State’s Attorney Challenger Files

State’s Attorney Challenger Files
States

SNOW HILL — Local attorney Michael W. Farlow this week officially announced he is throwing his hat in the ring to run for Worcester County State’s Attorney, challenging incumbent Beau Oglesby in what will likely be a spirited election.

Farlow served as a prosecutor at the District Court level and later ascended to Deputy State’s Attorney under former Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd. Oglesby, a Republican, filed for re-election in November.

Farlow, a Democrat, is the only candidate thus far to challenge Oglesby, and if the field remains the same, the two would square off in the general election next November.

While still in law school, Farlow clerked for the Ocean City firm Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy and Almand and later clerked for Justice Myron T. Steele of the Delaware Supreme Court. After passing the bar, Farlow began his career as a law clerk for the Worcester County Circuit Court judges and has been practicing locally for the past 11 years.

Farlow was originally hired as a part-time District Court prosecutor in 2003 and worked his way up, ultimately becoming Deputy State’s Attorney responsible for supervising Circuit Court prosecutions before returning to private practice when the administration changed following the last election.

Farlow has been active in politics since 1995 when he was then the youngest serving elected official in the state of Maryland after being elected as a commissioner for the town of Pittsville. He also served as the chair of the Election Reform Study Commission for the town of Snow Hill and he currently serves as a member of the Snow Hill Historic Commission.

Farlow has been active in the fire service for most of his adult life, starting as a cadet at age 13 and later becoming a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). He is currently a member of the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department and regularly volunteers his time to assist fire department with legal issues. He has also spent several years as the attorney for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

In a statement this week, Farlow said he is committed to working with local law enforcement agencies and community groups to encourage safer communities. He believes a more active approach to crime prevention can help create safer schools and safer communities. A Snow Hill resident, he currently operates a private practice in Ocean Pines.