Joined by community members and elected officials, Democrat Kevin Chin launched his campaign for the District 1 seat on the Howard County Council, saying he would focus on schools, the environment, public safety and housing affordability.

“As a council member, you will always have a voice,” Chin said to a crowd at Backwater Books Monday. “I will listen to your concerns, engage with your ideas, and work tirelessly to ensure that Howard County is a place where everyone can thrive together.”

After working as an emergency room physician at MedStar Health in Ellicott City, Chin, 37, said he wanted to expand his impact on the community. He’d like to tackle the root causes of many of the issues that land people in the emergency room, he said.

“If someone comes into the ER and they got assaulted, they’re robbed, I can stitch them up and get them better, but that person would be in a much better circumstance if there was a reduction of crime and that didn’t happen at all and we had safer communities,” Chin said.

Council Chair Liz Walsh holds the District 1 seat, though she hasn’t filed for reelection, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections website.

The district spans Ellicott City, Elkridge, Dorsey’s Search and Hanover, and includes historic districts, state parks, forests and Patapsco River stream banks.

Chin, an Ellicott City resident, has been involved with advocacy work as a board member of Patapsco Heritage Greenway and a member of the steering committee for the Howard County Housing Affordability coalition. Council members need to have some knowledge of every policy area to make decisions, he said, and having been a “jack of all trades” as an emergency room doctor will help him.

As a new father to a 4-month-old, Chin is increasingly motivated to improve the world for the next generation.

With his son in mind, one of Chin’s top priorities is supporting the public school system and ensuring there is enough funding for students to receive a “world-class” education. The county must find new revenue sources to avoid further cuts to school staff and programs while addressing aging infrastructure in school facilities, Chin said.

He’s heard from many people in the district that, in addition to schools, public safety is a top concern. He assured the community that he wants to address the source of public safety issues, with solutions to create safe, walkable communities rather than focusing solely on policing.

Affordability is another key issue for Chin. It is an individual’s right, especially those who are teachers, essential workers, police officers and first responders, to “be able to live where they work,” Chin said.

“We are Democrats, we believe in inclusion,” Chin said. “But we cannot be an inclusive community if we are an unaffordable one.”

Fellow physician, state Sen. Clarence Lam, noted that it is tough to hold elected office. He endorsed Chin while introducing him at the campaign kickoff event.

As an emergency room doctor, Chin is highly focused, a “great listener,” and he uniquely understands both policy and politics, Lam said. Chin was also endorsed by Del. Chao Wu and Howard County Register of Wills Byron Macfarlane.

Chin is relying on public financing for his campaign through the Citizens’ Election Fund. The fund is meant to minimize the role of large private donors, offering matching county money to candidates who meet certain requirements. Lam encouraged people to donate and spread the word to their friends.

“I’m working hard to earn your vote,” Chin said. “And I promise to work just as hard if elected to District 1, Howard County Council.”

Have a news tip? Contact Kiersten Hacker at khacker@baltsun.com or @KierstenHacker.