Why Now
The Register of Wills office affects every Harford County family that loses a loved one. It should be easy to understand, consistent to use, and accountable to the people it serves.
It's time for Change
For 16 years we've watched the same seat, same approach, since 2010.
The issues:
What families have experienced
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Estates open for extraordinary lengths of time
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Inconsistent information depending on who you ask
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Limited outreach or public education about the office
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Little recourse when a personal representative fails a family
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Clear, proactive public education on what this office does
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Internal checks and balances that protect estates, in line with State mandates
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Consistent answers for citizens, attorneys, and paralegals alike
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A responsive process built around the elderly, disabled, and shut in
New
Leadership built for accountability.
What JoWanda Will Bring
The Priorities
Educate and Advocate
Every resident deserves a clear answer to "What is the Register of Wills?" before they ever need the office.
Keep the Office Strong
Responsible management, without excessive inheritance taxation or estates left open longer than they should be.
Protect Every Estate
Internal checks and balances that hold personal representatives accountable and protect the legacy of the deceased.
Widen Access
An easier process for elderly, disabled, and residents of Harford County, and their families.
About JoWanda
A lifetime of Harford County service, and the professional background this office needs.
JoWanda Strickland Lucas’s roots in Harford County run generations deep. Growing up in the county, she was part of the early integration of Harford County Public Schools before graduating from Aberdeen High School as a merit scholar.
Following graduation, JoWanda began her college career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on scholarship before transferring to Howard University to continue her education.
She went on to build a career as a Claims Examiner with the Social Security Administration, where she adjudicated cases at the administrative law judge level. That work required the same discipline, attention to detail, and sound judgment that estate administration demands: carefully reviewing complex cases, following the law precisely, and treating every individual and family with respect.
Her commitment to public service, civil rights and her community has also been recognized with the Delta Sigma Theta Social Action Award, reflecting a life and career grounded in service, responsibility, and deep ties to Harford County.
A Legacy of Service, Leadership & Community Impact
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Elected Member, Harford County Democratic Central Committee
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Founder, Harford County Reentry Program
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Community Organizer
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Claims Examiner, Social Security Administration
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Delta Sigma Theta Social Action Award recipient
Get Involved
Three ways to help elect JoWanda Strickland Lucas as Harford County's next Register of Wills.
VOTE
Check Your Registration
Confirm you're registered and find your polling place at
elections.maryland.gov.
DONATE
Fuel the Campaign
Every contribution helps provide outreach to more families who need to know.
VOLUNTEER
Help Us Spread the Word
Join the team reaching Harford County voters before Election Day.