2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Ryan O’Connor

WEST FRIENDSHIP, MD — Ryan O’Connor has entered the race for Howard County Council District 5. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find O’Connor's responses, verbatim:

Name: Ryan O’Connor

Age on Election Day: 48

Hometown: West Friendship

Political Affiliation: Republican

Email address: ryan@ryanforhoco.com

Campaign website/Facebook page: https://www.ryanforhoco.com / Facebook @RyanForHoco / Instagram @RyanForHoco

Do you have any previous political experience?

N/A

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?

I believe affordability is the most significant concern facing residents today. Many households are experiencing pressure from rising housing costs, property taxes, utility bills, and everyday expenses. These challenges affect families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses alike.

As a county councilman, I will focus on reviewing county spending, evaluating the long-term impact of proposed tax and fee increases, and supporting policies that encourage economic growth and job creation. I will also work to ensure county resources are used efficiently and that budget decisions consider their effect on household costs. Success will be measured by maintaining essential public services while helping to reduce the financial burden on residents and businesses.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

A one-party system, whether Democrat or Republican, is not healthy for good governance. Diverse viewpoints and constructive debate lead to better decisions, stronger accountability, and more effective representation. I am the only Republican candidate running for either the Howard County Council or County Executive this election cycle.

Howard County is best served when elected officials bring different perspectives, ask tough questions, and provide thoughtful oversight rather than allowing any single viewpoint to dominate. While my views may not always align with the majority, I welcome the opportunity to participate in those discussions and contribute a distinct perspective. I believe respectful debate and thoughtful consideration of different ideas are important parts of the public process.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?

My professional background is in energy finance, with more than 20 years working for energy companies, evaluating investments, managing budgets, and analyzing financial performance. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for assessing complex projects, balancing competing priorities, and making data-driven decisions. I would bring that analytical and financial management experience to public service, with an emphasis on understanding the fiscal impact of policy decisions and ensuring public resources are managed responsibly.

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?

My opinion of the work being done by the current officeholder, District 5 Councilmember David Yungmann, is very positive. He has dedicated nearly eight years to public service and has served the district with commitment and diligence. He has endorsed my campaign and has been generous in sharing his experience and knowledge as I learn more about the responsibilities of the office. I appreciate the opportunity to benefit from his guidance and look forward to building on the work that has been done to serve Howard County and District 5.

How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?

As a proud graduate of Howard County public schools and now the parent of HCPSS students, I want our school system to remain one of the best in the nation. However, I am concerned that enrollment remains below pre-COVID levels while the operating budget has increased by roughly 44% since fiscal year 2020. I believe taxpayers deserve transparency regarding how resources are allocated and whether spending is producing measurable improvements in student outcomes.

How do you feel about crime in your area and what steps can be taken to reduce it?

District 5 covers more than half of Howard County’s land area, and residents have raised concerns about property crime, theft, and emergency response times. I will make public safety a top county priority by holding county leadership accountable for reducing crime, improving response times, and ensuring law enforcement has the personnel, equipment, and resources needed to serve every community effectively.

I will support regular public reporting on staffing levels, response times, crime trends, and resource allocation so residents can evaluate performance and results. I will also back targeted crime prevention efforts and strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, neighborhood organizations, schools, and local businesses. Public safety is a core responsibility of local government, and county leadership must take decisive action when results fall short.

What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward?

Howard County benefits from a highly educated workforce, strong quality of life, and a strategic location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., attracting employers and supporting a diverse business community. However, businesses face challenges such as workforce shortages, regulatory burdens, and competition from neighboring jurisdictions. Potential reductions in federal employment could further impact the local economy, increasing the need to attract and retain businesses, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

Key priorities include supporting small businesses, attracting investment, streamlining permitting, maintaining infrastructure, and aligning workforce development with employer needs. A strong commercial tax base supports county services and reduces reliance on residential taxpayers. Economic development efforts should be measured by outcomes such as job creation, business retention, commercial occupancy rates, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

How do you feel about transportation options in the area and what, if anything, should be improved upon?

Transportation is a key issue in Howard County. District 5 faces congestion on MD 32, MD 108, US 29, and I-70, safety concerns at key intersections, growth-related traffic, and limited pedestrian and bike connections. Priorities include reducing congestion, improving safety, maintaining roads, expanding transit, and enhancing walking and cycling access. Success means safer travel, shorter trips, and reliable access to jobs, schools, and services.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I was born and raised in Howard County and graduated from Glenelg High School in 1996. My wife, an adult nurse practitioner, and I are raising our three children here and have deep roots in the community. I serve as Director of the HoCo Boys Lacrosse Club and have been actively involved in local youth sports programs.

Professionally, my 20 years experience in finance, managing budgets, and evaluating complex energy projects have given me an appreciation for fiscal management, long-term planning, and accountability. My interest in serving on the County Council stems from a desire to contribute that experience to local government and help ensure that public resources are managed responsibly. Our campaign is Strong Schools, Lower Taxes, and Safe Communities. I hope to earn your vote and support.