Two Howard County Executive candidates said County Executive James Robey?s administration is to blame for unregulated growth, but disagreed on how to address the issue.
“I will prevent development in areas where adequate facilities [such as roads and sewer] are lacking,” said newcomer Harry Dunbar.
“For the past eight years, our elected officials have promoted and supported dumb, uncontrolled growth.”
The county executive appoints the director and deputy director of planning and zoning, the high-power planning positions, which report back to the executive.
Council Member Christopher Merdon said he would monitor the growth that will be sparked by the relocation of thousands of military jobs to Fort Meade as part of the federal government?s Base Realignment and Closure Measure.
“I will ensure that our infrastructure is in place before we see this influx of businessesand residents,” he said.
Both candidates said they would ensure that growth does not hinder Howard County?s educational system.
Merdon said he would appoint a director of education who would report directly to the county executive. The director would oversee funding and plan for the future of new schools and unfunded mandates.
“Any business that gives 60 percent of its budget to a certain area should have someone overseeing it,” he said.
Dunbar said he would support schools by slowing growth.
“I would protect our most important assets from overcrowded classrooms and school redistricting every year by slowing growth,” he said.
Aside from growth and development, the two candidates had differing priorities.
Dunbar said he would refuse to extend county water and sewer lines to prevent developers from building in the county.
Merdon said he would develop a new budget policy, which would require an annual review of all personnel and programs, to save residents? tax money.
At a glance
» Harry Dunbar, D, retired federal employee
» County Council Chairman Christopher Merdon, R-District 1
» Tomorrow, the two remaining candidates will present their top issues
