I also support the downtown plan because of the job opportunities it will generate for the county and region.  We know that Howard County is a growing county.  It is a desirable place to live because of the wonderful schools and safe communities.  A new downtown will create jobs and opportunities for people to live, work, and recreate all in Columbia.  Part of the traffic problems that face Howard County each day are due to people from out of the county passing through in order to work in Washington or Baltimore.  Creating more jobs in Howard County will allow for more opportunities to capture those works and keep them right here in the county.   

A new Columbia will also bring an added tax base to the county.  With an increase in residential and commercial property, the county will expand the amount of taxes collected.  This will mean more revenues to pay for current services.  Obviously, with increased density comes the increased need for county services.  Since the largest increase in this plan is commercial property there is going to be an increase in tax revenue but not necessarily an increased need for certain services.  For example with new businesses come more taxes, but not the need to build a new school or library.

There are critics that oppose this plan and feel that it will bring unmanageable traffic and turn Columbia into a less desirable place to live.  I contend that if this plan is done correctly, the traffic will be no worse then it currently is, and maybe even improved.  Currently all roads in Columbia lead to the mall.  There are very few auxiliary roads that allow you to get some place without passing through the center of Columbia.  This plan will divert traffic by providing alternatives as well as creating a more walker and public transportation friendly environment.  Along with the new transportation is the opportunity to create a more environmentally friendly place to live.  Currently our storm water management in Columbia is leading to sink holes and runoff into the streams flowing directly to the Bay.  Columbia was originally designed in the 1960’s with 1960’s ideas about the environment and sustainability.  With new environmental ideas and mechanisms to protect the environment, Columbia can become a model city for environmentally friendly practices.

As you can see, I choose to focus on the positives of this plan, rather then dwell on the possible drawbacks.  These drawbacks can and will be taken care of as the project moves forward.  The different steps in the plan ensure that the developer provides the public services promised before being able to move on to the next phase.  This ensures that the citizens get the services promised while at the same time enjoying the new opportunities created by the influx of new residents and business.  In order to achieve this we must be vigilant in keeping an eye on what is taking place with regard to county plans and developer actions.  Columbia can become a prosperous destination full of cultural, economic, and recreational opportunities, but it will only happen if we work together to ensure that the dream we have been promised turns into a reality.

I would like to first start off by thanking the council for all the hard work that has gone on to get to the point we are at now.  For the past few years there have been many meetings, work sessions, and discussions to work out a plan that will bring to life a downtown Columbia all of Howard County can be proud of.  As a member of the Hickory ridge Village Board I am especially thankful for the frequent updates and clarification provided by Ms. Sigaty and her office, this communication has been very helpful and much appreciated.

As I previously stated in earlier testimony, Downtown Columbia is the downtown for all of Howard County, not just Columbia.  It needs to be more than the Mall.  There is not much attracting people to visit downtown Columbia and to spend their money in the downtown area.  I look forward to enjoying the added cultural attractions and recreational opportunities that will be brought into Columbia by the redevelopment.  I eagerly anticipate the walkability and bikeability that will be created by the pathways and the added transportation options that are sure to arrive with new development.

As a history teacher I tend to look to the past when examining plans for the future.  Commentators in the past year have been comparing the current economy to that of the Great Depression.  Thankfully it has not been that bad, but there are some lessons that can be taken from this comparison.  Roosevelt’s New Deal was as much about giving hope and optimism to those without jobs as it was actually building dams and roadways.  People had a vested interest in seeing new developments and being part of the rebuilding process for a country that was hurting.  Today parts of Columbia are hurting.  We have vacant storefronts and a lakefront that is empty even on the nicest of days.  Maryland’s unemployment is around 7% and we hear about how the state is looking at ways to cut county funding.  Now is the time to start rebuilding, to create a Columbia that inspires our residents and gives them hope for what is to come in the future.  Moving dirt around and seeing constructions signs go up will be inspiring for people.  While today may be difficult, there is a plan for the future; one that includes new shops, new restaurants, new cultural activities, but more importantly new hope in a new Columbia and Howard County.  This plan will create jobs and amenities that currently are not available. 

I would encourage the council to vote favorably on CB-58 and CB-59 and to do so on February 1st.  Delaying action or not passing this important legislation will only postpone the opportunity for future generations to enjoy a new and vibrant Columbia.  I do have to question the motives of those looking to delay this process.  Residents are struggling during these hard times, small businesses are having a tough time making ends meet.  Now is the time to get people working and to fulfill the vision of Columbia. 

Thank you for your hard work and all that you are doing to help make Howard County a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

According to a recent report by the General Assembly Compensation Commission 60% of our state legislators accept free lodging in Annapolis during the 90 day session costing the taxpayers of Maryland and extra $11,340 per legislator.  On top of that 86% of our legislators claim their full $42 per day meal per diem.  This is at least an extra $13,000 per legislator that the tax payers are required to pay for a part time legislator on top of their $43,500 a year salary.  In Columbia we are 40 minutes from Annapolis, many in Howard County commute more than 40 minutes to work each day and are not provided free housing and meals.  During these tough economic times this is an expense that can be cut out.  While it is a small step, they add up to large savings for a cash strapped state.  When I am elected as state delegate from district 12B I pledge to not accept free housing from the state, saving the state $11,340 per year.  Plus as a public school teacher I already take a bag lunch to work every day and I do not see a reason why this would change when I am in Annapolis.  Eating breakfast and dinner at home and taking a bag lunch saves even more money for the state.  It also makes sense to me that you would want to be in the district with your constituents as much as possible serving their needs rather than being in Annapolis being served by their tax dollars.  I call on Liz Bobo the current legislator from district 12B to make the same pledge I am making and not accept tax payer funded housing or meals in Annapolis.  These are tough economic times and the state is looking for ways to save money, leadership means taking a stand against wasteful spending.  It is a 40 minute drive, the same drive many of your constituents make all year long not just during a 90 day session.

John Bailey

Candidate for State Delegate, District 12B

Columbia, MD, January 4, 2010:  It is not a surprising fact that in a recent Baltimore Sun article, the only Howard County state legislator to support a tax increase on alcohol was Liz Bobo.  A tax increase at this time is such a bad idea due to the tough economic conditions that the elected Democrats and Republicans of Howard County have joined together to oppose this tax increase.  Only Liz Bobo openly states, “I think it just makes a whole lot of sense. I think it’s time to do it.”  Liz Bobo obviously does not see or understand the tough position small business owners are facing.  An increase in the cost of alcohol would negatively impact sales and would hurt an industry that has already faced a downturn due to citizens cutting back on spending. 

Just like during the special session in 2007 when Liz Bobo supported every tax increase proposed, she is out looking for more ways to hurt small business owners and citizens who use those services.  In our current economy turning our backs on small business and those that create jobs is wrong.  I question the motives of those who wish to stand in the way of job creation and hurt small business owners.

The state of Maryland has a $2 billion budget shortfall.  Raising taxes is not the answer.  During the special session in 2007 taxes were increased and it did not solve the budget problem, it only made it worse.  The answer to solving the budget problem is to make budget cuts.  Just like every American household when money is tight the answer is not to spend more, but to cut back and spend less. 

I urge Liz Bobo to reconsider her position on raising taxes during these tough times.

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As we have learned from history, increased government programs do not solve problems, the Great Depression was not solved because of the New Deal, and in fact the economy took a turn for the worse once the New Deal was enacted.  The economic downturn of the late eighties was not solved by a government spending program.  There needs to be a catalyst of some sort to fix economic troubles.  The government does not do a good job of providing catalysts to the economy.  President Bush and President Obama have infused billions of dollars in the economy, and new jobs have not been created.  While the government’s heart is in the right place and they are trying to help those in need, it is not something they do well.  Help needs to come from those closer to the situation.  The Salvation Army is going to be providing holiday memories for all those children that receive gifts due to the generosity of local citizens.  This is the help that is needed. Local individuals creating jobs, creating hope, and creating a better place for us all to live is how communities are impacted for the better.  Our society is better when we all pitch in and help, not when we stand back and hope someone will fix the problem for us.

In a recent Howard County Times article leaders of the Howard County Citizens Association (HCCA) claim that the plan to restore vibrancy and bring increased culture to Columbia is too “risky.”  They go on to call General Growth Properties (GGP) “hard-nosed business people” claiming that they have no loyalty to Columbia and are only out to make a profit.  This statement while partially accurate is also very short sighted.  Yes, GGP is out to make a profit, as is any business that is set up in Columbia or anywhere else in the World.  Being “hard-nosed business people” is how you create a successful company and ensure that your employees still have jobs at the end of the day.  Any business that is operating in Columbia has to be vested and loyal to Columbia, without it there is little chance for success if the business is operating in ways detrimental to the will of the community.  Our country was not built by people who shied away from risk.  Taking risks is how Jim Rouse built Columbia in the first place.  There were detractors claiming that his plan would not work, that people would not want to live in a planned community with village centers.  The plan has worked, but it is time to finish the plan that Jim Rouse envisioned, and that is for a lively thriving town center full of cultural opportunities and amenities geared towards a very diverse population. 

This plan is risky.  Any undertaking of change is risky.  What is even more risky is doing nothing which is what HCCA seems to be advocating for.  Doing nothing means increased crime, lower property values, and a lack of opportunity and amenities for those who choose to still live in Columbia.  As we can see with a few of the village centers in Columbia, a lack of business interest leads to vacant storefronts and a lack of choice for residents living in the surrounding area.  It is not difficult to put one and one together and identify that the locations in Columbia with the highest crime rate are also the locations with vacant storefronts and a village center that is struggling.  HCCA also states in the article that by allowing GGP to develop its property that the value of the property would become more valuable.  This is accurate, but wouldn’t all the surrounding land including the homes in the area also increase in value.  From what has been seen in recent years with declining home values, an increase in property values would be a welcomed change.  Not to mention the boost in local tax revenue so needed to fund our schools and public services.

In order to attract young professionals that want to begin their careers and start a family in Columbia there needs to be a vibrant downtown.  A downtown that attracts people who want to live, work, and play all within a short walking distance.  Currently Columbia does not offer this.  Columbia is reliant on the car.  If you currently live in downtown Columbia where do you buy your milk?  Where do you go to buy a paper clip?  Is there a store within walking distance that can fill these needs?  The answer is no.  With a new downtown Columbia, a newly redeveloped Symphony Woods by the Columbia Association, and an atmosphere of excitement and optimism for our future; Columbia will once again live up to Jim Rouse’s vision of a being a special place to live and work. 

In our current economy turning our backs on job creation is the wrong decision.  I question the motives of those who wish to stand in the way of job creation and increased public transportation options.   Now is the right time and the plan currently being proposed is a good plan to take Columbia into the future as a thriving community full of life and opportunity.  There will be amendments to the plan guaranteeing amenities and public services, but let’s not throw out the entire plan just because it was proposed by a business and not a government agency.  HCCA seems to be obstructing Columbia’s future prosperity just because they do not want to see change take place and because they are fearful of businesses making profits.  This is a sad position to take, one that lacks vision and a hope for a better future.  Luckily for us the leaders that built this country and our community learned from the past and understood that taking risks is what is needed in order to build a place we can all be proud of.  It is easy to do nothing, but that is exactly what you will have at the end of the day.  Risk takers have gone to the moon, flown across the ocean, and built Columbia from a plot of land between Baltimore and Washington.  Let us not sit around and longingly reflect on the past, but rather work together to build a brighter future for generations to enjoy.      

Image copied from www.columbiatowncenter.info

It is time for the legislation allowing for the development of downtown Columbia to be passed.  The County Council will be holding a public hearing on Saturday, November 14^th and I encourage the County Council to approve CB-58 the Downtown Columbia Plan and the CB-59 ZRA related to the Downtown Columbia Plan.  I also call on the County Council not to delay the passage of these two bills.  Postponing the development of Columbia is only going to delay the creation of new jobs and the increase of tax revenue which is so badly needed during these tough economic times.  Critics will argue that due to GGP’s current bankruptcy the county should delay implementation of the legislation and hold off on passing the bills until the economy turns around.  This is the wrong approach.  There needs to be plans in place so that once the economy turns around and there is money available for construction; ground can be broken and the creation of a new and vibrant Columbia can begin. 

Holding off on passing these bills until the economy turns around will push back the planning stages of a new Columbia, and it will result in businesses that would have moved to Columbia to begin to look elsewhere.  They will look for more desirable and business friendly locations, such as Konterra just 20 minutes down the road.  This means the loss of potential Howard County jobs and tax revenue.  Doing nothing is the wrong approach.  Standing in the way of positive progress is wrong.  Obstructing the changing of downtown Columbia and impeding the creation of new jobs and a huge boost to the local economy is tantamount to stealing jobs from those wanting to provide for their families.

This is a thirty year process.  For Howard County residents currently in their 20’s and 30’s, of which I am a member, this means that at completion they will be in their 50’s and 60’s.  They will be able to witness the creation of a new Columbia and enjoy all the amenities and opportunities that come along with a vibrant downtown.  Improved public transportation, the ability to walk and bike around Columbia, and the cultural and recreational opportunities that will enrich the lives of Howard County residents.  This is an exciting time for Columbia.  It is the dawn of a new chapter for Howard County, a chapter that will take us into the future as a regional leader in business opportunity and job creation.  Columbia can be great, but there must be progress.  Standing still and doing nothing while longingly reflecting on the past will eventually just lead to the past becoming a distant memory as the community changes and jobs and retailers move on to a more vibrant area.  What will be left is a community of vacant storefronts, increased crime due to the lack of opportunity, and a sense of what could have been.  In our current economy turning our backs on job creation is the wrong decision.  I question the motives of those who wish to stand in the way of job creation and increased public transportation options.   Now is the right time and the plan currently being proposed is the right plan to take Columbia into the future as a thriving community full of life and opportunity.

If you have a few moments, check out the Animal Advocates website and see what they are doing to help animals in Howard County.