Report of HCCA Annual Meeting
The Howard County Citizens Association (HCCA) held its 50th annual meeting on May 14, with election of a new board of directors and an excellent general discussion of possible HCCA priorities for the coming year.
Election results (one-year terms): President – Cathy Hudson (Elkridge); Vice-President – Stu Kohn (Laurel); Secretary – Bridget Mugane (Columbia); Treasurer – Walter Carson (Woodbine); At-Large Directors – Brian England (Columbia), J.D. Smith (Columbia), Ros Williams (Ellicott City)
A general discussion by attendees cited these concerns: impact of development on traffic and public services; need for new initiatives to facilitate aging in place; stormwater management, and the future adequacy of well water; the relatively weak role of the Citizens Task Force in the General Plan process; affordable housing; better access to land use information including dates of hearings; and transparency of government processes.
Members of the public are invited to report any concerns or suggestions on local or county matters.
The new board of directors will hold its retreat in June to plan for the coming year including specific projects it may undertake.
Cathy Hudson, President
Read MorePresident – Cathy Hudson
I have lived in Elkridge for over 50 years (I graduated from Howard High School). I have a degree in Biology and have worked over the years as a cardiopulmonary technologist, an editor, a teacher, and a financial services provider. I have been an officer or board member of the Greater Elkridge Community Association, the Patapsco Heritage Greenway, the Lawyers Hill Assembly Rooms and the Grace Episcopal Church vestry and childcare center board. (I co-led the effort to build a modern, 9000 sq ft childcare center several years ago.) I am vice chair of the Howard County Environmental Sustainability Board.
I have enjoyed serving as HCCA President this past year and wish to continue to help ensure that the voices of the citizens are heard with the writing of the General Plan and the update of the zoning maps and uses.
Read MoreVice President – Stu Kohn
I have lived in Scaggsville since 1983. I strongly believe our County needs to seriously consider the following proverb: “Vision without Action is a Daydream, while Action without a Vision is a Nightmare.” Over the next 30 years, our County could increase to over 154,000 additional residents. The major question we all face is can our infrastructure more than adequately handle this growth? Infrastructure not only includes adequate roads and schools, but other major components such as, emergency medical services, fire, police, water, sewage, and electricity. These categories should be considered for incorporation in the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO).
My involvement in the community has been in the following areas:
- I requested HCCA work with the County and Hospital officials to inform the public on the Emergency Room services for the purposes of reducing the waiting time and yellow/red alerts. HCCA formed an Emergency Room Committee whereby all parties are working together in this effort.
- Worked with SHA and Delegate Guy Guzzone to make Route 32 safer by adding the wording “At All Times” regarding the “Mandatory Headlight Signs.
- Active role in testifying on development in the County (Emerson, Maple Lawn and Route 1)
- Testified against the Trash Fee
- Worked with SHA to get rumbled strips installed on Route 216 near Maple Lawn
- Member of the County Executive’s Transition Team
- Suggested County Executive’s Annual Town Meeting
- Requested artwork by Howard County students be updated annually in the George Howard Building - Bannecker Room
- Member of the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition Task Force
- Worked with Howard County Health Department to post earthquake procedures on their website
- Worked with Howard County Health Department to have a listing of Urgent Care Centers posted on their website
Strategic planning, common sense, and execution are the essence of a successful community. My objective is to be involved and play a role in making our County a place where we can all be proud to live.
Read MoreSecretary – Bridget Mugane
It is a privilege to serve as HCCA Secretary. Over the past few years we have advocated residents’ views with the Planning Board, County Council, County Executive, DPZ, GGP and state legislative committees, as well as presenting educational programs
In testimony and meetings we have had significant success in strengthening residents’ roles in land use, ensuring the Downtown master plan is feasible, and working to preserve the rural west. Additionally, in response to HCCA’s request, the County Executive boosted the priority of the Route 40 Design Manual.
On the public health front, the HCCA has been instrumental in helping to reduce wait times and address residents ‘problems with the local hospital Emergency Room.
An excellent board of directors, webmaster and listserve moderator have made these successes possible, and member participation in e-mail listserve discussions has provided guidance and advanced our understanding of issues.
Read MoreTreasurer – Walter Carson
I’ve lived in Howard County for over 10 years. My home is in the western end of the county, near Lisbon.
In addition to serving as HCCA Treasurer, I serve on the Howard County Public Adult Guardianship Review Board. I am admitted to practice law in Maryland. I work for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I’m also on the Board of the Howard County Historical Society and am second vice president of that organization. And, I serve as the secretary of a newly organized group known as “Concerned Citizens of Western Howard County, Inc.
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