The 2022 Howard County election cycle was to be the first to include the Citizens’ Election Fund, a public financing system for County Executive and Council races, approved via referendum, by over 76,000 voters. Candidates who agree to accept only from individuals, up to $250, can qualify. That means no donations from corporations, unions, PACs, […]
Lisa Markovitz
Posted inGuest Commentary
The next decade of commercial businesses
Howard County is facing budget shortfalls coming out of the pandemic. The Howard County Spending and Affordability Committee recently advised that projected revenues fall far below our expected expenditures. Short-term cuts won’t solve the problem. Many, including Howard County Chamber of Commerce President Leonardo McClarty, agree that new sources of revenue are needed. Mr. McClarty […]
Posted inColumns
Development donations pollute politics
We often hear complaints about money in politics at every level impacting national, state and local campaigns. While we all would like to see community interests prioritized over special interests, what are “special interests”? Don’t all people have a special interest when it comes to their own opinions on the issues? Of course, but when […]
Posted inColumns
Where have all the trees gone in HOCO?
In Howard County, for decades, more trees have been cut down than State law allows. Development waivers, allowing more tree removal than regulations permit, have been granted because county decision makers have been too lenient. State Forest Conservation law requires a higher standard than just economic need. Yet, for 20 years developers have reasoned that […]
Posted inCommunity News
Is it time to elect the zoning board?
Howard County Council members serve three primary functions. They are the county’s legislative branch, the Zoning Board and the front line for constituent services. Does the fact that council members, hearing cases brought by property owners about how land is used, make it difficult for them to serve their constituents? If so, how do we […]