Acting County Executive John Psota announced Monday that he is an official candidate for the post he has held since last fall.

Appointed by the Wicomico Council to fill the post, following the death of Bob Culver, Psota was the new Director of Administration when he was elevated to the top job until the November 2022 election.

Psota made his formal declaration on the steps of the Government Office Building in Downtown Salisbury. The event was attended by several local government officials.

“As your County Executive, I will continue to carry out the mission of providing the form of government the citizens expect and deserve by managing their resources, addressing their concerns, investing in their future and providing for their safety, as they go about their lives, providing for their families and making Wicomico County a great place to live, work and thrive,” Psota said.

A Republican, he is the first candidate to announce for the post, The primary election will be held June 28; the general election is Nov. 8.

Prior to being named the successor to retiring Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg in 2020, Psota had a long career with the Maryland State Police and then served as Fruitland’s City Manager. He holds a Political Science degree from Salisbury University.

Psota said he plans to remain focused on fiscal responsibility and invest in the public educational system; including Pre-Kindergarten through grade12,  Wor-Wic Community College and the Library System.

He said public safety and emergency management will remain priorities.

He also backs expansion of the commercial tax base by focusing on attracting businesses to Wicomico County, and investing in our infrastructure; including the implementation of the anticipated county water sewer master plan.