20-04-2025
As Mount Airy council candidate, Kelly says he's committed to responsible growth
Sean Kelly, a 10-year resident of Mount Airy, said he became involved with local politics a few years ago when he learned about a proposal to annex land near his home on the town's western edge.
The annexation proposal would have incorporated 25 acres of agriculturally zoned Frederick County land — known as the Rigler property — into Mount Airy, where it would be zoned for medium-density residential use.
The proposal was voted down by a majority of the Town Council members at the time after Kelly and some of his neighbors pushed back against it.
The experience opened Kelly's eyes to other development projects that were 'both imminent and further down the road,' he said.
'It's really tough to complain if you're not trying to get involved to do something yourself,' Kelly said. 'So that led me to apply and be able to serve the town on the streets and Roads Commission and Board of Appeals.'
Now, Kelly — a Maryland native who works in product marketing — is running for one of two Mount Airy Town Council seats on the ballot in the town's May 6 election.
There are five seats on the council, but members have staggered terms.
The only other council candidate on the ballot next month is Stephen Domotor, an incumbent seeking a second term.
Council Member Lynne Galletti was eligible to run for another term, but did not file due to a recent promotion at her job.
Mayor Larry Hushour is running unopposed for reelection.
Kelly said the main issues he hears about from other town residents are development and water quality.
On the issue of development, Kelly said growth is going to happen, but he is 'committed to ensuring that the growth is done responsibly and in a measured way.'
'If you're doing things in the now, it's easy to lose track of the vision of what you want the town to be in 10, 20, or 50 years,' he said.
Kelly said he felt like the town got off track a few years ago, but current officials have been consistent about delivering what residents want.
On the issue of water quality, Kelly said he is encouraged that the town applied for and received grants to remediate PFAS contamination identified by the Maryland Department of the Environment in the town's wells.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of manufactured chemicals commonly found in nonstick cookware, flame retardants and other consumer products. Exposure to high levels of them may have health impacts.
Until recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not enforce any limit on PFAS in drinking water.
Last year, the agency adopted new limits for six compounds that fall within the category of PFAS. The new limits will be enforceable starting in 2029.
'As I understand it, because it's a multi-step process ... we're probably still a fiscal year away from the actual execution and building of the extra facilities for filtration of the water,' Kelly said.
He added that it may be difficult in coming years to balance competing capital projects, such as the water-system upgrades, the town's new police station and the preservation of the historic Flat Iron building on Main Street.
Though Kelly is running unopposed, he said he is still knocking on doors and listening to residents' views about town's issues.
'I'm not letting off the gas in that way,' Kelly said. 'I definitely would encourage the citizens to get out and vote for any of the three of us that are running for these seats, including the mayor, because we're there for them.'
