The following was sent to The Dagger on behalf of Jim Thornton:
Harford County School Board member and democrat Jim Thornton will announce that he is running for Harford County Council President next week, and will share his vision for the future.
Jim said, “This is not the time to stabilize the council or maintain the status quo. This is the time to make things happen, and I firmly believe I am the person to make that happen. I am ready to dedicate myself to facing the difficult issues that confront Harford County.”
The announcement will be made at the front entrance outside of the County Council office building in Bel Air located at 212 S. Bond Street on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 4:30 p.m.
James D. Thornton is the co-founder and principal of Thorwood Real Estate Group, LLC, based in Bel Air. In this role, he is responsible for the development of strategy and the acquisition of properties for redevelopment as multi-family units in the Baltimore Region. Jim’s previous experiences include several years in senior management positions with two major Fortune 100 companies. More specifically, he was Senior Executive Vice President of MBNA America Bank, N.A. (prior to being acquired by Bank of America). MBNA was the largest independent credit card lender. He was also Vice President and General Manager with the Sears Tire Group and Sears Automotive.
In addition, he has significant Board of Directors involvement. He has served on the Board of the Baltimore Museum of Arts since 2004 and the Harford County Board of Education since 2011. In addition, he has served on the Harford County Liquor Board, Fund for Educational Excellence Board in Baltimore, and the Highlands School Board in Harford County. Jim also was a member of the Visteon Corporate Board in Van Buren Township, Michigan to help make major decisions to return 23 plants to Ford Motor Company, a critical step needed to solidify the future of Visteon.
Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Talladega College in Economics and is a veteran. A native of Ashford, Alabama, Jim is the husband of Lorayne and the father of two sons, Anthony and Reginald. He is also the proud grandfather of Anthony, Jr.
I have met this thornton guy before on two separate occasions on a couple issues. I got to tell you he came across thoughtful, fair and smart. Unfortunately many of our county politicians don’t. I may have to give him some thought.
If you love your County don’t vote for Pay-To-Play Thornton!
A vote for Thornton is just like voting for Obama and O’Malley. You will just end up O’en more!
Obama = O’Malley = O’Thornton = OWING MORE and OWNING LESS!
not a bad resume. whats his story?
Some one with real world experience and not a career government employee.
That alone makes him a quality candidate.
Pay for play Thornton will not win this election. He will have us all paying for everything. ” he is responsible for the development of strategy and the acquisition of properties for redevelopment as multi-family units in the Baltimore Region” Sounds like section 8 housing to me. He will push the libtard agenda and move more dems into his newly formed low income housing that he Lisanti and Dion will approve.
Hate to break it to you, but we’re already “paying for everything”. Where do you think the money comes from, exactly?
That said, if he’s liberal or identifies as a Democrat, I’m out. There’s the slightest chance that he understands capitalism, so I’m willing to hear more.
He is a omalley obama democrat why do you think he get appointed by omalley all the time
Art Helton is getting him to run. Tom Myers is part of his campaign committee.
As for pay to play it was his plan and vote on the school board to do that when he should have cut spending.
O’Malley has appointed Republicans to the school board. Thornton did vote to cut spending, 200+ positions over the past three years. If you listen to what he actually says you would find his views are conservative when it comes to spending.
No one said anything about republicans on the school board. The comment was about Thornton being a O’Malley go to guy when he needs a member on any board in Harford County. Someone does not get picked for just being a good guy. It’s about who you know and Thornton is in the O’MalleyBrown Helton know.
Yes he did cut spending, just less then 2 million of cuts. But from where, you ask? From transportation, special programs, and any thing else he could find to make life hard on the most amount of people. And why would he do this, you ask? Because that is what the democrat play book says to do when you need to cut but don’t want to. So you can keep spending and taking more tax payer money and you tell the tax payer that if you don’t tax more the hits will just keep coming and getting harder.
Oh, and the 200+ positions, didn’t the dagger and the aegis report that only lasted a week or two?
If that is conservative thinking you need to look again.
He DOES understand capitalism; has lived, worked and earned his money from it.
Republicanism DOES NOT represent capitalism.
Similarly, democracy does NOT ESCHEW capitalism.
One of the most misunderstood components of the American political system is the “absolute belief that one is good, and one is evil”. Neither Republicans, nor Democrats hold the high ground; it is time to shed these misconceptions, and look at the intrinsic value of the man himself.
Can he deliver?
Does he have the ability and presence to produce a rational and well considered response to any issue?
Does he have integrity?
Is he doing this for some better reason than to feather his own nest?
These issues are not in your consideration, you are following a furrow ploughed by thousands before you. Being a dumb bullock is one thing, being a plough master is another, Look for the plough masters, forget the R and D labels, look for the integrity and straightness of the furrow.
I have heard him speak on many occasions and he actually seems to have some common sense and thinks about things before he speaks. I would definitely like to hear more from him before the next election.
Is it legal for someone campaign on county property?
Sounds like a typical democrat trick to me. This is how he will run the council. Laws don’t apply to him.
Campaigning on county property property is not allowed. Security will move him along. That is what has happened in the past when someone was campaign at the county council building.
Glenn Glass does it
No one expects Glenn to know better. We all give him a pass like we do with any special needs kid..
The area near the front door of the County Council office building is public property. There is nothing illegal in making his formal announcement there.
The area between the flag poles and the building is county property. Yes it is public property, and yes as a citizen you may stage a protest there but a candidate running for public office can not have a political event there.
I wish Mr Thornton the best of luck however, he needs to check with the county before he ends up making a honest mistake on an issue that most people would assume to be allowed.
Craig announced his running mate on Lawyer’s Mall.
Craig is running for a state office not a county office. State law allows for political events at Lawyer’s Mall and on other state property’s by permit only. County law does not allow it. Have you ever seen a member of the council or the county executive announce at a council meeting or on any Harford county property other then at the courthouse where it is allowed (and so is smoking.) The answer is no, because it is not allowed.
Mr. Thornton will do a fine job on the county council. Jim has been on a number of boards over the years. Governor O’Malley trusts Jim and he has appointed Jim to the Harford County Liquor Control Board and the Harford County School Board and many other boards while he was City Mayor and now as Governor. Jim’s connections to Annapolis will serve Harford County well.
Jim:
If I were still a Harford resident, I would be backing you to the hilt.
We have done business for several years, and I have always respected your calm, pragmatic approach.
We may have differences politically, I’m an R and you are a D, but they are only labels, and no longer represent any deep philosophy. Where it possible, you would certainly have my vote; we need people of ability and integrity, and there are not many of you guys around.
Good Luck, Jim
I know Mr James and all I know is we need more people like him running things. Now is the time we can take over the state and this white run county for our people and make some real change like President Obama has done. With Anthony Brown, James Thornton, Duvowel Peaker, Curtis Beulah, and Mr Janson incharge we will final have a chance in Harford County. And anyone not voting for each of them at least one time is a racest.
A white person could not say anything like this. The sad part is that everyone you listed is thinking the same thing you are.
BELOW ME
I am curious what “real” changes these people could make to finally give you a chance.
I am also curious what real changes Obama has made that make your life better.
I’d begin with the removal arrogance from the official position of the United States government’s foreign policy
What does this have to do with Harford County?
FYI
Curtis Beulah is a Republican running for County Council District F. I don’t know why you are including him on your list of dem rats.
Curtis is a good conservative, active in the party and the community. He is willing to help anyone. I hope everyone takes time to look him up. Curtis is the only person on that list I would vote for if I could however, I live in District D and can’t. So I guess I’m a racist.
“Lamount Adams” is not an African American / Black American or whatever you want to call a dark skinned descendent from Africa. Rather, Lamount Adams is definitely a white racist, posing as a black person, trying to make the black race in general look like morons. Shame on you “Lamount” (but typical of racist assholes like yourself). You (and your ilk) hide behind the anonymity of fake names, just like the racist assholes in the Ku Klux Klan hide behind white robes and masks. You should be taken out…..(and yes, I’m a Caucasian!)
B.T.W. Dagger readers, I can’t believe that someone prior to me didn’t call this jerk out!
Please do not include Mr. Beulah in any list that includes Anthony Brown. The two could not be more different. Mr. Beulah is a Republican but more importantly, he is a self employed businessman with a conservative world view. He is a fine gentleman and running against Mary Ann Lisanti in district F.
The county is facing too much too get caught up in racism talk from either side. Thornton gets things done bottom line. I’ve sat in on numerous meetings and thornton often the lone wolf challenges those that go about the business of the county in the same way. However why I will vote for thornton is that with his challenges is brings solutions.
Just read this. So let me get this right
– a veteran
– at a high level with 3 Fortune 500 companies, where real job creation happened
– entrepreneur
– county liquor board, board of education positions
Got to tell you this type of candidate is refreshing….and yes I’m a republican.
I’m a republican. I believe in business and entrepreneurship. Don’t know much about thornton but his resume of multiple senior level positions at Fortune 500 companies, a business owner, a veteran, are real things that will make me listen.
Ron is not a Republican! Ron and 5 others are Tom Myers.
We get your point Ron
What’s with all the down votes? The guy is more qualified then any of the other candidates……I smell racism.
It is not racism you smell, it is much worse, it is a democrat…
Its not racism. He’s a Dem and not from Harford County. The “not from Harford County” is the important part
Ah, the more palatable alternative to your racism.
LOL! Dude you don’t know Harford County
@Because – The various posts by Tom indicate that he’s open to Thornton, which invalidates the whole racism thought.
Tom is correct in stating that many people will be opposed to Thornton simply because his family hasn’t lived in Harford County for generations and isn’t part of the local political class. In other words, he is not part of the established good ol’ boy network / political machine, whichever term fits your particular preference.
I smell shit – oh no wait that’s you Steve Jacobs….
When I see the comment that Governor MO’M trusts him, I instantly know I can not support this what appears to be decent man. Sorry for those who are pissed at me right now, but you should know I am not the only one.
I don’t have a problem w/ O’Malley trusting Thornton. If Thornton said he trusted O’Malley that’s when I’ll start questioning his competence.
Mr. Thornton being a black male is not why I will not vote for him. I will not vote for Mr. Thornton because he voted to raise fees over cutting expenses. Aka pay for play. He is currently demanding more money from the tax payers next budget year, so he and the other school board members can just keep spending money. Mr. Thornton does not understand that the tax payers are not his unlimited source for money. We are his only source of money and he needs to be stopped before he and other people like him and his good friend Gov. Marty O’ suck us all dry. I will not vote for Mr. Thornton because of his nonconservative votes on the board of education. Take the time and look up his voting record pay for play, common core, fee increases, higher spending plans, cutting contractors to expand the system, and cutting security upgrades from the last budget. I will not vote for Mr. Thornton because he supported SB 281, O’Malleys anti 2nd amendment bill. I will not vote for him because he will increase low income housing in conservative areas of the county just like he has done in the past. He will support expanding the development envelope to make this happen. He has already made zoning related statements at board of education meetings. He may be a good man but he is also a good democrat.
Don’t forget he is a developer with ties to big money. He will line his pockets with the lands he rezones and get friends to develop into section 8 low income multi family housing. He has done this before in other places. He is proudly states it in his bio. Do not vote for this man he will bring more crime and poverty into our county. The truth is out there just look up the areas he has done this to in the past
We already getting sold out by the County Counsel and the County Exec. At least Thorton has his own money and won’t be relying on the developers to help him out at election time
I am a teacher in Harford County. I will not support of vote for Mr Thornton because of his actions on the BOE.
I agree!
Ryan Burbey for Harford County Council President 2014!
I appreciate the vote of confidence but my work as HCEA President is far from done. I am committed to improving our school, our teachers working conditions and making sure our children have a quality 21st century education afforded to them.
Hmmm… looks like all the people who enjoy their free stuff from the government don’t like Mr Thornton.
No….it looks like people who expect lower taxes and less fees and who expect government to cut spending not spend more don’t like Mr Thornton.
I really enjoy this county. I sure hope they can get more money for all our teachers and other county workers they are past due their raises our grandchildren need a good education
Tax payers need to realize they have to pay more because we deserve it.
Iam sorry for talking down about all the county people as I sit here and think they need to be treated better after what I have been reading get it together Harford county treat your people right! They work hard for You!
Jim is a good guy. Well spoken, thoughtful and very smart. That said, he will not win. He is too firmly entrenched with the Helton gang and, I would assume, will suffer from bad advice.
However, if given the choice between Thornton and that asshat Slutzky, I’ll vote for Glassman.
Glassman is running for County Exec but yes anyone is better than Slutzky
Honestly with a few exceptions (Boniface and McMahan) the County Counsel come off as hacks. Thornton at least has had at some point a career outside of Harford County Govmnt.
The county good ole boys and girls network will not stand for that without a fight (behind his back, of course). Harford County remains a very close-minded, backward-thinking incestuous place.
Mr. Thornton,
I have selected 10 questions from a search of three Harford County news sources, each thread had high hits. A Yes or No answer for each will do however please feel free to explain your answers. I will also post the same questions on any other County Council candidate’s thread.
Thank You.
1. Recently the County Council voted to nullify and reject Maryland SB281 “Firearm Safety Act of 2013”. Would you have voted Yes or No to reject SB281?
2. Harford County Code 260-3 makes it unlawful to buy, sell, use, or own any type of Stun Gun in Harford County. Would you vote to remove the Harford County Law 260-3 Stun Guns?
3. Bill 12-35: James Run TIF – A bill that Grants $23 Million in Tax Increment Financing to the Developers of James Run. Would you have voted Yes or No on Bill 12-35?
4. Would you vote to limit zoning for standalone Abortion Clinics to B3 only?
5. Would you support a Harford County Resolution making English the Official Language?
6. ICLEI is a NGO (nongovernmental organization) committed to the implementation of a UN document known as Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is an action plan for global environmentalism that was drafted and signed by 179 nations at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Juneirpo. Would you vote to join ICLEI?
7. Would you vote to approve county capital budget funding for a Center for the Arts building to be located on a 41 acre parcel of land at the corner of Rt. 24 and Wheel Road which is part of a 110 acre bequest from the Estate of Emily Bayless Graham?
8. Would you vote to repeal the Rain Tax in Harford County?
9. Would you vote to increases taxes for Teacher pay increases?
10. Would you vote to have a full Paid Fire Service in Harford County?
Just received a robocall from “Friends of James D. Thornton”. While I do not care for Christopher Boardman, We DO NOT VOTE for telemarketers or those who act like telemarketers. James D. Thornton has lost 2 votes here.