Even though Charles A. Jenkins, the Republican incumbent, is running for a full term, Gilligan said he considers 3B to be an open seat. Jenkins was appointed in January to fill the rest of Richard B. Weldon's term after Weldon resigned.
In the Sept. 14 GOP primary, Jenkins is facing Michael Hough.
Gilligan is the only Democratic candidate.
The general election is Nov. 2.
Delegates serve four-year terms and are paid $43,000 per year.
Gilligan, 63, was mayor of Burkittsville from 1995 to 1998. He said municipal leaders learn their way around state government because that's where they get grants and other funding.
Gilligan said his experience in town government and private business are a good foundation for state office. He retired after 25 years from the U.S. Public Health Service, and he founded and served as the CEO of Chesapeake Kidney Center Inc. for 23 years.
Other issues likely to be important in the campaign, Gilligan said, include taxation, education and expanding the use of alternative energy, such as biofuel, which could boost local farmers.
He said he's against raising taxes on an electorate already stressed by a lousy economy. He also is against promising to reduce spending until the specifics are known and it's clear that needed programs won't be slashed.
Paul J. Gilligan
Date of birth: Sept. 11, 1946
Address: 108 W. Main St., Burkittsville, Md.
Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology from Loyola College in 1970; completed training in hospital record management in 1972; master's degree in health from Johns Hopkins University in 1977
Occupation: Retired from U.S. Public Health Service after 25 years, founded Chesapeake Kidney Center Inc. and served as CEO for 23 years
Party affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: Mayor of Burkittsville from 1995 to 1998; ran unsuccessfully for Subdistrict 3B delegate in 2006
