A longtime South Carroll resident expects a tough battle after announcing his candidacy for the House of Delegates on Thursday.
“It is the attitude of Republicans to vote for incumbents, so it will be an uphill battle,” said Larry Helminiak, of Eldersburg, who is running for the District 9B House of Delegates seat.
He lost to the current seatholder, Republican Del. Susan Krebs, in the 2004 primary election by 205 votes, according to the state Board of Elections.
Krebs said she welcomes the challenge. So far, she is the only candidate to file with the Board of Elections.
“[Helminiak] had every advantage last time and still lost,” Krebs said.
Helminiak made his announcement at Liberatore?s Ristorante in Eldersburg before a crowd of well-known local names, including Howard County Dels. Warren Miller and Gail Bates, both Republicans from District 9A; Carroll Del. Tanya Shewell, R-District 5A; and Howard and Carroll state Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-District 9.
Calling himself a “Reagan Republican,” Helminiak said his experience as an entrepreneur has allowed him to understand the burden of taxes.
“Not enough businessmen are in the General Assembly,” he said.
Helminiak retired in 2004 from Carroll Insulation, a company he founded in 1970.
He said he would never increase taxes above current rates.
“I want my children and your children and grandchildren to grow up in an affordable county,” he said.
About the candidate
Name: Larry Helminiak
Family: Rosemarie Helminiak, his wife of 38 years, two
children and five grandchildren
Hometown: Eldersburg since 1969
Former occupation: Owner and founder of Carroll
Insulation
