Who Are Bel Air's Commissioner Candidates?

Two men are running for commissioner in Tuesday's Bel Air election, and both have backgrounds in planning.

Robert Preston, a Bel Air commissioner for three consecutive terms, was first elected in 2002. He is a veteran of the Bel Air planning commission. 

His family owns Preston's Stationery on Main Street, and he's been involved with the town as past president of the Bel Air Rotary Club, among other organizations.

Preston told The Aegis that he hopes to get reelected so he can continue promoting Main Street and the town of Bel Air.

Patrick Richards, who is also running for commissioner, is a longtime member of Bel Air's planning commission. He is vice president for Laureate Education in its corporate real estate division.

Richards said his background could help inform decisions about growth and development as Bel Air expands, in an unsuccessful run for commissioner in 2007, according to The Baltimore Sun.

The seats are uncontested; two spots are available for two commissioners' seats in the 2013 race, as Commissioner David Carey will not seek reelection.

Gov. Martin O'Malley appointed Carey as a Harford County District Court judge in October, but Carey—who has been a commissioner for 16 years—told The Dagger he had decided before then not to run again.

Voting will take place at the Bel Air Town Hall on Tuesday, Nov 5.

For more details about election day, see our guide: "Vote in Bel Air's 2013 Election."