Hagerstown Candidates
Michael Barnes
Mayor
Being a lifelong resident of Hagerstown, I know this community, I know its issues and problems and I also know its potential. My dad helped rebuild the Hager House and for generations, my family has been proud to call Hagerstown Home. I have served in the food bank, in the Rotary organization and also served in the leadership for the Elk’s Lodge .
I solve problems and make lives better. I graduated from the California College of Health Sciences in 1989 and attended the University of Maryland. I have been serving on the board of the Community Free Clinic for 16 years while currently serving as the Vice President. We work with Hagerstown and surrounding communities to find solutions to the drug crisis and help kids find a better way forward. I am also an insurance broker in the senior market finding the best solutions for the elders in our society and have been doing so for the past 20 years.
I am disappointed in and frustrated with our current leadership, in Hagerstown, not doing anything about the problems that exist today. I’m just like you and I’ve had enough. It is time to improve public safety, reduce homelessness, bring growth, jobs, opportunities and hope back to the Hub City. Join me in making Hagerstown the crown jewel of Maryland once again.
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Brenda Thiam
City Council
Dr. Brenda J. Thiam is a passionate special educator of nearly 25 years. Her fondest memories are of teaching students who have autism. She is originally from North Carolina but chose to move to Hagerstown, by way of other cities, so that her family could have a better quality of life. Dr. Thiam comes from humble beginnings of being raised by a single mother of five children, no heat in her childhood home, and living in the projects during her high school years. She set high but attainable goals for herself because her mother required it. Dr. Thiam is running for City Council to work along side the citizens of Hagerstown to set high goals, partner together, and accomplish them.
Austin Heffernan
City Council
Austin Heffernan was appointed by the Mayor and City Council and began his term on January 30, 2018. Originally from Bethesda Maryland, Austin received his BA and MBA from Vanderbilt University. He and his wife, Pamela, relocated to Hagerstown in 2005 to establish Royal Aircraft Services at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, where they provide aircraft maintenance, structural repair and painting services to commercial, military and general aviation customers. Prior to moving to Hagerstown, Austin managed globally dispersed Information Technology organizations for over 20 years, and prior to that he served as an officer supporting the U.S. Army’s Rapid Deployment Force. Austin and Pamela reside in the north end of Hagerstown.
Bob Bruchey
City Council
Robert E. Bruchey, II, is serving his fourth term as Mayor. He was elected as Mayor in 1997, appointed in 2006, and elected in 2009. During his first term, he worked closely with the State, County and business community to bring the University of Maryland Education Center to downtown Hagerstown. He served in the US Army Military Police in Hontheim, Germany. In addition to serving as the Mayor of Hagerstown, he works for the Sales Department at Hagerstown Ford.
Bob is now stepping away from the Mayor’s office, but is running for election to the City Council.
Shelley McIntire
City Council
Shelly McIntire was appointed by the Mayor and City Council and began her term on December 19, 2017. She is the President and Owner of McIntire HVAC & Electric, a company that she and her husband, Bill, opened in 2010. Prior to opening her own business, Shelley was a mortgage originator for M&T Bank and Mid-States Financial Group. Shelley has a passion for making a difference in her community and believes in helping her community through action. Shelley currently serves on the Board of Directors at Brooke’s House as their fundraising chairperson. She was a participant of Leadership Washington County and currently serves on their Board of Directors. Shelley and Bill have a blended family of four grown children and they reside in the north end of Hagerstown.