CALVERT COUNTY, Md. -- On a recent episode of "Get Real with Southern Maryland Politics," host Chris Hill sat down with Calvert County Commissioner District 3 candidate Michael Bennett for a conversation covering his background, priorities, and vision for the county.
Bennett, who moved to Calvert County in 2014 on a military transfer, described the county as his "forever home" and said he intends to spend the rest of his life there. He detailed a 28-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, including combat deployments and a senior defense role in Haiti, followed by work in the intelligence community and as a global security executive at Snapchat. He now runs two Maryland-based businesses focused on risk consulting and technology.
Bennett said his campaign is driven by frustration with taxation and local priorities, stating, "I'm tired of getting taxed at the state level ... and at the local level." He also said national politics have distorted local decision-making, arguing that "national debates have permeated Calvert County discussion," and describing himself as "dead center."
A major focus of the interview was data center development across areas including Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Sunderland, and Huntingtown. Bennett said, "I'm personally not for data centers," and called for a pause in approvals, stating, "I think we need a moratorium," to allow for further study and public input.
Housing affordability was another key issue. Bennett said, "I don't think my son can afford to live in Calvert," pointing to rising home prices, limited supply, zoning constraints, and taxes as key pressures. He also said, "affordability is a huge problem for Calvert County," and emphasized the need for more workforce housing options.
He further criticized permitting complexity and infrastructure gaps, arguing that growth must be paired with transportation planning, saying, "If we're gonna talk about growth, then we have to talk about transportation infrastructure as well."
Bennett closed by calling for greater government transparency and increased public participation, including evening county meetings, and said his goal is to keep government "open, transparent, and act with character and integrity."
Watch the full interview below:
The interview is part of The BayNet's new candidate video podcast series, "Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics," which features conversations with Southern Maryland candidates running for county commissioner, state delegate and state senator.
Upcoming election coverage can be found at https://thebaynet.com/elections.