Corderman seeks city council seat "to move us forward'

Feature in Herald Mail Media by Carlee Lammers

Lifelong Hagerstown resident and political newcomer Paul D. Corderman said he wants to work with residents to move the city forward.

Corderman, 38, is vying for a spot on the five-member Hagerstown City Council. "There needs to be some changes in this town. Things need to move forward," said Corderman, who works as shop manager at Mace Auto Body in Smithsburg. "There are a lot of things that need to be done to move us forward."

Corderman, a 1995 graduate of North Hagerstown High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Maryland, said he wants to take a "more collaborative approach" to creating safer neighborhoods, encouraging growth and development, and promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability.

In light of a growing heroin epidemic, Corderman said he believes safety is a "major concern" for the city. He wants to take a collaborative approach to "do whatever it takes to provide a safe environment for all of us."

"We need to attack this thing head-on together to make Hagerstown a better place to live and work," Corderman said.
Encouraging economic growth and development by broadening the tax base, engaging local real-estate agents and embracing the local business community also are high priorities, he said.

Corderman said reducing red tape, and offering additional grants and tax incentives will help further growth and development.

"Gov. (Larry) Hogan has declared Maryland is open for business," he said. "It’s about time that Hagerstown is open for business as well."

Proactively addressing tax shortfalls, setting aside "individual agendas" and holding the city accountable are ways Corderman said he believes Hagerstown could hold the line on taxes and increase fiscal responsibility and accountability.  
Corderman said he is calling for the council to "come together to create an economically sound community."  
City candidates are running in nonpartisan races this year.

In the April 26 primary, city voters will select 10 council candidates to advance to the general election on Nov. 8.
In addition to Corderman, the candidates include incumbent Councilman Kristin B. Aleshire, Brandon S. Boldyga, Emily Keller, incumbent Councilman Lewis C. Metzner, Dot McDonald-Kline, incumbent Councilman Donald F. Munson, incumbent Councilwoman Penny May Nigh, Colin Ploscaru, Carlos Reyes and Aaron C. Smith.
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Council members serve terms of four years, earn $8,000 annually and are eligible for city health benefits.