Not much to say.
General Assembly Legislative District 9A
There are three candidates running for two seats in this district – incumbents Gail Bates and Warren Miller and challenger Melissa Covolesky. Gail Bates had a conflict and was unable to attend as she was attending a national legislative conference in which she is an officer.
Melissa Covolesky had the most to prove and she requited herself well. As David Wissing said, they pretty much agreed on the issues. At one point Melissa mentioned that Gail Bates did not support slots (which Warren and Melissa do). Warren came to Gail’s defense pointing out that she abstained from voting and is was based on her religious faith.
Melissa mentioned her family’s long history in the State. She has a relative who was the King of England’s appointed Governor in the State. I had no idea that she was a Tory. In all honesty, it is an interesting factoid, but really seemed more like bragging than a qualification. Not that she shouldn’t be proud of her heritage and her family’s long history and connection to the State, but I don’t brag about the fact that my ancestors were Irish peasants persecuted by the British (probably some of the same ones), were tenant farmers on the Shirley Estates for an absentee landlord who starved them out during the potato famine. In other words I am not too taken with those kinds of British connections. Warren noted that his family has been in Howard County for a long time and have deep roots. His children are attending the same schools that he did. His heart is in Howard County. He went so far as to note that he even helped renovate the Lisbon Fire Hall (the very place the forum was held) when he was a kid.
Melissa did well. That was the test and she passed.
In terms of experience,relationships and ability to get things done, or as Warren pointed out, the importance of killing bad legislation in committee so it can’t get to the floor are the reasons I support Warren and Gail. I have spent a lot of time talking with Warren. I have been impressed with his intelligence, soft spoken confidence, how he quickly grasps the heart of an issue. I have no doubt that he has built a lot of camaraderie and respect in Annapolis.
County Council
Overall, I don’t think many of the candidates understand a lot of the issues as well as I think they should. Perhaps they can only express so much in 2 minutes – I know it is hard, but I can’t help but think they could do better. I took a hard look at Jim Adams. Maybe we do need an accountant on the County Council. Jim didn’t show a grasp for a lot of details relative to issues, but he understood process and articulated it well. He might not make a good legislature or politician, but he could be a great watchdog, provide excellent constituent services, and help keep Government accountable. If you think he could do that best while a County Councilman then vote for him. If he doesn’t win then I hope he seeks appointment to the Spending Affordability Committee.
Wayne Livesay was asked, in a round about way, about the Hatch Act. He called me out referencing my letter to the editor, and later apologized (though he didn’t have to). I brought up the Hatch Act here many times. He can call me on it. Anyway, a couple of things. He says he did some research (sounded like he had help digging up old records) on how many of these Federal applications and assurances he signed. The latest one I have a copy of is May 2005. He says he didn’t sign that many as if that diespells the issue. Also, he says that the assurances he signed don’t mention the Hatch Act by name, but rather by statute. He is right. That doesn’t mean that he should not have been familiar with the statute. He mentioned early on in answering that question that as police chief he had a staff of people handling those things including lawyers. Well, it would have been a simple thing to look in the US Code for that particular statute and come up with the Hatch Act. He signed the assurances and should have known what he was signing.
Wayne also noted that the progression from police chief to county council seemed to be a natural progression for him.
As David Wissing reported:
Some other questions of interest included one on the referendum effort that was recently struck down by the courts and removed form the November ballot involving whether the rezoning process known as “Comp-Lite” should be on the November ballot. Mr. Livesay stood out as the lone candidate opposed to the referendum on “Comp-Lite”. his reasoning was that it was impossible for the voters of Howard County to fully understand all the issues of all the projects involved in “Comp-Lite”. I can’t remember when, but Greg Fox retorted later on that he believes the voters of Howard County are more intelligent than Livesay gives them credit for.
I think Wayne is taking his lead from Charlie Feaga. That is a mistake. I talked to Charlie about his vote on comp-lite. I think Charlie has made this more complicated in his own mind than he needed to and passed it along to Wayne. I don’t care if other properties that were properly included in comp-lite are caught up in this. I sympathise for them, but it isn’t my fault or your fault. The County Council stiffed the process and put those property owners in jeopardy when they passed that illegal legislation. Those property owners have recourse. When County Council breaks the process what recourse do you and I have? Wayne, you were wrong to say you don’t support the referendum. By not supporting the referendum you make it clear that you do not understand the real issue. I would be happy to discuss it with you anytime. You have my phone number.
David Wissing also reported this. My sentiments exactly.
One other question concerned a somewhat old issue about property tax cuts and what do with the surplus the County was running. There were two property tax cut plans proposed, one to cut the tax rate and one to lower the yearly cap increase. This issue was discussed at length in the HoCo blogosphere and there was really no final conclusion other than “it depends”. While this debate has become somewhat mute since Robey’s plan was passed and signed into law, the question of which was a better plan is still an interesting philosophical question. Unfortunately, all five candidates dodged that question and said they would have liked to seen both tax cuts implemented. Well wouldn’t we all? Most surprising though was Livesay changed his previous position on this issue that he espoused at a previous forum when this question came up. he said he did some research on the issue and decided Howard County could have afforded both tax cuts.
I felt Greg Fox had the best grasp on the issues. I wonder how many other candidates know about or appreciate the Constant Yield Tax Rate (CYTR). Greg made a good point that the County could take in more property tax every year if the property tax was only $.96 (CYTR) rather than the current $1.013. Neat trick huh! He is absolutely right. He is an out of box thinker and we need that. His closing statement was strong too. Some thought it was overboard. However, given we were in the heart of his district I thought it was perfect. Greg has the endorsement of most every major party figure in the County. His Republican credentials are beyond reproach – he has worked tirelessly for candidates, specifically Sandy Schrader (which we wonder if Wayne will), in the past and even now. He is experienced, is a republican through and through, and is a critical thinker who will be an asset to the council.
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