Born and raised in Carroll County. 1975 Graduate of Francis Scott Key High School, Music major at Western Maryland College, now McDaniel, Studied also at University of Maryland Fire Rescue Institute. Graduate of Baltimore County Fire Academy 1982. Member of Pleasant Valley Fire Company since 1976 serving as President, Chief and Emergency Medical Services Captain. Inducted into Carroll County Emergency Services Hall of Fame. Retired from Baltimore County Fire Department 2012. Carroll County Commissioner 2014-2022.
Appointed to: Shock Trauma Board of Visitors, Governors Emergency Management Council. Served on: Board of Directors Maryland Association of Counties, Past-chair Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Past President of Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association. Worked as a 911 dispatcher in Carroll County. Owned Wantz Lawn Care 1983-2013. Member of the Westminster Municipal Band.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. Include your pets too!
Married to Kathy Zepp Wantz since 1979. 2 Daughters – Elizabeth and Ashley both married and live and work in Carroll. 4 grandchildren – soon to be 5. My parents are James and Joan Wantz. Very proud of my daughters and my son in laws and all my grandchildren. Oldest, Emma Chaney is a Carson Scholar, Peyton and Ryan Chaney are straight A students, all attending Carroll County Public Schools and involved in sports and the newest Laney Stahl is the cutest 2-year-old anywhere!
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song and why does it resonate with you?
The best band ever is the Eagles. There are exceptional lyrics in many of their songs including “so often it happens we live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key”. That’s just on example of incredible writing and performance by that age old group.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My life has revolved around public safety. My gig as Commissioner is directly related as my entire being is about helping others.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Listen and learn from everyone including those you disagree with. Additionally, put down the social media devices and look each other in the eye and talk. What a fabulous world this would be if we focused on each other instead of what lies behind keyboards. Enjoy life as it is very short!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community? What is something unique about our community?
We have many wonderful venues including restaurants and shops that are locally owned. All of them have their own personalities. Our nonprofit organizations are second to none. The dedication of our volunteers throughout this County in whatever capacity they serve is priceless. We are blessed!
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Westminster or looking to move to Westminster?
The small town feel of our County including the main streets of our 8 municipalities are remarkable. Friendly and open at every turn from the very northern boundary to the south.
Q: What 3 words come to mind when you think of Westminster?
Attractive / Charming / Fascinating
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Living in this great County that is second to none.
Q: Tell us about your bucket list.
Most have been checked off. Meeting my beautiful wife. Living in this beautiful County. Raising and being a part of an incredible family. What remains ? Continuing to travel and see the world.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My passion for excellence has always been a driver. I not only want to succeed but be the best at whatever I do.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I am inspired everyday by the bright young people who want to learn and do their best at being successful. When you block off the noise of those who constantly complain and spend more time on criticism then achievements the sky is the limit to lice a successful and meaningful life.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Sticking to my music background – Don Henley / My elected side – George W. Bush – I think both men would provide a great experience. But honestly, any military veteran and public safety veteran would be honored at my table. And of course my place : Buds at Silver Run
Q: Finally, how can our readers and I know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection for you or a good person for you to meet?
I am always open to meeting and talking with anyone. I’ve never had a problem starting a good conversation.
