2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Mike Ciufo

BEL AIR, MD — Mike Ciufo has entered the race for Harford County Council District C. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Ciufo's responses, verbatim:

Name: Mike Ciufo
Age on Election Day: 40
Hometown: Bel Air
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Email address: ciufoforharford@gmail.com
Campaign website: ciufoforharford.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/mikeciufoforharfordcountycouncilpresident

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.
I previously served on the Harford County Democratic Central Committee, where I gained valuable insight into the issues facing our county and the concerns of its residents. That experience taught me not only how to engage with voters and build community support, but also the importance of collaboration, consensus-building, and working with people who may have different perspectives. Those are skills that will be essential as County Council President, where progress depends on bringing people together to solve problems and move Harford County forward.

What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?
The most important issue facing Harford County today is the dysfunction and infighting among our elected leaders. Too much time and energy is being spent on political conflict instead of solving problems and delivering results for our residents.

When government is consumed by division, it slows decision-making, undermines public trust, and makes it harder to address the issues that matter most: from education
and public safety to responsible growth and economic opportunity.

As County Council President, I will focus on restoring professionalism, improving communication, and creating a culture of collaboration. My goal is simple: less drama,
more results, and a government that residents can trust to work on their behalf.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?
I believe I offer something different in this race: a fresh perspective and a commitment to bringing people together. I represent a new generation of leadership focused on
collaboration, problem-solving, and putting the interests of Harford County residents ahead of politics.

My opponents have spent years in local government and have been part of the political environment that has produced the division and dysfunction many residents are frustrated with today. I respect their service, but I believe Harford County is ready for a different approach, one that prioritizes listening, finding common ground, and delivering results. My focus will always be on uniting our community and ensuring that local
government works for the people it serves.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?
I’ve spent nearly 20 years in the business community. I began my career as a CPA and have worked with organizations of all sizes – from startup companies to global corporations. Along the way, I’ve managed large teams, held leadership positions, and today I own an accounting and finance staffing company based right here in Bel Air.

My business experience has taught me that success depends on collaboration, communication, and results. It has taught me how to listen, build consensus, and keep people focused on a common goal. In the private sector, there is little patience for
unnecessary conflict because everyone understands that progress requires working together. That is the mindset I will bring to the County Council – a focus on solving
problems, delivering results, and putting the interests of Harford County residents first.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If that is you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished?
I will work to improve the office by bringing people together around the priorities that matter most to our residents: strong schools, safe communities, responsible budgeting,
economic opportunity, and thoughtful growth.

Success in this role isn't measured by how many political fights you win. It's measured by whether government is functioning effectively, whether people trust their leaders, and
whether we're making progress on the issues that affect families every day. That's the standard I would hold myself to.

How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?
Our schools are strong, and we have some of the best teachers and school employees in the state. But if we want to maintain that standard, we must give them the support and resources they need to succeed.

I would begin by fully funding the Board of Education’s budget request. The good news is that we can do this without raising taxes or creating new revenue streams – Harford County already has the financial capacity to make a greater investment in education. I view education not as an expense, but as an investment in our future. And like any investment, it should come with accountability, transparency, and measurable results. If we expect excellence from our schools, we must be willing to provide the resources necessary to achieve it. We simply cannot afford to shortchange our children’s future.

How do you feel about crime in your area and what steps can be taken to reduce it?
While Harford County remains a great place to live and raise a family, we can't take that for granted. We need to continue supporting our law enforcement officers and emergency personnel by ensuring they have the resources, staffing, and training they need to do their jobs effectively.

At the same time, reducing crime isn't just about enforcement. It's also about investing in strong schools, creating economic opportunities, supporting mental health services, and making sure young people have positive pathways to success. The safest communities are the ones where people feel connected, supported, and invested in their future.

My approach is simple: support public safety, address root causes where we can, and make decisions based on what keeps our communities safe rather than what generates the loudest political headlines.

What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward?
Harford County is fortunate to have a vibrant business community, from small family-owned businesses to larger employers that help drive our local economy. We also
benefit from having one of the strongest chambers of commerce in Maryland and a workforce that is known for its talent and work ethic.

Looking ahead, I believe one of our greatest opportunities is workforce development. As technology continues to evolve and artificial intelligence reshapes the economy, we must ensure that our students and workers have access to the training, education, and career pathways they need to succeed. That means investing in career and technical education, apprenticeships, skilled trades, and partnerships between our schools, community colleges, and local employers.

A well-trained workforce benefits everyone. It creates opportunities for our residents, helps businesses grow and thrive, and makes Harford County an even more attractive
place for employers to invest and create jobs.

How do you feel about transportation options in the area and what, if anything, should be improved upon?
In Harford County, I believe our priorities should be maintaining and improving the roads and bridges we already have, addressing traffic congestion in key growth areas, and
ensuring that future development is accompanied by the infrastructure necessary to support it. We also need to continue advocating for state investment in projects that impact our residents, because many of our transportation challenges can't be solved by local government alone.
More broadly, transportation planning should be tied closely to land-use planning. If we're going to approve growth, we need to make sure our roads, intersections, and public infrastructure can handle it. That's just common sense. My goal is to make sure Harford County grows responsibly and that our transportation network keeps pace with the needs of our residents.

What else would you like voters to know about you?
I chose my campaign slogan: “From Here. For Here. The Leadership We Deserve.” for a reason. I was born in Harford County and have spent my entire life here. This community has given so much to me and my family, which is why I care deeply about its future. And when I see our mailboxes filled with negative campaign flyers or read another headline
about infighting and dysfunction among our elected leaders, I can't help but think: we deserve better.

We deserve leaders who bring people together, focus on solving problems, and put the interests of our community ahead of politics. That’s why I’m running. And if you believe, like I do, that it’s time for leadership that puts community before conflict – then I’m asking for your support.