Village of River Hill Election 2026
Candidate Statements: River Hill Community Association Board of Directors
Kevin Bruening
It has been an honor to serve the River Hill community as Board member since August 2021 & Board Chair since May 2023. Over my term, the Board addressed matters including safety, providing comments to CA requesting a limit to rising CPRA assessment fees, village sovereignty, CA contract negotiations & assessment share, establishing a new Residential Architectural Committee, and, providing comments to MDE regarding air quality. Additionally, we recently voted on playground improvements and addressed CAs readiness in pathway clearing after the January winter storm.
I will continue to seek improvements to pools, pathways and playgrounds.
My priorities for this term include:
• Work to bring more of your CPRA back to the Village.
• Continuing to improve engagement with HCPD to address problems unique to River Hill
• Protect the quality of service provided including the pool, open space, and re-envisioning playgrounds
• Establish a committee to review and modernize the Architectural Guidelines
Balbir Lakhanpal
Greetings Fellow River Hill Residents
Since 2023 I have been a Board Member of the River Hill Community Association and ask for your support for re-election in April 2026.
My continued mission will be to raise and tackle issues of concern, working with County and State leadership, e.g. village safety and on our main roads – traffic congestion and speeding, and designs to include additional pedestrian crossings on 108 and sound barriers on Route 32.
My goals are:
a. Review new development projects and ensure better planning on RH infrastructure.
b. Address issues regarding impact on environment and maintaining Open Space.
c. Push CA for reduction in CPRA rates.
d. Open communication and outreach with residents on matters of concern.
Our family has lived in River Hill since 2002, and we are proud to call River Hill our home.
Adam White
The reason I am running is to serve the community, and as a River Hill High School class of ‘99 graduate I have a longtime connection. Having served on the board previously gives me a strong grasp on what the commitment takes. My foremost responsibility would be listening to our residents and doing my best to voice their concerns. The purpose of the River Hill Board is to serve the community, and that is what I will strive to do. I am ready to serve and always willing to listen. Thank you for listening and participating in the election!
RHCA Board of Directors
There are two (2) open seats on the River Hill Community Association Board of Directors. There is no limit to the number of candidates who may run. The River Hill Community Association was created to enhance the quality of life for residents and to provide opportunities for community engagement. As part of their responsibilities, board members oversee the association’s finances and management, including operating Claret Hall and The Meeting Room; enforce covenants, and help organize signature community events like the Independence Day Parade, the Very Spooky Halloween celebration, and the National Night Out Pool Party.
Additionally, the board appoints the Village Manager, sets association policy, and advocates on behalf of residents. The Board also champions key issues such as local development, traffic and safety on behalf of the community.
Members serve a two-year term from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2028. They typically meet one evening per month, with the exception of April, which includes two meetings.
Candidate’s Handbook 2026 for more information, including:
- Election Calendar 2026
- Nomination Petition
- Who Can Run
- Notice of RHCA Election of Board of Directors
- Election Day Sign Map
- Election Guidelines and Regulations
Voting Requirements
To vote, residents must provide proof of identity, residency and age at the polls. Accepted forms of identification include a Maryland driver’s license, Howard County voter registration card, passport and/or a birth certificate may be used. Tenants and new residents must also present a deed, lease or utility bill with their River Hill address.
Second Election Day
The River Hill Community Association’s Second Annual Meeting and Village Election will take place on Tuesday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Claret Hall.
All residents of the Village of River Hill who are 18 years or older are considered members of the RHCA and are eligible to vote.
**If a resident has voted on the first Election Day, they may NOT vote again. The vote that they have previously cast will be counted in the final tally.**
To vote, residents must provide proof of identity, residency and age at the polls. A Maryland driver’s license or identification card satisfies all three requirements. A passport paired with a Howard County voter registration card may also be used. Tenants and new residents must also present a deed, lease or utility bill with their River Hill address.
Absentee Ballots
Residents who would like to request an absentee ballot may do so starting April 27. Requests must be made in writing (via email or letter) and submitted by May 1.
To request an absentee ballot, residents must provide proof of identity, age and residence.
Accepted forms of identification include a Maryland driver’s license, Howard County voter registration card, passport and/or a birth certificate may be used. Tenant and new residents must present a deed, lease or utility bill addressed to the individual at their River Hill residence.
Supporting documents may be scanned and emailed to the Election Committee at manager@villageofriverhill.org.
Residents may also request an absentee ballot in person at Claret Hall beginning April 27, during office hours (Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.). The deadline for in-person requests is Monday, May 11. All completed absentee ballots must be received at Claret Hall by midnight on May 11.