LA PLATA, Md. — Gregory Sampson, a resident and candidate for Ward III councilman in La Plata, has unveiled a 5-point plan aimed at addressing the town’s challenges and fostering future growth. As chairman of the La Plata Planning Commission, Sampson announced his candidacy and platform on March 12, 2025, emphasizing the need for trusted leadership to tackle rising costs, vacant positions, and economic pressures. His first proposal, the Longevity Plan, focuses on supporting small businesses to bolster the local economy.
Sampson’s Longevity Plan targets businesses with 20 or fewer employees, offering a permanent 5% property tax reduction every five years, up to a maximum of 15%. This incentive, he argues, would reward businesses that remain in La Plata, create jobs for young adults, and expand the tax base by attracting entrepreneurs. Additionally, he proposes streamlining the permitting process to simplify opening and operating small businesses in town. “Small business success is critical to La Plata’s future,” Sampson said. “This simple action would reward those businesses that stay in La Plata.”
The candidate, a father and husband, developed his platform after gathering feedback from residents across La Plata. He cites rising water rates, property taxes, and utility expenses as pressing concerns, worsened by anticipated state funding cuts and federal government layoffs. Vacant leadership roles within the town further complicate these issues, he noted. “We face numerous challenges that threaten our quality of life,” Sampson said. “We need proven leadership to navigate these obstacles.”
Sampson’s broader 5-point plan includes four additional initiatives: a Utility Payment Holiday, Property Tax adjustments, Smart Growth policies, and Support for Law Enforcement and Faith-Based Communities. He plans to release details on these proposals in the coming weeks, framing them as “realistic and doable” steps to move La Plata forward. His campaign slogan, “Leadership We Can Trust,” underscores his call for unity and practical solutions.
La Plata, a town of about 10,000 residents in Charles County, has seen steady growth since its incorporation in 1888, according to the town’s official website. However, economic pressures and infrastructure costs have strained local budgets in recent years. The Maryland Municipal League reports that many small towns like La Plata face similar funding challenges as state resources tighten. Sampson’s focus on small businesses aligns with data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which shows that firms with fewer than 20 employees account for nearly 90% of all U.S. businesses and are vital to local economies.
As chairman of the La Plata Planning Commission, Sampson has experience shaping town development. His candidacy for Ward III, one of four wards in La Plata’s council structure, positions him to influence policy directly if elected. The town council, consisting of four ward representatives and a mayor, oversees municipal services, taxes, and growth initiatives. Elections are scheduled for May 2025, per the town’s charter.
Sampson is asking for residents’ votes, emphasizing his commitment to improving La Plata for all. “Isn’t it time leaders within La Plata seek real solutions to everyday problems?” he asked. “We need leaders who are looking toward the future.” Further information on his campaign and the full 5-point plan will be available as he engages with the community in the lead-up to the election.
