Billy Boniface, who was Harford County’s director of administration and chief advisor to former County Executive Barry Glassman, announced Friday that he will run this year for president of the Harford County Council.
Citing the recent misconduct claims against Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson, Boniface said he’s seeking the Republican nomination in the midterm election.
“Where has the oversight been?” Boniface, who ran unsuccessfully for county executive in 2022, wrote in a Facebook post about allegations that Bulson had items stolen from a New Orleans hotel room during a 2024 educational conference.
“We elect people to keep an eye on this stuff on our behalf,” Boniface wrote. “Clearly they have been more focused on cutting ribbons than on cutting out bureaucratic shenanigans.”
A longtime horse breeder at Darlington’s Bonita Farm, Boniface previously led the County Council from 2006 until 2014. He became chief advisor to his close friend and fellow farmer, former County Executive Barry Glassman, in 2020.
Tony “G” Giangiordano, the County Council member who represents the Bel Air area, has also filed to be the Republican nominee for council president. No Democrats have filed in the race.
In a statement, Boniface said: “Back in 2006, I was concerned with the direction that the County Council was taking in not supporting agriculture, land preservation or conservative values. I also felt they had forgotten that they are there to keep an eye on how our tax money is spent in our government and our school system. So I made the decision as a farmer, father and taxpayer to run for office to get the County Council on a conservative track.”
Boniface listed upzoning and stepped-up development, especially along Route 22, as well as rising property tax bills as issues that concern him.
“I am greatly concerned that over the next term, the council could be led down the path toward overtaxing and overdevelopment,” he said.
Boniface said he will kick off his campaign Feb. 3 at Hopkins Farm Brewery.
Have a news tip? Contact Bryna Zumer at [email protected], or on X as @brynazumer.
