Byron Macfarlane

From Wilde Lake to Ellicott City to Elkridge, I had a great day talking with Howard County voters. I appreciate every person who gives a few minutes of their day - whether it's just to say hi, to let me share some of what I've done as Register, or to share what's on their mind. I'm always humbled when folks tell me they've been through my office and tell me about their experience, and how we helped them navigate a challenging time.

I also happened to pass by a street named Wellstone Way, which shares a name with such personal weight to me. I got into politics, in large part, because of the late, great Senator Paul Wellstone. His motto, "We all do better when we all do better," is one I try to live by as a public servant. I know Paul is looking down at an army of progressives running for office this year, candidates determined to challenge the status quo and deliver for people.

One voter, one street, and one town at a time I'm working to earn re-election as Register of Wills to continue serving Howard County, and keep fighting for a more caring and fairer future for everyone.

In Maryland, we have two types of probate estates: Small Estates and Regular Estates. Small estates are valued up to $50,000; Regular estates are over $50,000. The procedures for small estates are so much easier than regular estates, they aren't charged fees, they have fewer administrative costs, and they are overseen almost entirely through the Register of Wills without any interference by a court.

Knowing these benefits, and knowing that this threshold should increase over time because of inflation, several years ago I lobbied the Maryland General Assembly to increase this amount to $50,000 from $30,000. This means thousands of estates have proceeded through a faster, less expensive, and less onerous process - allowing families to handle their loved ones' estates and move on with their lives with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

In the term ahead, I'll continue to advocate for continuing to make probate faster, fairer, less expensive, and more equitable for all Marylanders.

Earlier today, the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument was officially dedicated at the lakefront in Columbia. Howard County residents who have served our country, or have loved ones who have served, will, for the first time, have a home at this permanent fixture - a place for reflection, for prayer, and for solemn gratitude.

As I stood and listened to invited guests and veterans, watched the America flag raised, and took in the beauty of this monument, I thought of my grandfathers and my brother - veterans of the U.S. Navy and Army. I thought of Gold Star families, some of whom have had to make their way through my office over the years after losing a loved one in the line of duty. I was left with feeling a deep sense of appreciation for their service and sacrifice, and the gift of freedom they have given each of us.

I want to applaud the The Howard County Veterans Foundation, Inc., the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families, county and state officials, and everyone who played a role in bringing this ten-plus year project to completion. I look forward to visiting this monument frequently.