clagett

Galen R. Clagett has spent years working as county commissioner, educator, and businessman in his native Frederick County. Now, as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, he brings experience in both the public and private sectors as well as a native's knowledge of District 3A to benefit his constituents.

Born in Brunswick, Maryland, in 1942, Galen decided early to enter politics as a way of helping improve the lives of people and their communities. He achieved the first step of his goal at the age of 36 when he was elected to the Board of Frederick County Commissioners in 1978. He won a second term four years later and, as the highest vote-getter, served as the Board's president.

Galen counts among his accomplishments as a county commissioner the economic development programs that attracted 7,000 new jobs and $150 million in new or expanded industry to Frederick County. He helped promote tourism into a multi-million dollar business in Frederick. And, by expanding the county's revenue base, he held the line on taxes. Galen Clagett's record as a county commissioner also includes significant gains in education funding and millions in construction funding for new schools, roads, libraries, senior facilities, and a detention center. Galen resolved 900 constituent cases between 1978 and 1986 and oversaw a major reorganization of the county government for more efficient operation. His successful efforts to control costs while providing services demonstrate his belief that fiscal and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive.

In the fall of 2002, Galen won election to the Maryland House of Delegates. During his first term he became Vice Chairman of the Joint Audit Committee. In 2006, Galen was re-elected to represent District 3A in the Maryland House of Delegates. He is a member of the leadership team on the House Appropriations Committee. Galen serves as Chairman of the Public Safety and Administration Subcommittee, and is a member of the Capital Budget Subcommittee, Oversight Committee on Personnel, and the Joint Audit Committee.

The Maryland Constitution requires the General Assembly during its annual session to enact a balanced budget and to fund public education. As a leader on the Appropriations Committee, Galen has an instrumental role in the Legislature accomplishing its two constitutionally-mandated tasks.

The Appropriations Committee reviews the state budget, conducts hearings with state agencies about their budgets, cuts budgets when necessary, and recommends approval to the General Assembly the budgets for all state agencies and the Judiciary. The state budget provides local funding for public school education, community colleges, health and mental hygiene, public safety, social services, fire and rescue aid, community parks and playgrounds, and pension and retirement benefits for teachers, librarians and other local government employees in the state pension system.

Since Galen took office in 2003 as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, total Direct State Aid to Frederick County has totaled over $1.4 billion. Also during this time period, the state has provided Frederick County $228 million for health services, social services, and senior citizen services. State retirement benefits to Frederick County residents total over $170 million.

Galen also serves on the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Since 2003, Frederick County has received over $97 million in public school construction funding. Other Frederick County project funding Galen has shepherded through the capital budget process include the following: American Red Cross - $600,000; Police Activity League at Sagner - $50,000; Agriculture and Education Complex - $500,000; Harry Grove Stadium - $2 million; Linton Emergency Shelter - $50,000; Montevue Home - $200,000; Weinberg Center for the Arts - $105,000; Way Station - $250,000; YMCA - $50,000; Hope Alive Transitional Housing - $449,000; C&O Canal Catoctin Aqueduct - $200,000; Mental Health Association Building - $250,000; and John Hanson Memorial - $50,000.

Other Frederick County capital projects receiving state funding during Galen's term include Frederick Community College - $17.4 million; elementary school for Maryland School for the Deaf - $31.8 million; County Detention Center - $7.7 million; and waterway improvements - $550,000.