Two candidates for Howard County executive differed on how to achieve affordable housing and more residential involvement in local growth issues.
County agencies should collaborate in creating the growth residents want, said Harper?s Choice Middle School Principal Stephen Wallis.
“I will articulate a comprehensive vision for land use and growth in Howard County,” he said.
The county executive should take back control of growth from the developers, said Council Member Kenneth Ulman. He touted his success in helping to save Merriweather Post Pavilion in 2003 from development by the Rouse Co.
“We need community-driven planning ? not developer-driven planning,” he said.
Both candidates agreed that more of the new county developments should be affordable.
“I would review the results of the recently formed affordable housing panel, poring over the challenges and possible viable solutions,” Wallis said.
The panel, appointed by County Executive James Robey in June, is expected to report in November on strategies for providing affordable houses to low- and moderate-income people.
Ulman pledged to form creative solutions, citing recent legislation he crafted that allows police officers to live rent-free in certain communities. The program has not yet been formed.
In addition to these issues, Wallis pledged to raise salaries and improve staffing for public safety and security officials.
“We want to be able to ensure top-quality coverage throughout the county 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.
Ulman cited the need for a quality education system to contribute to the county?s quality of life.
“I?ve been proud to be an unwavering supporter of our schools,” he said.
