What's Happening?
Adams County Commissioner Marty Karsteter Qually is set to resign from his county office effective August 24, concluding over 14 years of service as a county commissioner. Qually has been appointed as the executive secretary of the Pennsylvania State
Conservation Commission. He cited his two years of involvement with the Chesapeake Bay Program as a factor leading to this new appointment, noting that his commitment to local government and efforts to improve soil health and water quality were recognized by state officials. Qually began his first term as commissioner in 2012 and was reelected three times, most recently in 2023. Prior to his commissioner role, he served as an Adams County auditor and an elected member of Gettysburg Borough Council. His tenure as commissioner involved addressing issues such as broadband access, substance-use recovery, affordable housing, transportation, and conservation. He was particularly instrumental in the planning and funding of Gettysburg’s Mercy House, the county's first substance-abuse recovery house, securing over $2 million for its creation. Additionally, Qually focused on expanding affordable high-speed internet service to underserved rural areas and served on the Broadband Community Advisory Task Force.
Why It's Important?
Qually's transition to the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission signifies a shift of his extensive experience from local governance to a statewide role focused on environmental and agricultural policy. His work on the Chesapeake Bay Program's Local Government Advisory Committee, where he chaired the development of a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, highlights his expertise in conservation. This move is important for Pennsylvania as Qually will now work with county conservation districts, local governments, and various partners to improve soil health and water quality across the state. This mission is crucial for the viability and success of Pennsylvania's agricultural sector. His appointment underscores the state's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices. For Adams County, his departure creates a vacancy in a key leadership position, necessitating a process to find a successor who can continue to address critical local issues such as affordable housing, transportation, and broadband expansion, areas where Qually made significant contributions.
What's Next?
Following Commissioner Qually's resignation, Adams County Judge Tom Campbell will issue information outlining the rules and process for filling the vacant commissioner position. This will involve a selection process to ensure continuity in county leadership and the ongoing management of county operations and projects. For Qually, his immediate task as executive secretary of the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission will be to collaborate with various stakeholders, including county conservation districts, local governments, state and federal partners, non-profits, and the private sector, to advance soil health and water quality initiatives across Pennsylvania. He will initially report to Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, with oversight of his position alternating annually between the state departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection. Despite his statewide responsibilities, Qually has stated his intention to remain an Adams County resident, indicating a continued, albeit broader, commitment to public service.
Beyond the Headlines
Qually's career trajectory, moving from local elected office to a significant state-level appointment, illustrates the potential for local government experience to inform and shape broader policy initiatives. His ability to find common ground with Republican commissioners despite his Democratic affiliation, as highlighted during his 2023 reelection campaign, suggests a pragmatic approach to governance that prioritizes community needs over partisan divides. This collaborative spirit will be crucial in his new role, which requires extensive coordination among diverse groups to achieve environmental and agricultural goals. The emphasis on soil health and water quality in Pennsylvania reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and public health. His appointment also underscores the increasing importance of conservation efforts, particularly in regions like the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which face complex ecological challenges requiring coordinated action across multiple jurisdictions.
