More than 20 high-profile Howard County Democratic and independent activists are backing Republican County Executive candidate Chris Merdon.
“I think he has the ability to listen to opposing viewpoints on all issues, and that is the most important thing,” said Mary Catherine Cochran, president of Preservation Howard County and a registered Democrat. ” … Chris is a bridge-builder.”
Among the community leaders backing Merdon are Columbia Association board members, a PTA official and a former Democratic Central Committee member. The endorsement was announced Monday. Many supporters cited Merdon?s temperament more than his position on growth and zoning, such as his vote against the controversial Comp Lite law. The Comp Lite law rezoned 38 properties after the county?s 2004 comprehensive rezoning process, and many residents have challenged the legality of the process. Council Member Merdon, R-District 1, is challenging Democratic Council Member Ken Ulman, District 4, and independent Stephen Wallis for the executive seat.
Angela Beltram, founder of Citizens for an Open Process for Everyone and a former Democratic council member, said Merdon is the only Republican for whom she will vote.
She said she felt slighted by Ulman during the Comp Lite process and didn?t like the way the Democrats treated her community, which opposed the zoning legislation.
“It was the arrogance of [the law] and the close-mindedness of it,” Beltram said.
Merdon acknowledged that “it?s not easy to cross party lines. I was certainly surprised by the number of people and the prominence they have in their community.”
Ulman said, “[I] have a tremendous amount of support among Democrats, Republicans and independents in the community. [I am] very proud of [my] deep, bipartisan support.”
