Letter to the Editor of the Bowie Blade --
We have an opportunity to make a significant change in our city with the upcoming election. Change started with the recall of Dianne Polangin in District 2 due to her failure in representing her constituents. The current mayor, majority of the City Council and City Staff have continued to fail to listen to the citizens and their interests, and have instead pursued their own. Issues expressed with the ongoing campaigns include: over-development; poor bi-directional communication; continued tax increases (contrary to claims) and disrespect of the State’s Constant Yield tax law; lax code enforcement; continuing Melford-enabled degradation of Belair Drive as a residential collector road; and City mismanagement exemplified by the Indoor Sports Facility (now Ice Rink only) debacle, ignoring planning board recommendations, and poor council meeting preparation.
It is encouraging that most candidates recognize the failures of the current mayor and council, and are pledging to be more responsible in representing their constituents. However, we must be careful with our selections, especially for mayor, because we do not want the City to continue on this path. The current mayor and Council have put many constraints on the incoming Council, of which the new ice rink that they declined to take to referendum or delay votes until the new council is seated is a major example.
With an incoming council with limited experience, we do need a mayor with proven experience and long enduring commitment to our City to help us through this. We also need council members who show sincere interest in our citizens, and not using their position as a short stepping stone for other opportunities. We need individuals who have been involved in our community, have long expressed concerns with the focal issue of overdevelopment, and who have gone before the current council to express their concerns with the City.
After hearing from many candidates, I will be supporting Dennis Brady for Mayor and Dustin Kuzan for Council At-Large. Dennis has long served our City as a Council member, and more recently supported our residents in resisting the Maglev development through Bowie. With an Engineering background, Mr. Brady should bring sorely missed structured discipline and fact-based assessments to our City. Dustin has been actively involved in our community and is bringing forth fresh ideas to improve our City.
We need this change. Please help our City and vote with me on Tuesday Nov 5.
Barbara Ballagh
District 2, Bowie