We Come First PRIORITIZING RESIDENTS AMID EVOLVING GROWTH. As the June election for County Commissioner quickly approaches, candidates across the county are sharing their perspectives on growth, infrastructure, and the future of local communities across Queen Anne’s County. Among them, longtime resident Barry Donadio is seeking to fill that seat with deep commitment and purpose. As a catalyst for his 'We Come First' initiative, his commitment to filling the leadership role with strategic goals offers to galvanize community support and prioritize residents. His objective is straightforward: to give Kent Island and Queen Anne’s County a more inclusive lifestyle, and more importantly, a stronger voice. "That voice, he says, should be at the focal point of local incumbency that directly impacts their lifestyle."
Donadio has built a career rooted in public service, leadership, and national security, and has served as a member of the United States Secret Service, a war veteran, and the founder of Public Security LLC. Having worn many hats throughout his career, he played a significant role in response to the 1996 TWA Flight 800 disaster and served as a military responder during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Additionally, he regularly collaborates in both state and national civic events and organizations.
In recent years, Donadio has become a recognizable news commentator, appearing on major international and U.S. media outlets across both sides of the aisle, including Newsmax, ABC News, CBS News, BBC News, Sky News, Sky News Arabia, and more. Furthermore, his insights into security and public safety have reached audiences worldwide.
As a front-runner for the County Commissioner seat, Donadio emphasizes prioritizing residents through his 'We Come First' initiative. When asked how he plans to reach that goal, Donadio said, “It’s very simple—if I get elected, I plan to put residents first.
“It’s time we, the people of Kent Island and the residents of Queen Anne’s County, come first,” said Donadio. “Every decision — whether involving infrastructure, public safety, growth,
or development — should begin with one simple question: Does this serve the people who live here — the families and businesses who have built their livelihoods from the ground up at a grassroots level, and generation after generation?” These voices should never take a back seat or be overshadowed by large-scale development interests, said Donadio. These decisions should be meaningful considerations adjudicated alongside land development blueprints that continue to impact residents and reshape the housing sector. The efforts should be prioritized by objectives that enhance the benefits of living in our community first, while addressing external issues second.”
STEPPING IT UP
As an advocate for the people, and seen through the lens of community members, Donadio emphasizes public safety as a top priority and fully supports the sheriff's department and first responders, ensuring they have the resources needed to keep our neighbors and community safe. Veterans, he says, are equally important.
“I believe endorsing meaningful tax relief for all veterans and expanded housing opportunities for them are essential. Other states have created successful initiatives alike, and through federal support, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t pursue similar solutions right here in our backyard, too.”
DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Although building and infrastructure are necessary at times, the focus should be on balance. “I want to be clear, he says, that
I don’t oppose growth, but I can only support housing where the space exists without pushing the boundaries so far that
it decreases property values or impedes homeowner privacy. Conversely, what I do oppose is building chokepoints or dense housing in areas where traffic is already a critical issue," said Donadio. Land development can be a positive sign of growth if it aligns with the people’s voice and is channeled through the ‘We Come First’ initiative.
We can make inroads on these issues by considering our residents and bridging the gap without marginalizing lifestyles. “If a project prioritizes beachgoers and causes chokehold traffic restrictions, I say it's time to rethink it altogether, because the hallmark of our community is unity, and the last thing we need is to breach the rights of our residents.”
The culmination of resident concerns should be collaborative, reflecting their perspective and considering its impact on the landscape of ongoing projects. “We live on a four-mile-wide island where everything is interconnected. Traffic, infrastructure, and water supply — every touchpoint flows like a domino effect, influencing both good and bad decisions." Donadio’s allegiance lies in the best interests of our neighbors, friends, and families, making decisions on their behalf that reflect their voices and vision, rather than appealing to developmental ideology that congests our infrastructure, and negatively impacts residents.
RESIDENT PRIORITIES- AT A CROSSROADS
“Community members often feel left out of the decision-making process, and feel that approvals happen so quickly that, by the time people realize it, it’s already a work-in-progress that, at the end of the day, erodes trust,” said Donadio.
Donadio references as many as 800 signed petitions against
the Dunkin' Donuts project. Nobody wants it, he says— and currently its status is pending a second hearing. This undermines community opinions and feedback. “The majority of residents argue that putting a second Dunkin’ directly across the street from another only serves passerby traffic, congesting our commutes and lifestyle routines, and underscoring the poignant challenges we face today."
Not to mention, it’s likely to create an even more dangerous intersection than what already exists on Cox Neck and Postal Road. Largely, this plan is unanimously seen as a bad idea.
“If elected, says Donadio, I will emphasize oversight and long- term planning, coupled with streamlining the incumbency process that’s guided by common-sense strategies, to lay out the best path forward for the people of our community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY
The 'We Come First' agenda isn’t a bumper-sticker slogan. Donadio stands firm on putting the community first with full- fledged transparency and an allegiance channeled through the voice of the people. If this aligns with your agenda, vote Donadio for the people, at 'We Come First.’
by Beth Marx
Friends of Barry Donadio, Treasurer Elsa Donadio
