Campaign Issues

Responsible Growth:  The growth issue in Howard County will be my "Number One Priority".  It is the biggest threat to the future of Howard County and to the future of our quality of life.  I am for slower, more reasonable, managed and controlled growth in Howard County.  We have a responsibility not only to our future but also to the future of generations to come.  Next year, Comprehensive Rezoning in the 2000 General Plan takes place.  We need to have someone at the helm, that cares about our future the way that you and I do.  I will work to make sure that the zoning process is fair and equitable for all, with community empowerment and involvement and most of all, Government Accountability.  I will encourage tax incentives for property owners to keep their land, and I will encourage land trusts.  Farmland preservation could be expanded to both the eastern part of the county as well as the western portion.  In addition, I will seek advice from top consultants from around the U.S. 

Respect for the Environment: Howard County is still beautiful.  It still has fields, woods and streams.  Natural habitat for wildlife still remains.  But, when the environment is destroyed, it is gone forever, and we all are the poorer for it.  I will see to it that environmental impacts are given greater consideration before any development takes place.  We will protect the environment under my Administration. 

Education:  We have one of the best education systems in the U.S. in Howard County.  I would not want to do anything to change that; however, one of the biggest strains on our education system is the overcrowding of our schools caused by uncontrolled development.  With better growth management, school overcrowding would not be a problem.  This would provide for a better quality education system overall.  Certainly, I will be open to any and all dialogue with the School Board, administrators, teachers, parents and students. 

Police, Fire & Rescue:  After September 11, all Americans have a renewed special appreciation for our Firefighters, Emergency Medical Personnel and Police Officers.  Here in Howard County, we have one of the finest Police and Fire & Rescue Departments in the U.S.  I will work closely with both departments to ensure continued good pay and benefits, as to not lose any of the great people that we have in these Departments.  I will work closely with the Police & Fire Department Unions to insure a mutually good future.  Having belonged to a Union once myself at US Airways, I know the importance of good dialogue between the unions and administration. 

County Employees:  The County Employees are the backbone of our County Government.  They are the men and women who get the job done, and are the lifeblood of our County Government.  From the file clerk filing a tax form to the Public Works worker fixing a water main or sewer line; they are the people who make our society work.  Without them, life would be chaos.  Special recognition needs to go out to these folks.  We also need to insure that they continue to receive good pay and benefits. 

Public Safety:  The safety of our children and communities is of utmost importance.  There is a direct correlation between growth and density and safety and crime.  By better managing growth and density, the Police and Fire Departments can get a better handle on crime and public safety. 

Business Development:  I will encourage business growth in the County by proposing tax incentives, and I will encourage the reduction of taxes on business where possible.  Care must be taken to protect the interests of all existing business in the county, both large and small, especially the Mom & Pop establishments; this would encourage business growth and development.  With reasonable, managed, and controlled land use growth, business growth and development would foster the entrepreneurial spirit of our residents. 

Fiscal Responsibility:  Howard County is facing its biggest budget deficit ever.  We need to hold the line on taxes and to control spending through the possible elimination or postponement of certain projects as required.  We need to assess more of the infrastructure costs such as: roads; schools and water & sewer to the developers that cause these needs.  Accountability within the County government is much needed.  Long term fiscal planning is an essential element to a successful financial plan. 

Traffic and Transportation:  Many of our roads are becoming choked and overcrowded as a result of uncontrolled growth and density.  By better managing growth and density, we will be addressing the root of the problem.  We also need to explore future options concerning our transportation needs for Howard County. 

Authority: Citizens to Elect Clark Schoeffield, Wm. James Morgan III, Treasurer