Mike Geppi, the youngest person ever elected to the Harford County Council, is planning another run for public office – this time aiming for the Maryland House of Delegates, where he would presumably face recently-embattled Del. Susan McComas in the 2010 District 35B Republican Primary.
In a carefully-worded, carefully-timed statement issued today, Geppi and his representative announced that the former District C councilman was contemplating another run, but stopped short of saying which office he would pursue.
“At this time we are looking at every race for which Mike is eligible. However, I will say that we are extremely focused on the General Assembly,” said the chair of Geppi’s exploratory committee, L. Content McLaughlin, a partner with the Baltimore law firm of Tydings and Rosenburg.
Geppi was elected to the county council representing the Bel Air area in 1998, defeating then-Bel Air Town Commissioner Bob Cassilly by fewer than 100 votes. Four years and one redistricting later, in the 2002 Republican Primary Election, Cassilly returned the favor – beating Geppi by just 28 votes.
After his defeat, Geppi shaved his head, dabbled in law enforcement, became a state appointee of then-Gov. Robert Ehrlich and began reestablishing himself in the local and regional Republican party.
“I stepped down as Harford County Republican Chairman last November. Since that time, I have been encouraged by many friends and colleagues to return to public office. I am most concerned with the direction of our state and county,” Geppi said in an email.
Geppi noted his business acumen might come in just as handy as his political experience given the current state of the economy.
“My deep experience in county and state government, combined with my business background, makes me uniquely qualified for public office. I understand how government works, but I also know firsthand how difficult it is for businesses and working families to operate in Maryland,” he added.
In recent weeks, McComas, a Republican representing the Bel Air area District 35B, has come under fire for her lack of leadership qualities and eventually lost her post as chair of the Harford County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly.
Geppi said he had been planning another run for office for quite awhile and wouldn’t comment directly on a political run against McComas or the uncanny timing of his announcement, but he did offer a few clues.
“It is crucial to have positive relationships with other elected officials if anything is to be accomplished for Harford County,” he said.
As of Jan. 21, 2009, the ‘Friends of Mike Geppi’ campaign finance account showed he had $437 on hand. In 2008, Geppi’s account saw $810 in contributions from 8 people, all connected to December 4, 2008. Recent expenditures included $43 for a meal at the State Repbulican Convention dated Dec. 17, 2008. He also bought a table at the Republican Women Gala for $330. All his activity was in December.
Geppi could also run for the Harford County Council’s District E seat, currently represented by Dick Slutzky; State Senate District 35, represented by Barry Glassman; or any of many at-large seats for Council President, Register of Wills, Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Executive, or Governor.
Here is the official statement released by Geppi’s committee today:
Geppi Forms Exploratory Committee for 2010 Election
Bel Air, MD – Former Harford County Councilman Mike Geppi has formed an exploratory committee to investigate the possibility of seeking public office in 2010. Content McLaughlin, a partner with the law firm of Tydings and Rosenburg has been named chair of the committee. “It has become increasingly clear that new leadership is needed in Harford County and Mike Geppi is well-positioned to assume such a role,” stated McLaughlin.
The committee includes numerous business and civic leaders from Harford County. The members of the committee are currently engaged in comprehensive deliberations regarding the position where Geppi would best be able to serve the citizens of the county. McLaughlin stated, “We are looking at several potential races, but are focusing on the General Assembly.” Geppi resides in legislative district 35B and councilmanic district E.
“I am very enthusiastic about continuing to serve the citizens of Harford County in a new role,” stated Geppi.
Geppi will announce the committee’s decision at an April 25 event held at the Harford County Equestrian Center from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Geppi served on the Harford County Council from 1998 to 2002. Geppi is also the former chairman of the Harford County Republican Party and is currently a member of the Harford County Republican Central Committee. Geppi currently serves as vice chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. Geppi served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2008. He was an appointee in the administration of former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. from 2003 to 2007.
Geppi holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from Towson University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Delaware.
He is currently a commercial banker and an active member of the Harford County business community, serving on numerous non-profit boards. Geppi is married to Debbie, a Kindergarten teacher with Harford County Public Schools. Mike and Debbie live in Bel Air with their two children, Michael, Jr., a first grader, and Nicholas, age 3.
Its about time someone start to deal with this mess. Geppi will be a great start. They need somone with a business background down there. But what about the mess in District 7?
District 7…. Impallaria needs to go. He is such an embarassment to Harford County residents.
The handwriting on the wall of a Geppi challenge is not new. I am not sure yet whether McComas deserves that fate or not.
Don’t know that I think this is a good idea. I think he needs to make sure he thinks this through.
Mr. Geppi is coming back; good news to the under- and misrepresented. This guy would ratchet up the professionalism and biz savvy in local pols.
“good news to the under- and misrepresented”?? Seriously? Good news would be Bob Cassilly coming back to public office on behalf of Bel Air. The type of guy who is a thinker, possibly even a statesman. Geppi is a party-man (in more ways than one if you recall his tenure on the council) — he’s one of these inside baseball Ehrlich Republicans whose view the political arena as One Big Locker room. He’s the kind of guy who secretly loved the small-time cynical style of campaigning that brought Joe “The Prince of Darkness” Steffen to the Harford County blogging scene. He’s the kind of guy who came out early and strong for Fredrick Dalton Thompson for president.
What qualifications does Geppi have other than being an associate of Bob Ehrlich? What positions/jobs has he held for what period of time? Does anyone have any facts on this candidate?
From the press release at the end of the story:
“Geppi served on the Harford County Council from 1998 to 2002. Geppi is also the former chairman of the Harford County Republican Party and is currently a member of the Harford County Republican Central Committee. Geppi currently serves as vice chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. Geppi served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2008. He was an appointee in the administration of former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. from 2003 to 2007.
Geppi holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from Towson University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Delaware.
He is currently a commercial banker and an active member of the Harford County business community, serving on numerous non-profit boards. Geppi is married to Debbie, a Kindergarten teacher with Harford County Public Schools. Mike and Debbie live in Bel Air with their two children, Michael, Jr., a first grader, and Nicholas, age 3.”
Mike Geppi is certainly as qualified, if not more so, than most of our existing delegation members. Of course, that doesn’t take much, but don’t let that be a knock on Mike. My long-held contention is that voters (and this is by no means unique to Harford County) simply don’t pay attention to whom they are voting for. Do they know when they cast their vote for an ignoramus who lacks even a high school diploma (Impallaria), a bigot (McDonough) or someone who lacks even basic leadership qualities (McComas)? No the’y don’t. So it is beholden to candidates like Geppi to get the word out there about just who these people are. Given the choice, the electorate can almost always be counted on to make the right choice.
Let’s see. Geppi is a big-time Republican Party guy and is going to run in a Republican primary. Probably not a bad thing. In Bel Air, any Republican who wins the primary is going to be elected.
Looks to me like the guy has some serious credentials. County government, state govenment, the business world and a masters degree. Also his wife is a teacher and he has kids in school, so he is going to be in tune with the education system. I wonder if his kids are in the public school system?
Seriously, Seriously. I’m serious. A party hack is a party hack. Someone who spends 10 years laying the ground work for a run for office isn’t all about issues –he’s all about running for, and obtaining, office.
I sincerely hope that Mike Geppi will run against Susan McComas and defeat her in 2010. Geppi has a rare combination of education, experience and leadership. Also, I know that he is a person that will return my phone calls and help us get real results and real dollars flowing back into our county. I’m sure that blind McComas followers will try to frame Geppi as a stout republican party guy because he has a relationship with Erhlich and has served on the Republican Central Committee. But, after all, when you are trying to uphold our Republican ideals in Harford County in an overwhelmingly liberal Democratic state, this is exactly what you do. I applaud Geppi for choosing to run for office during these tough times when from his resume, he could choose to successfully work in the private sector and stand by while McComas and others continue to fail and embarass Harford County.
We need more leaders like this to step up for us.
Do you remember the last time Mike Geppi was an elected official going to Annapolis. I believe he showed up in a Limo paid for by Mike Euler to attend the Harford Night. I don’t think Bel Air needs another special interest slug.
Just for the record, I’m not defending McComas. She’s just a plain hack. I’m just saying the Gepper is not exaclty going to raise the level of statesmanship in Annapolis. Then again, maybe if you’re a Republican county in Maryland, you want someone who is more Operative than Statesman working on your behalf…
Matt, why would you consider Geppi an operative. Has he ever accomplished anything good for the Republican Party? Fundraising is down and the only race they had resulted in their candidate losing. Operative just implies that he has some sort of ability.
A statesman answers to a higher calling of government being accountable, and of using his position for the good of the electorate. An operative answers to the politics ‘o the moment, and pretends otherwise.
What mess are several of you folks talking about in the Seventh District? I am a Republican today because of only one local person, that is Pat McDonough, whom I was attracted to because of his campaign signs “Speak English”. He is one of the few Delegates with any guts in Annapolis with the courage to speak out on the real issues, no matter how politically incorrect that may be. So I guess being against illegal immigration and what it is costing the American people, and how it is driving down wages makes him and myself a bigot (as one poster referred to him).
Delegate Impallaria has been the one in Annapolis leading the fight against the insane O’Malley budget each year, last year garnering 31 votes against the final budget. Is that not leadership? That’s right I forgot, we all suppose to be one big happy family down in Annapolis, don’t rock the boat, don’t be an embarrassment to the Party by making us not look like team players. This country is falling down around our ears, I don’t want a team player, and I want a legislator who is going to be a thorn in the side of the status quo.
We also don’t need a legislator who is going to bring home a bigger piece of the pie for Harford County, as another poster on here implied in supporting Mr. Geppi. That is the problem with our government on all levels; everyone is trying to get more of the pie. I want to see the pie diminished. We need legislators with courage who will be true Republicans, will walk the walk, and works to reduce the size of government like Delegates McDonough, Impallaria, and McComas have been doing on a daily basis. I wonder why this is making them so unpopular in the local party structure and the entrenched leadership.
Let’s just do away.with the republican party. vote democrat
The mess that everyone is talking about is our delegates who can’t work within the Annapolis structure. What is the point of fighting for republican values if nothing is ever accomplished. I think that Geppi is obviously a Republican who has spent a lot of time in the party. That is not a bad thing on its own. What I also like about Mike is that he understands business issues and knows that relationships are very important. I have known him for a few years and let me tell you he is constantly working, attending events, and very accesible. He also works on huge deals in business and has some pretty impressive business chops. That is exactly what we need representing our county.
We have McDonough, McComas and Imapllaria constantly antaganizing the entire legislature.and what do they ever get done. Do we have a smaller government? Have they really passed any bills of substance? For goodness sake, the elected school board may finally have a chance with Jennings at the helm. Is Jennings less of a Republican? Sounds to me like he is the man if this finally gets done.
How bad must things have been for McComas to have been removed. If she can’t even get along with Harford Co. officials, how can we expect her to work with the rest of the countys that have the real power in the state?
Ha. What mess are we talking about? What mess are YOU talking about? What precisely has Pat McDonough, Rick Impalllaria, or Susan McComas done to make your life markedly better? Impallaria “led” the fight against O’Malley’s budget? And how did that leadership turn out? What has Impallaria actually accomplished? Look it up. Nothing. Not to say anyone else has either, so lets get rid of them, too. Impallaria has had two terms in the House; and it has been a time of utter stagnation. Simply railing against Democrats isn’t leadership, isn’t effective, and it will do nothing to turn Republicans into winners at the ballot box. No one in Annapolis takes Impallaria or McDonough seriously, and that includes Republicans. This has nothing to do with rocking the boat, or not getting along with one another. It has to do with identifying real problems, and suggesting reasonable solutions.
Similarly, how does running a PR campaign improve my life? McDonough’s ‘Speak English’ campaign isn’t aimed at illegal aliens at all, it is aimed at people who don’t speak English, regardless of their legal status. Making English an official language has zero impact on ANYTHING. What would you do with the people who aren’t speaking English who are here perfectly legally? Put them in jail? Maybe take away their citizenship? And what about people who speak “English” but couldn’t find their way around a grammar textbook? A slippery slope that solves no problem. McDonough appeals only to people’s inner fears and worries for his own political gain.
I agree completely with you that “bringing home a piece of the pie” better not be where Republicans are going to focus, because that runs against every fiber of my being as a fiscal conservative. That being said, I certainly think we can find some alternatives to fill those seats.
“What precisely has Pat McDonough, Rick Impallaria, or Susan McComas done to make your life markedly better”, asks the poster.
Nothing! Thank god, and that is precisely the point. I kind of thought making my families life better is my personal responsibility, not governments. Isn’t government taking care of me and making my life “markedly better” a Democrat philosophy?
Pat McDonough, Rick Impallaria, and Susan McComas vote consistently to keep government out of my life. The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution to put limitations on government. So if voting for limited government translates into not getting anything done in Annapolis that is fine with me! If working tirelessly to enforce existing laws such as illegal immigration and the death penalty translates into “Have they really passed any bills of substance” (as the poster asks) that is fine with me!
One of the most interesting votes in this county took place this year when Representative Ron Paul voted “no” on a relief bill after a hurricane pummeled his district (the same storm that cancelled the Ravens game). In the final bill so much pork had been added that hurricane relief was only a small portion of the total bill dollar figure. No matter what you think of Paul’s philosophically, the man “walks the walk” of limited government and reduced spending. To me that took tremendous courage to face your District after such a vote. What if we had 534 other such persons of conviction in Washington? What if we had the entire Maryland legislature filled with representatives of such conviction? What if all our elected representatives on all levels were so principled with the taxpayer’s money?
The poster asks “what do they ever get done. Do we have a smaller government?” No, Delegates McDonough, Impallaria, & McComas hey have not produced smaller government. But these Delegates are at least a voice in Annapolis that gives citizens who care about the great American principles of individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, and free markets hope that someday this country can return to being run by the constitution as written by our forefathers. This to me, at this point in our nations history, is personally far more important then having a representative who has “some pretty impressive business chops”.
Individual liberty? The right to speak whatever language one wants to speak is an individual liberty of the highest order. Yet it is a liberty that McDonough wants to deprive from people.
Free markets? Delegate McDonough introduced a bill to “ReRegulate” BGE, hardly a free market. Free markets are also one of the reasons that illegal immigrants come to this country in droves.
Constitutional governments? I assume you mean “legislating from the bench?” Right, I hear that one a lot. I guess it is only ‘judicial activism’ if YOU don’t agree with the outcome, right?
I’ve actually heard Ron Paul talk in person at a lecture, and I gotta tell you, he needs to go back and read his history books again, because I think he missed a lot of that in school. His ideas all souond really, really good; but almost without exception, they have been tried before and they have more or less proven to have failed.
William Paca (or Dave, whichever you prefer),
Here is a question. Would you rather have someone who believes as you do and get nothing done or someone who blieves as you do and is able to get something accomplished? That seems to be the point people are missing here. The way that Impy, MCComas and MCDee go about it alienates them from just about everyone, including the GOP. I would much rather have someone who is a conservative/libertarian Republican, but has the experience and relationships to make a difference. In fact, it is a very real possiblility that Impy is going to be punished by the house of delegates. What good will he be then?
As far a McComas goes, the staff and delegation were in such disarray under her leadership, that it has interfered with legislation and getting things done. So again, I ask, what does it matter if someone believes as you do and can 1. Not get things done or 2. Actually be an impediment to getting things done.
Let’s hope that Jennings will be more successful. Let’s also hope that Geppi is our next delegate from Bel Air and that we find some good folks in Dist. 7 to upgrade there as well.
These folks are our representatives, but they way they act affords thier constituents virtually no representation in Annapolis.
Here is another thought. Look at today’s Aegis. There are so many new projects on the books that you would think the county government is in wonerful financial shape. A new Sherriffs office in Edgewood. A new government building as well. A new Bel Air fire station, an new 10 to 20 million dollar library in churchville. My god when are they going to start acting responsibly. Hopefully the county council will put the brakes on some of this. Plus, isn’t Bel Air supposed to be the county seat?
Well..I for one am very happy to see someone challenge those incompetent boobs we have mistakenly sent to Annapolis. At this point, after hearing what is going on with our Delegation, a full board changeover is required.
Mr. Geppi seems to have a good background so I am inclined to give him a try. Perhaps he can bring some common sense and respect back to the Harford Delegation. I am still have faith in Mr. Norman and Mr. Jennings, however, they need to speak up more.
Reading the above rantings from some of our right winged fruit loops who find themselves attracted to the scorched earth, barn burning tactics of some of our District 7 delegates has me convinced that their short sightedness will pretty much ensure that the Republican party will remain a minority party that is both, ineffective and impotent.
Ok – So I see Mr Geppi is a career politician and a banker and has a masters degree. The only people impressed with the college accomplishments are probably the ones who haven’t attended college.
Let me rephrase my question. Mr. Geppi – what have you accomplished in your political career or business career that is worth mentioning? What policies or business plans have you developed and implemented that actually benefited the people or the Companies you’ve worked for? The fact that you served and were paid by government doesn’t mean anything.
Thank you
Paca, are you smoking something really strong? Pat & Rick are not about keeping government out of people’s lives. They’re about their own narrow agenda; always have been and always will be. And how do you lump Susam McComas with them? She’s far from those two.
As for Geppi, he is a consumate politician. I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I am not sure what Sue McComas did so bad on that merits removing her from ofice…especially since everyone who plays “insider baseball” knows that Geppi has been planning this for some time. Flip side, if Geppi is willing to work hard for it then he probably deserves it.
PS- Is David Craig going to endorse Geppi? Anyone see the fundraiser Geppi is helping cosponsor for Craig along with the Tomarchios.
DoTheDew,
When you say “I am not sure what Sue McComas did so bad on that merits removing her from office. . . ” It sounds like you are saying that she is entitled to the office.
These offices do not belong to any one person. That is a big part of the problem.
On the other hand what McComas has done has been just about nothing. Her ferrret bill made her a laughingstock. She is viewed as a complete nonentity by the leaders in Napolis.
We should simply pick the best candidate every four years. In the case of 35B, Geppi is a much better choice. You better believe he will work hard for the seat.
Yes, he is a major Republican. But don’t forget that he is running in a Republican primary. He also connections all over the state. We might as well get used to the fact that Geppi is going to be the next delegate from Bel Air.
Now as far as the other 2 delegates you mentioned. You are correct about their agenda. It has always been about Rick and Pat. McComas is now joined to them at the hip. Someone is going to challenge them. There is a lady named Booker who is already running and a man named Steve Kline. Also the word is that Jim Berndt is going to go for a Dist. 7 seat. He is another big Republican.
I bet David Craig stays publicly neutral on the primary races. But you better believe the entire business community is going to be backing Geppi and replacements for the Dist. 7 seats.
It will be fun to watch. At the end of the day, the primary voters are going to make these decisions.
Ovioisly everyone seams to have pretty strong opinions about Mike Geppi, about his qualifications, backround, work ethic, etc….
I can tell you from personal knowledge that Mike Geppi cares! A lot! I have known him for my entire life on a personal basis. I talk to him often. I can tell you that he is the perfect man for the job. I have full confidence that he can acomplish many things. He has many great ideas. He is fully involved in the community, and yes his kids do attend public school.
Mike Geppi cares about the issues, and he certainly takes his work VERY seriously. He wants to improve conditions and make Maryland a better place. He is not “Mr. Partyman”! He is the furthest thing from it when it comes to bussiness and work.
Can someone please tell me what Geppi has done. It is not good enough that he cares – there are plenty of ineffective people that care….. Voters need specifics.
For a position like this, isn’t it more a case of what you can do rather than what you have done? This is a level at which you just start getting things done and either stay and try to make a difference on local matters at a state level or move up to higher office. I look at this as a resume-builder office.
Good luck Mr. Geppi at whatever office you think will benefit the people more (as quoted in the Aegis) perhaps take a stab at the White House you truly are a legend in your own mind.
I believe Bob Cassilly kicked your blow hard butt with only $5000.00 to your $50,000.00 goes to show you that you can fool some of the people some of the time but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.
In addition, please spare us this portrayal of a strong Republican businessman, let’s see M&T bank non –political job, appointed job from former Governor and defeated one term rubberstamp Councilman.
Don’t believe you have ever had to make a payroll or take a business risk.
Could the moron who keeps stealing my name please stop?
Why is everyone being so cut throat? Our government was founded to have equal representation of the citizens. So, why not Mike Geppi. I know that every time I have needed to contact Mike Geppi he has been there and listened to whatever I had to say. Even if he didn’t agree with what I was saying he would respect the fact that is it my opinion and would offer his. He is a great citizen of Harford County that is involved and enjoys working for the people. Doesn’t that play a factor in who represents us? Yes, we want people that will make decisions and make the government better, I do not disagree, but who says that Mike Geppi will not do that.
If we do not have a choice in elections it is a huge disservice to the citizens of that area. Friendly competition should be welcomed in the political arena. People going at each other’s throats are just uncalled for. I don’t know about you, but I want the best person out there to represent me in my government. Without a choice on election day, I cannot choose who will better represent me and my views. Politics has gotten out of control. Stop all of the mud slinging, I want some one that is down to earth, listens to their constituents, and takes them into consideration when making decisions. From what I have seen that is not what Susan McComas has done so far. It is time for a breath of fresh air to come through and I believe that is Mike Geppi.
People say that Geppi is a “party man”, are you kidding me? Mike Geppi wants to work for the people of Harford County and make a difference in the State of Maryland. Yes, Mike is involved with the Republican Party, but what is wrong with that. To me it shows that he is a republican that believes in the values of other republicans and stands by them. I would be honored to have Mike Geppi represent me at any level of government.
I say MIKE GEPPI 2010! Also, remember anybody that is curious about Mike Geppi, where he stands politically and in the 2010 race it said in the article that their will be an event for him at the Equestrian Center on April 25, 2009 from 3 to 7. Why doesn’t everybody go there, meet and talk to him to see where he stands and if he will be the best representative for you. He is making himself accessible to the public so why not take advantage of it. Sounds like a good time! I know I will be there!