Dear Republican Neighbor,

Over the last twelve years, including four years in the House of Delegates and eight years in the Senate, I have fought many battles on behalf of Northern Baltimore County. During that time, I have supported balanced budgets, consistently voted against tax increases, and worked to pass meaningful legislation through a common-sense, reasonable approach to governing. It has not always been easy, but it has truly been my honor to serve you and the beautiful communities of Northern Baltimore County.

As I prepare to retire from public office, there is one local race I am watching very closely: the Republican Primary for Baltimore County Council in the 5th District. I believe it will have a direct impact on the future of Northern Baltimore County.

The question is a simple one. Do we want to preserve the open space, clean water, rural character, and quality of life that make this part of Baltimore County so special, or do we want to see more and more of it paved over and filled with townhouses?

In the Baltimore County Council 5th District race, Theaux Le Gardeur is running against Delegate Nino Mangione. I have met Theaux, and I have been impressed by him. Like me, he is a fiscal conservative. He opposes tax increases, believes in limited government, and understands that taxpayers deserve elected officials who remember that government money comes from working families and must be spent wisely.

But Theaux also brings something else to this race that I believe is important. He has spent much of his life working to protect clean air, clean water, open space, and the natural resources that make Northern Baltimore County such a wonderful place. He understands that being a conservative also means conserving the land, the waterways, and the communities we have been blessed to inherit.

Most importantly, Theaux does not believe the County Councilman representing Northern Baltimore County should be neutral about preserving the longstanding URDL line. He is committed to protecting it. Northern Baltimore County cannot simply be treated as the next place to be overbuilt. Once open space is gone, it is gone forever. Once our streams and waterways are damaged, they are very difficult to restore. These decisions matter, and they will shape the future of our community for years to come.

That is why I am supporting Theaux Le Gardeur for County Council, and I hope you will join me.

In this primary, Republicans have an opportunity to nominate a candidate who is conservative, thoughtful, fiscally responsible, and deeply committed to protecting the character of Northern Baltimore County. Please vote for Theaux Le Gardeur in the Republican Primary and help make him the next County Councilman for Northern Baltimore County.

Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

Chris West