Kelly Bryant, 45, of Edgewood, officially filed candidacy for Harford County Council’s District A seat last month.

Bryant, a Democrat, is the second person to enter the race in District A; Jeff Beck, a Republican, filed in March.

Nolanda Robert was appointed in January to the District A council seat, filling the seat left vacant after Councilman Dion Guthrie was removed from his position late last year.

Bryant is a special education teacher in Baltimore County and has lived in Harford County for nearly 20 years. Bryant’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Maryland and a master’s in applied behavior analysis from Purdue University.

“This area has always been home to hardworking, blue-collar families,” he said in a statement to The Aegis. “They want what everyone wants – stability, opportunity and a decent life. But I believe we can do more than just get by.”

If elected, his goals include opening the door for local entrepreneurs, attracting new businesses and addressing vacant storefronts.

Bryant also wants to pursue municipal status for Edgewood, a community with about 25,000 residents that has been fighting for several years to gain it. Bryant says becoming a city would allow Edgewood residents the power to make their own decisions without waiting on others.

“This community has enormous potential,” he said. “I refuse to watch it go untapped any longer.”

Bryant leads a youth initiative called Warriors of Growth that’s focused on helping young men develop discipline, confidence and life skills. He has also been involved in the community as a coach, mentor and educator.

Bryant said he’s running for the council seat because he feels the community has been overlooked and wants to build a community that works for everyone.

“We’ve been underestimated for too long,” he said. “That ends now.”

The Harford County Council consists of seven members that act as the legislative branch of government. Council members earn a salary between $46,000 and $52,000.

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