As a 501 (c)(3) South River Federation is restricted, by law, from any endorsement, suggested or implied, of any political candidate.
The Federation’s mission: “Restore, Protect and Celebrate South River”.
Responses of Candidates for Anne Arundel County Executive to the RIVERKEEPER® Candidate Survey:
1. How, if at all, would you address the issue of the pollution and damage caused by storm water? In formulating your answer, please consider:
- Proposals for a storm water restoration fund.
- Funding for backlog of storm water retrofit projects.
- Adequacy of current standards for storm water in new development projects.
ANGELIS, TOM
I strongly support the current health officer of Anne Arundel County, Fran Phillips, and she would lead a task force comprised of various county agencies in addressing pollution in rivers and streams. During the first few months of my administration I will expect the task force to present me with both a short and long-term strategy to deal with this concern.
I support a concept of a dedicated restoration fund to confront the backlog of storm water retrofit projects, but the methodology of funding needs to be explored beyond what has been proposed and discussed.
Because managed growth is a vital segment of my administration, directors of departments that deal with permit/development applications will have specific guidelines from me regarding all aspects of managed growth and its implementation.
BISSETT, PHIL
County government is now putting together an inventory of priority projects to address this issue – and I fully support that effort. My job as county executive will be to match the appropriate funding to priority projects to achieve the best value for the taxpayer.
I understand the concerns behind the push for the storm water restoration fund. We're now paying the price for years of sprawling growth. In my experience, and in research I've done on storm water management in other localities, dedicated funds don't always get applied to the programs they were designed to address. Therefore, I'm cautious.
I think the first step is to do a complete and accurate assessment of local erosion problems, policies, and programs countywide, and then to determine the best means of solving those problems, always with value for the taxpayer in mind.
I don't think the adequacy of standards and regulations for storm water management is the issue. We need to focus on adequately enforcing what's already on the books. That's the key to improvement in this area.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
The way the Boschert Administration will address the issue will be to establish a Storm Water Utility Fund. This fund will be an Enterprise Fund, which will be dedicated to the concerns of addressing backlog and retrofit projects and minimizing pollutants and to require that implementation of such matters are in place.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
While other candidates for County Executive can tell you what they plan to do for the environment, Dennis Callahan can tell you what he has done for the environment. An innovator in the field, he began passing legislation over 20 years ago, long before environmental concerns came to the forefront of public awareness. His commitment to the environment continues.
As Mayor of Annapolis, Dennis Callahan:
- Introduced and passed the first Critical Areas Legislation in the State of Maryland which became known as the “finest in the State.”
- Established the First Comprehensive Plan for Recreation and Open Space
- Introduced and passed Maritime Zoning legislation to protect the maritime character of Eastport and Annapolis
- Banned smoking in Municipal Buildings
- Reorganized Annapolis Harbor, Spa Creek, Back Creek and Weems Creek To minimize environmental impact of visiting boaters
- Started Land Conservancy Program with purchase of 13 Acres on Back Creek, now Back Creek Park
- Started Waterman’s Cooperative now site of Annapolis Maritime Museum
As Director of Recreation and Parks for Anne Arundel County Dennis Callahan:
- Directed Agricultural Preservation, Rural Legacy and Greenprint
- Preserving over 6000 acres in the last 7 years. Preserving more acreage than all the previous administrations combined.
- Worked to provide public access to Waterways
- Introduced Tobacco free zones in Parks
JOHNSON, GEORGE
I firmly believe that the only way to fix our storm water runoff problem in Anne Arundel County is through infiltration and inclusion.
We must work together to protect our bay and tributaries. This includes public education on the many tactics individuals and the county can take including but not limited to plant buffers, rain gardens, and living shorelines.
As for Infiltration, there are small steps we can take that go a long way some were previously mentioned. But, any plan would be truly incomplete without implementing a dedicated fund through the storm water utility fee to fix the county’s old decaying storm water infiltration systems.
I’ve had an opportunity to tour some of storm water management systems in the county. There is a lot of good work being done that we can expand upon if we secure the funding.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
There are state dollars available for storm water management projects, and the General Assembly is more amenable to assisting local governments that are willing to match sate dollars with county funding. A model for such a shared state-county financing partnership is legislation I sponsored that became law that offers state and county financing for water treatment systems to reduce the amount of radium in private wells. The first four recipients of financial assistance under this law received checks in recent months. This law will be a model of funding formulas I plan to implement as County Executive.
I also support a storm water restoration fund established as an enterprise fund only after restoring a foundation of trust on spending issues with county residents and after making a good faith effort to secure available state dollars for the Storm Water Management revolving Loan Fund and other sources. I will thoroughly review current storm water standards for new development projects and ensure that they are effective.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
Below are my responses to your questions. Before I get started, you should know that I do not have a strong environmental background. I hope to offset that lack of knowledge by forming a citizens coalition to assist the County Executive on reviewing the issues, developing alternatives, drafting legislation and working through the areas outlined in your questionnaire. With that said, some of my answers may be shorter or less informative then you would normally like to see.
Question No. 1
I do believe that we need a storm water restoration fund, but what structure it will take must be determined. How we determine an equitable application of fees and how they will be utilized must be developed. I believe the current storm water runoff standards are not sufficient and we must work to develop, not only stronger standards, but hire additional inspectors to make sure they are enforced. We should also consider rewarding those developers who meet and exceed our standards. Not everything has to be negative.
2. What changes, if any, would you propose in the way the county addresses sediment and erosion control? In formulating your answer, please consider:
- The adequacy of current regulations.
- The adequacy of current enforcement.
ANGELIS, TOM
As I have indicated, managed growth will be an essential part of my administration and as a result of this all department leaders dealing with issues such as sediment and erosion control will have specific guidelines from me regarding all aspects of managed growth and its implementation. Thus, we will continually evaluate the effectiveness of procedures, rules, and regulations regarding issues such as these and strive to incorporate better ways of dealing with the adequacy and enforcement of them when appropriate.
BISSETT, PHIL
Planning and Code Enforcement (PACE) is a stressed agency that needs to be evaluated for adequate staffing levels. Understaffing in enforcement needs to be addressed. It needs to be a priority. I will be looking at ways to gain greater efficiencies so that critical work gets done not only within the Board of Public Works, but throughout county government. It's just good business practice and my responsibility to taxpayers.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
In addressing sediment and erosion control the Boschert Administration will insure that the people in this important position have the necessary credentials to regulate and enforce the law. Doing this requires that as County Executive, I trust my appointed director to handle this concern and address all matters brought before this county in a timely matter such as to minimize sediment runoff.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
Both the adequacy of current regulations and enforcement is lacking. As a law enforcement official for the past 35 years, nothing upsets me more than laws that are blatantly disregarded and not enforced.
This is a two-part problem. One, we need more personnel. Two, the culture and attitude that exists in our planning and zoning department is completely flawed. We can fix this with refocused leadership and more help.
We need to also setup an environmental hotline and encourage the community to become our eyes and ears in the field.
Essentially, we all need to take a new attitude and become vigilant in protecting our critical areas.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
I favor strict enforcement of sediment control and critical area laws and will fund an increase in the number of inspectors.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
This has already been discussed in Question # 1. More stringent standards and the manpower to enforce those standards is a good beginning. Other alternatives can be developed and implemented through the citizens coalition. Also, the question of steep slope development being changed from 15 to 25 percent and the impact of this change must be studied before any implementation can go forward.
3. What changes, if any, would you propose in the way the county implements the Critical Area Act? In formulating your answer, please consider:
- The adequacy of enforcement.
- Growth allocation, annexation and reclassification.
- Standards for the granting of variances.
ANGELIS, TOM
Again, managed growth is the key element of this issue and not only will my administration strictly enforce any laws and regulations germane to the Critical Area Act, but we will strive to evaluate the quality of enforcement from what it has been previously. With regard to the granting of variances to the process my administration will use “a keen eye” in this regard when assessing all aspects of development. Remember, managed growth is the key element here.
BISSETT, PHIL
As chair of the Anne Arundel Delegation to the State House, I supported Smart Growth initiatives, brown fields legislation to revitalize areas, and enhancements to critical areas laws. When I was a delegate, Anne Arundel County added over 1,000 acres of agricultural preservation easements and created 2,000 acres of agricultural preservation districts. We expanded Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and purchased Franklin Point Park.
Again, I would go back to enforcement. The laws are there. But what good are they if they're not being adequately and consistently enforced?
Regarding annexation, my concern is that the county needs to have the authority and autonomy to control its destiny in these discussions. We need an equal seat at the table.
Variances are tricky business. Throughout my term as county executive, I will be guided by the answer to this question: What is in the best interest of county citizens?
BOSCHERT, DAVID
This matter requires the Boschert Administration insure that the Critical Area law is addressed to it’s full potential.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
It is clear that the current enforcement of the Critical Area Act is not adequate. There exists a systemic problem with the culture in planning and zoning and inspections and permits departments that most be addressed from the top. These departments have also been overworked and undermanned for years. We need to find room in our current budget to add additional personnel dedicated to improving enforcement of current code.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
See answer to #2.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
I do not know enough about how the County implements Critical Area Act to give an adequate or thorough response.
4. What, if anything, would you do regarding the preservation of farmland and the preservation and acquisition of open space?
ANGELIS, TOM
I support preserving farmland, forest, and other agricultural areas and will give strong consideration to additional funding for them. Additionally, when I was Director of Recreation and Parks for Anne Arundel County I also strongly encouraged the preservation and acquisition of open space projects, as this was an integral portion of my department’s philosophy.
BISSETT, PHIL
I've always supported funding for Program Open Space. Whenever opportunities come available for the county to acquire open land, we should pursue them with vigor. These are the kinds of things that contribute to our quality of life, and my objective is for citizens to live here, learn here, and earn here for a lifetime if that's what they choose to do.
As someone with Bay water in my veins, I feel strongly that we need more public access to the water so that people who live here have the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
The more people who have the opportunity to get out and experience our natural resources, the better off we're going to be in developing and administering policy. When more people have a personal investment in preserving and protecting our environment, good things will happen.
Under specifics, I’m concerned about the Dept. of Recreation and Parks having jurisdiction over this issue. I would explore placing this responsibility under a more appropriate department.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
The Boschert Administration is committed to preserving farmland in order to save active farms and enhance Open Space assets in our County. A special farm zone will be considered in order to allow relief to those active farms in the County to continue.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
Preserving Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty and Critical Environmental Areas is a key component of keeping our county in an environmentally sound state.
As county executive I will make this a priority and will work with our state and federal partners to secure more funding in making this happen.
Our open spaces, farms and critical environmental areas are the heart and soul of the county. We must protect them for the well being of our county and for future generations to enjoy.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
I have been a leader in the General Assembly to require the restoration of Program Open Space money and set the legislative precedent of the restoration of funds transferred to the General Fund by sponsoring legislation (enacted) requiring the restoration of Transportation Trust Funds ($50 million a year whenever there is a budget surplus).
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
The land preservation program needs to be properly managed and augmented with additional County funds. We also need to determine our high priority sites and aggressively pursue there inclusion. We also need to work with developers by negotiating connected swaths of land in adjacent developments to protect and preserve our wildlife.
5. What, if any, changes would you propose regarding the participation by citizens, community, environmental and other groups in the processes of County government? In formulating your answer, please consider:
- Zoning matters.
- Variance applications
- Major subdivisions and commercial developments.
ANGELIS, TOM
As Director of Recreation and Parks I oversaw many projects and proposals. In all of these matters citizen input was strenuously encouraged and sought and often a citizens’ advisory group was formed to aid in gathering information in regard to the will of the impacted communities.
As an example of this the key to better cooperation between my administration and Annapolis will be centered on establishing greater communication between the two governments. I have already spoken with Mayor Moyer about this and I am confident that a healthy environment will exist as a result of mutual efforts.
BISSETT, PHIL
I often tell the story that as a legislator, I spent a lot of time as a referee. As county executive, I want to be head coach. We need the time and talents of good working teams throughout county government for government to operate well.
In the area of environmental protection and stewardship, I propose to increase dialogue through a county executive's Environmental Advisory Council made up of stakeholders in the process: citizen representatives, environmental activists, business people, and government officials. I want that real-world input and feedback on a regular basis. Once you institute that, you start to restore the trust in government that we've lost along the way.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
The Boschert Administration will bring forth the small area plans that were proposed recently to the forefront during the next re-zoning cycle. These proposals are a vision that should be discussed and implemented.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
There are several steps we can take to encourage greater participation between county government and residents. First, we need to have more “town hall” like meetings with the county executive, department heads and community residents. The intention is to gain feedback from the community and also to provide information that may not be readily available.
We should also take advantage of technology that is at all of our finger tips by allowing residents to voice opinions and concerns through email and project specific blogs.
I have mentioned in the past that I will support revisions in the appeal process to
allow community and watershed associations to appeal variances and decisions.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
For 20 years I have a strong record of inclusion with my constituents, maximizing their opportunity to participate, and not blindsiding them with decisions that impact their lives. This principle applies to zoning matters, variance applications, as well as residential and commercial development.
I plan to institute a 311 system in county government so that citizens can contact an ombudsman in the County Executive’s office to cut through the bureaucracy and ensure that every citizen receives the prompt courteous response he or she deserves.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
As I stated in my opening remarks, we need a citizens coalition to provide input, guidance, and alternatives on zoning, variance, and development matters. Proper and adequate information must be provided by government officials so that options can be discussed. This coalition of environment, citizen, business and government groups would also have the responsibility of vetting all information to the public.
6. What, if anything, would you do to preserve the rural character of South County?
ANGELIS, TOM
As I have lived in South County since 1974 this is a very personal question for me. The rural integrity of this portion of the county will be preserved during my administration, which complies perfectly with my dictum of managed growth for our county as it relates to the nature of the concerned and impacted areas.
BISSETT, PHIL
Again, my actions will be guided by what's best for citizens and taxpayers. What's it going to take for people to want to live here, learn here, and earn here for a lifetime? My decision-making will not happen in a vacuum. I believe in being accessible and responsive. People who have taken the time to write me or send me an email know – I get back to them.
As far as South County goes, and other areas of the county as well, citizens spoke out in the formulation of local small area plans. Those plans need to come off the shelf and be reviewed on a regular basis in light of current priorities and realities.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
The Boschert Administration will be looking at various ways to preserve the character of South County. One area will be to limit growth in these rural areas. Create a farm zone, which will focus on preserving active farms from undue burdens, which force those owners to sell.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
We must do everything we can to preserve the natural beauty and rural character of South County for future generations to enjoy. As county executive I will take the lead and bring communities together so that we can collectively create a better growth plan for not only South County but all of Anne Arundel. By better managing our growth we can protect our open spaces and farmlands. Our plan must also concentrate on better types of development that is concentrated in parts of the county where roads, schools and public transportation are adequate enough to handle it.
Our natural beauty and open space is one of our greatest assets, if we lose that we will never regain it. We can be smart in our approach to deal with the demand and still maintain the character or our county that makes it such a desirable place to live.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
The General Development Plan, which I will seek to revise during my first year in office, will preserve the rural character of South County and direct growth where the infrastructure is in place or
planned to occur. The General Development Plan is the most important growth management tool available to county government, and I intend to focus on this planning effort.
I also plant to prioritize the Odenton, Parole, and GB Town Centers, as these are major engines of growth serviced by adequate infrastructure.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
The rural character of South County can only be maintained through controlled development, purchase of additional program open space properties, continuation and enhancement of the agricultural preservation program, and a focused effort by both government and its citizens.
7. What, if anything, would you change in the way the County deals with development? In formulating your answer, please consider:
- Consistency with master and small area plans.
- Impacts on infrastructure:
- Roads
- Schools
- Wastewater Treatment
- Consideration of cumulative impacts on water quality.
ANGELIS, TOM
Virtually all county development matters now involve managed growth and its proper and effective implementation. A part of this process is the inclusion of the use of the master and small area plans of the county, which I greatly support.
Managed growth is vital because so many ancillary aspects of this concept are affected including education, transportation, economic development, housing, and public safety. The county government must address this issue to ensure a great quality of life for its residents. As this county continues to become more populous and prosperous I as the next county executive know I have the skills and abilities necessary to handle this managed growth challenge in an effective and positive manner for all the county citizens.
BISSETT, PHIL
We need more responsible land management to protect existing green space and channel growth into revitalizing areas where infrastructure already exists. I applaud Arnold Preservation Council for being proactive in creating a vision for the future of Arnold and taking steps now to control their own destiny, helping to take small area planning to the next step.
In terms of specifics, I want to initiate what I call Gridlock Free Zones to improve traffic flow and keep people from sitting in idle on our roadways. I think this connects to our overall strategy of addressing issues in a proactive way. We know there are regional concerns, but we need to ask ourselves, what can we do locally? We should consider all the possibilities: mass transit, shuttle busses to better connect communities with retail, telecommuting. We need to look at the bigger picture. I'd like to see us become a more pedestrian and bike-friendly county. All of these things will have a positive impact on local water quality – as well as quality of life.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
The Boschert Administration will require that the small area plan be brought forward during discussions relating to development. The Rule of Law will require all interested parties be given the opportunity to debate and discuss all matters of concern, with the understanding that this county will progress forward. Roads and schools fall under the impact fee ordinances. Wastewater is an enterprise fund, which must be upheld. The Bond Rating Agencies require certain commitment on this matter and I will not jeopardize this responsibility.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
What is missing most from the way the county deals with development are the people. The first thing I will change in our development process is to bring inclusion to the process. We need a managed growth approach built on environmentally sensitive land development with a goal of minimizing dependence on auto transportation, reducing air pollution, protecting our open spaces and farm land, revitalizing communities, while we keep housing affordable and provide more transportation choices.
We can make this happen by implementing a solid managed growth plan which will rely on building trusting partnerships and assigning realistic time lines. Without the creative input of all communities a solid growth plan will be doomed. We will build a partnership based on trust that brings communities, developers, environmentalists, planners, engineers, educators, chambers of commerce and government to the same table in pursuit of a common goal.
Further, as county executive I will take a leadership role in directing department heads to follow the recommendations of the small area plans because that is the community’s voice. We need to do a better job of making government about the community and people again.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
Since the inception of the Anne Arundel County charter government, the growth industry (builders, developers, realtors, etc.) have enjoyed an outsized hand in directing public policy. The growth industry should have a seat at the decision-making table but should not be the engine driving policy in the county. In my administration the General Development Plan will be adhered to, and master plans and small area plans will be respected. I was instrumental in strengthening the adequate facilities law more than 20 years ago by requiring that the impact on state as well as county roads had to be considered prior to subdivision approval. I also will seek to implement capital project schedules so that all parties will know precisely when the necessary infrastructure will be in place to adequately service the planned growth.
I have been a leader in the General Assembly in the effort to secure the restoration of waterway improvement funds to address the backlog of dredging projects in the county.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
I believe additional concessions must be negotiated with developers to address infrastructure impacts. Additional funds for upgrades of roads, schools, and wastewater treatment plants must be sought from federal and state officials. Upgrades of our wastewater treatment plants by 2011 and where the South River plant stands on our priority list is important. Also, aggressive environmental education, both for our communities and developers, must be undertaken to look at alternative environmental options that would have a greater impact on our water quality.
8. What, if any, changes would you propose for mass transit, bicycle paths and footpaths in the county?
ANGELIS, TOM
My administration will be creative in seeking more effective solutions to our transportation woes and in brief would involve technology communication, incentives for private industry workplace solutions, and more diversified government/private industry working relationships.
Finally, as recreation involving bicycling, hiking, and walking were a major part of the Department of Recreation and Parks activities, I protected their viability in the county’s programs vigorously and will continue in the same vein as the next county executive of Anne Arundel County.
BISSETT, PHIL
My work as director of the MARC train system helped me to see the big picture of moving people around our county, state and region. Once on the job, I immediately began looking for ways to gain greater efficiencies. Obviously, the more people we have using mass transit and alternate transportation means – such as biking and walking – the better off we'll be in alleviating congestion on our roadways. There are numerous good reasons to surge forward in this direction sooner than later. I intend to provide the leadership directive to make it happen.
For more information on my views on growth and the environment, please visit my web site at www.philbissett.com.
BOSCHERT, DAVID
The Boschert Administration will establish a Transportation Authority. This will allow additional dedicated funding for mass transit (AA County) bicycle paths and footpaths as well as Community Schuttle services.
CALLAHAN, DENNIS
See Answer to Question #1.
JOHNSON, GEORGE
We must also work to make the residents of our county less auto dependent. There are several ways the county can help in achieving this.
My Transportation Action Plan calls for:
- Expansion of public transportation
- Develop and implement a program that will promote and offer incentives for carpooling and the use of public transportation.
- Create new hiker/biker lanes and link existing systems to activity and employment areas.
- Encourage the construction of the “green line” linking Washington D.C. to BWI Thurgood Marshal Airport and Fort Meade.
LEOPOLD, JOHN R.
I favor continued, strong support of the B & A Trial and other walking and bicycling paths.
I support TADs (transit oriented development) and the extension of Metro from New Carrollton to Ft. Meade, BWI-TM and the Odenton Town Center. I also will continue to work for increased funding for neighborhood shuttles as vital links between commuter and mass transit as well as adequate MARC station parking in Odenton and at other stations in the county.
NOURSE, GREGORY V.
Every alternative must be utilized to increase the availability of mass transportation. I am agreement with extending the Washington metro to Laurel, Fort Meade and BWI, but a comprehensive mass transportation system connecting the Baltimore, Fort Meade, and Annapolis corridors must be developed utilizing County, State, Federal, public, and private input. Conversion of County, State and private enterprise vehicles to alternative fuels would also help. Working with the communities and developers, we should also be able to develop bicycle, low speed vehicles, and pedestrian walkways to move people around. Concessions could be made for the implementation of these walkways.
