The two most important issues of my young Council term are right around the corner: The Budget and Comprehensive Rezoning.
On April 15 at 11:00 am, the County Executive will present his budget to the Council. While I don't know exactly what it will look like, most observers agree that it will not be anything to cheer about. We can be sure that county employees will once again be forced to take a large number of furlough days. Some positions may even be cut. The Executive has signaled that he will not fully fund K-12 Education as required by state law. I also fear cuts to the Library system, community service organizations, and other services that county residents depend on.
Education funding is especially important to me. I have been touring our area schools and studying the master plan for school construction. Many schools in the Annapolis Feeder area are due for feasibility studies to determine if they need to be renovated or replaced. In this lean budget, we will need to speak as a unified voice and insist that our schools get the funding they deserve.
Once the Executive's budget is submitted to the Council, there will be ample opportunities for public comment. It is important that your voice be heard, especially during these tough times. You can find out the public meeting schedule here: http://www.aacounty.org/CountyCouncil/councilSchedule.cfm. Also, please contact me and let me know what is important to you in this budget.
Comprehensive Rezoning is underway. Rezoning in Districts 1 and 4 is being heard before the Council now. On April 27, the Office of Planning and Zoning will publish its findings on the rezoning applications filed for Districts 6 and 7. The Planning Advisory Board will have a public hearing for the proposals in our District on May 11. To see a complete schedule of the Comprehensive Rezoning timeline, see here: http://www.aacounty.org/PlanZone/LongRange/CompZone.cfm
The decisions made in the Comp Rezoning process can affect our County for decades to come. It is important that we make the right choices concerning future development so that we promote smart, sustainable growth - not haphazard rezonings based on political influence. This is another issue where it is very important for community input. I will do my best to reach out to communities in District 6 that could be impacted by rezoning and solicit their positions. But communication is a two-way street - if you have an opinion about a rezoning application, please let me know. Information will be available at http://www.aacounty.org/PlanZone/LongRange/CompZone.cfm
As the weather warms and the blossoms sprout, remember to get out and enjoy our District. We live in a beautiful place with vibrant neighborhoods. Now that winter is over, be sure to take a stroll downtown, ride your bike at Quiet Waters Park, or just walk down the street to chat with your neighbors. Building our sense of community will benefit us all!
Keep in touch,
Chris
410-222-1401
ctrumbauer@aacounty.org
No comments:
Post a Comment