CORRECTION 5/31: Shaun Shockley advised us that he did respond, but his response was to decline the questionnaire with a preference for in-person or phone conversation, the article below has been corrected. His response is included at the end of the article.
The June 23 Republican Primary will determine who wins the Worcester County Commissioner District 1 seat, where incumbent Commissioner Caryn Abbott faces challengers Laura Gladding Morrison and Shaun Shockley. Because all three candidates are Republicans and there are no Democratic challengers in the general election, the primary will effectively decide the race. Maryland operates under a closed primary system, meaning only registered Republicans living in District 1 will be eligible to vote in the primary election.
Maryland voters who wish to change party affiliation ahead of the primary have until June 2 to do so online or through the local board of elections. Residents should contact the Worcester County Board of Elections for additional information on voter registration and party affiliation changes.
As part of The Pocomoke City Arrowhead’s 2026 local election coverage, all three candidates were invited to complete a questionnaire covering housing, education, tourism, infrastructure, taxes, public safety, and local growth.
Part of the questionnaire also asked candidates about their interest and availability for a potential candidate forum. With only two total responses received across both local commissioner races, The Pocomoke City Arrowhead did not pursue hosting a forum. However, Worcester United and Worcester County Chapter 7029 will co-host a candidate forum on Tuesday, June 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Snow Hill High School. Currently, only Laura Gladding Morrison from District 1 has been confirmed, with both candidates from District 2 expected to be present.
Morrison submitted responses to the questionnaire. Abbott and Shockley did not respond to repeated requests for participation. Shockley responded to decline participation.
Below are the candidates’ responses as submitted.
Background
1. Why are you running for County Commissioner?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“I am running for Worcester County Commissioner in District 1 because I have a huge heart for this county. THIS IS HOME! This is where I live, work, worship and play!
This is the community where I grew up, where my husband and I have raised our children, where two of our three grandchildren currently go to school and where I have been engaged in public service for decades.
I am not running for a title—I’m running to serve. I’m running to ensure that the residents of District 1 have their voices heard, their concerns addressed and their trust is earned.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
3. What experience best prepares you for this role?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“I have worn many hats in a wide variety of capacities over the years. Each and every one of those hats has allowed me to hone a vast skill set.
Among those—I have spent 45 years in the insurance industry. An industry that afforded me the opportunity to work closely with individuals, with families and with businesses—helping them navigate challenges, plan for the future and protect the tangible things that matter most. That kind of work teaches you how to listen—how to problem solve and how to stand beside people when it counts!
EVERYTHING I have done both professionally and personally has prepared me for THIS moment. I know how to build relationships. I know how to bring people together. AND…. I know how to get things done. Most importantly, I care deeply about this community and the people that live here.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Priorities & Challenges
3. What are your top three priorities if elected?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“My top three priorities are:
- Education Support
I have had a front row seat over the last four years to see the challenges that all of our teachers face each and every day. I will use that insight to renew support for our schools. - Public Safety & Emergency Services Support
Providing our Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and volunteer fire departments with the resources they need to recruit, retain, and effectively serve our communities. - Fiscal Responsibility, Smart Spending, Responsible Growth & Economic Balance
Ensuring that growth benefits all areas of Worcester County – not just Ocean City – while protecting the character of our rural communities. Maintaining a disciplined approach to the county budget—keeping taxes stable while ensuring essential services are fully funded and efficient.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
4. What is the biggest issue facing Worcester County right now, and how would you address it?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“The biggest issue facing Worcester County is balancing growth with sustainability.
We are seeing continued development pressure, particularly driven by tourism and regional expansion. While growth is important, unmanaged growth can strain infrastructure, increase costs, and erode the rural character that defines much of our county.
My approach is to:
● Focus development in appropriate areas with existing infrastructure
● Protect farmland and rural communities
● Ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development
● Make decisions based on long-term impact—not short-term gain”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Economic Growth & Tourism
5. Worcester County relies heavily on tourism. How do you balance supporting Ocean City’s economy while ensuring inland communities like Pocomoke City also benefit?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Ocean City is a critical economic engine for the entire county, and it must continue to thrive. However, we must also ensure that inland communities like Pocomoke City share in that success.
This can be achieved by:
● Promoting year-round economic development inland
● Supporting small business growth outside the coastal corridor
● Investing in infrastructure that connects communities – making sure roads, internet, and basic services are strong enough so places like Pocomoke aren’t cut off from opportunity. If people and businesses can move and connect easily, the whole county benefits.
● Encouraging tourism spillover into southern Worcester County
A strong Worcester County economy should not be limited to one area—it should be countywide and sustainable.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
6. What is your approach to supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs in Pocomoke City?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Small businesses are the backbone of communities like Pocomoke City.
My approach includes:
● Reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers
● Streamlining permitting and approval processes
● Supporting local entrepreneurship initiatives
● Encouraging partnerships between the county and local businesses
We need to make it easier—not harder—for small businesses to start, grow, and succeed.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Budget & Taxes
7. What is your overall approach to taxes and county spending?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“My approach is simple: be responsible, disciplined, and transparent.
● Taxpayers deserve accountability
● Spending should be tied to real needs and measurable outcomes
● We must prioritize essential services while avoiding unnecessary expansion of government
I support maintaining stable tax rates whenever possible while ensuring the county remains financially strong.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
8. Are there specific areas where you would increase or cut funding?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“I would prioritize funding in:
● Public safety (Sheriff, EMS, fire services)
● Infrastructure improvements
● Education support
At the same time, I would carefully review:
● Administrative inefficiencies
● Redundant programs
● Non-essential expenditures
Every dollar should be evaluated to ensure it delivers value to county residents.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Public Safety & Infrastructure
9. What are your priorities for public safety funding?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of county government.
My priorities include:
● Supporting recruitment and retention for law enforcement, Volunteer Fire and EMS
● Ensuring volunteer fire departments have the equipment and funding they need
● Providing competitive compensation and benefits for ALL county employees
● Investing in training and modern equipment where appropriate
We must ensure our first responders are supported, respected, and properly equipped.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
10. What infrastructure improvements are most needed in the county?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Worcester County must continue investing in:
● Road maintenance and improvements
● Drainage and stormwater management
● Broadband expansion, particularly in rural areas
Infrastructure is not optional—it is essential for economic growth, public safety, and quality of life.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Education
11. Do you believe the county should fund public schools at or above Maintenance of Effort (MOE)?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Maintenance of Effort is a state requirement (established under Maryland Education Article § 5-202 and implemented through COMAR 13A.02.05.) that ensures the county funds schools at least at the same per-student level as the previous year. This establishes a minimum baseline to prevent year-over-year funding decreases.
This requirement should be seen as a foundation, not a ceiling.
Our priority must be to equip schools with the resources needed to support students, teachers, and families. At the same time, we must carefully balance these needs with the broader county budget and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
The focus should not be on automatically increasing or decreasing spending. Instead, we need to make thoughtful decisions each year, guided by the needs of our schools and the county’s overall financial health.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
12. What are the impacts of investing in public education in Worcester County?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Investing in education:
● Strengthens our workforce
● Attracts families and businesses
● Improves long-term economic stability
● Supports community growth
A strong education system benefits the entire county—not just students.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Local & Community Issues
13. How should the county manage growth while protecting rural character and farmland?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“We must take a balanced approach:
● Direct development to appropriate growth areas
● Preserve farmland and open space
● Use zoning responsibly
● Plan for long-term sustainability
Protecting rural character is essential to maintaining Worcester County’s identity.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
14. How should the county work with municipalities like Pocomoke City?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“The county must work in partnership with municipalities—not independently of them.
This includes:
● Open communication
● Shared planning efforts
● Coordinated infrastructure improvements
● Respect for local leadership and priorities
Strong collaboration leads to stronger communities.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Transparency & Leadership
15. How will you keep residents informed and involved in county decisions?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Transparency is critical.
I will:
● Support open and accessible public meetings
● Encourage community engagement
● Provide clear communication on decisions and policies
● Be available and responsive to residents
Residents deserve to understand what decisions are being made and why.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
16. Why should voters choose you?
Laura Gladding Morrison:
“Voters should choose me because I am committed to:
● Responsible leadership
● Fiscal discipline
● Supporting public safety and education
● Ensuring all parts of Worcester County are represented—not just one area
I will bring a balanced, thoughtful approach to decision-making and always keep the best interests of the county’s residents at the forefront.”
Caryn Abbott:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley:
No response provided to The Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
Shaun Shockley’s response:
“Hi Chip,
Thank you for reaching out.
As a candidate for District 1, I am committed to representing the entire district including Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and surrounding communities, not focusing on any one municipality over another. Every part of District 1 deserves equal attention and representation.
At this time, I will not be participating in written questionnaires or providing responses before public forums conclude. I believe the most effective way to communicate with voters is through direct, face-to-face conversations. I welcome the opportunity to speak with residents in person or over the phone, where discussions can be more productive and meaningful.
If you would like to arrange a time to connect in that format, I would be open to doing so.
Thank you for your understanding.
Shaun Shockley“
