District 9 should demand attentive representation

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006

We who live in Council District 9 in the developing tier realize our district is ground zero for new residential development. Everywhere we look there are hearing signs for new subdivisions. We also realize desperately required infrastructure improvements, such as police, fire and emergency services, are not keeping pace with residential development, therefore placing the residents of our communities at risk. The County Council’s recent passage of CR-69-2006, which rescinded the provisions of CB-89-2005 that linked police, fire and EMS response times to new subdivision approval, further diminishes the quality of living in District 9 communities. District 9 Councilwoman Marilynn Bland, who voted against CR-69, failed to advocate for relief for District 9 residents. District residents attending the council session spoke out against CR-69 and requested consideration for our district to address the extraordinary residential development and the lacking infrastructure improvements. Our council member was silent.

District 9 residents voiced their concerns regarding infrastructure deficiencies and major traffic congestion along [the] Route 223 (Woodyard and Piscataway roads) corridor during two 2005 town hall meetings (Sept. 15 and Dec. 8) organized in part by Marvin Silver and Tamara Davis Brown. Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Dist. 27) of Chesapeake Beach and Dels. James E. Proctor (D-Dist. 27A) of Brandywine and Joseph F. Vallario (D-Dist. 27A) of Upper Marlboro made time to attend. Councilwoman Bland was a no-show at both meetings. A follow-up meeting on the two town hall meetings was held with Councilwoman Bland and staff, which she abruptly exited. District 9 residents deserve and demand better representation. We strongly encourage all residents to evaluate the issues and candidates and make an informed decision Sept. 12 regarding the District 9 council seat.

Brenda Adams, vice president community liaison, Melwood Springs Citizens Association; Karen Allen, vice chairwoman, Windsor Park Homeowner’s Association; Dorecia Baggett-Waisome, Upper Marlboro; Harry Bradford, treasurer, Windsor Park Homeowner’s Association; Tamara Davis Brown, president, Windbrook Area Citizens Association; Pam Groleau, Woodland Mews Homeowner’s Association; Glenda Hodges, president, Oak Orchard Citizens Association; Robert Johnson, president, Melwood Springs Citizens Association; Bobby Martin, Marwood Citizens Association; Mary O’Farrow, Marwood; and Catherine Taggart-Ross, Clinton