Gullion chatted with Patch about his campaign and issues that are important to him. Below are his responses.
Elected office sought? Commissioner for the town of Bel Air
Political party? Republican, Conservative
Profession? Associate Pastor serving youth and community outreach
Volunteering work? I have volunteered with organizations in public safety, education, and faith-based sectors. I have served on town committees, as a community chaplain, and with the volunteer fire service. I also support addiction recovery efforts and serve as a chaplain with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team in disaster relief.
Age on election day? 43 years old.
Campaign website? www.matt4belair.com
Campaign Facebook page? Matt for Bel Air https://www.facebook.com/profi…
Campaign email? matt4belair@gmail.com
Past political involvement? I was appointed to the Republican Central Committee of Harford
County for a short period.
What do you believe makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? With
nearly 20 years of service in the Bel Air Police Department, rising to the position of Acting
Deputy Chief, and 15 years in pastoral leadership, I possess proven leadership experience, deep
local knowledge, and a lifelong commitment to faith and service. My experience in public safety,
community engagement, and ministry uniquely equips me to guide Bel Air with integrity,
strength, and compassion.
What issue(s) do you believe are most important to Bel Air residents, and how would you
address them?
1. Responsible Growth & Development – Balance future development with common-sense
planning that protects small-town charm and revitalizes key properties like Harford Mall.
2. Public Safety & Staffing – Address upcoming retirements in police and public works with
proactive recruitment, retention, and leadership development.
3. Infrastructure Preparedness – Strengthen roads, services, and safety systems to meet growing
demands.
4. Senior Support – Develop initiatives for senior safety, accessibility, and community
connection.
I believe in hands-on preparation and training, strategic staffing, and sensible planning to keep
Bel Air thriving.
What platforms are you focusing on?
Family-First Bel Air – Policies that support families, schools, and safe connections across town.
Sensible Bel Air – Balanced growth, reasonable development, and strong support for local business.
Safe Bel Air – Proactive leadership, modernized public safety, and strong community partnerships.
Senior-Honoring Bel Air – Care, accessibility, and engagement for those who built our community.
What else would you like voters to know about you? Local government is where the impact of genuine leadership is most valuable. A genuine leader is someone who develops their values from something greater than themselves and serves others with humility, looking after the interests of others before their own. I receive my values through God, and they remain unchanging: faith, family, and freedom. As someone who has served for more than two decades as a first responder and over a decade in ministry leadership, I know firsthand the importance of making decisions that affect families, neighborhoods, and small businesses. A safe community does not happen by chance—it comes from responsible leadership, deeply rooted integrity, wise planning, and support for those who serve our communities. My vision for Bel Air is to maintain a sensible approach to decision-making and ensure the safety of every resident and business, so that families and seniors can thrive,
businesses can succeed, and neighborhoods can remain clean and secure for many generations
to come. (https://matt4belair.com/belief…)