 Return to Rockville City Elections
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For
Mayor |
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Rose G. Krasnow
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
Answer:
I strongly believe that the City should adopt environmental guidelines. Having standards in
place would put us in a much stronger position when developers come in with a proposal. It
would be evident from the outset that Rockville places a high value on preserving the
environment. Since developers always try to get the maximum value possible out a piece of land,
it can be difficult, if not impossible, to persuade them to leave a stream or park buffer simply
because it would be in the public interest. Once the standards are in place, any developer who
comes in would know what is expected.
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
Answer:
When I went to planning school in the mid 70's, environmental planning was a strong part of
the curriculum. Today, as we experience problems such as the recent pfisteria outbreak, there can
be no doubt in anyone's mind that we need to take stronger action to protect the environment.
However, I am not yet convinced that we should hire an "environmental watchdog" in the
planning department. In the first place, Public Works projects and Recreation and Parks projects
often impact the environment as well. I think a major training effort to raise the environmental
awareness of the entire staff might serve us better in the long run.
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
The City has recently put together an environmental guidelines group to start developing the
standards mentioned in part a above. My only regret is that it has taken us longer to get to this
point than I had hoped. Early in my term as Mayor, I asked staff to develop guidelines regarding
stream and park buffers, primarily because I was disturbed that the City allowed the townhouses
known as the Villages at Tower Oaks to be built so close to the Dogwood Park ballfield. Clearly,
such guidelines would have been helpful with respect to the development of Chestnut Lodge and
other properties. Now that the guidelines group has been formed, I am confident that some
results should be forthcoming in the near future.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
The annexation of the King Farm was a unique situation. The City wanted the King Farm to
be part of Rockville. Its development will strengthen our tax base for years to come. Several new
parks will be created at a time when the City is experiencing a shortage of ball fields and other
recreational space. Moreover, given the high density levels that had already been established by
the County, the City wanted more control over the impacts of such a development. It's also
important to remember that a bankruptcy court was involved, so we had to proceed fairly quickly
and the annexation document was more specific than most.. Given all these considerations, I think
the annexation agreement came out quite well. My only real concern is that we probably should
have collected a larger sum of money to mitigate some of the traffic impacts.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
It is very difficult to discuss what the City should do with respect to the Seven Locks
Detention Center, since it is a sensitive legal matter that has not yet been resolved. However, let
me state that I think the County is wrong to refuse to acknowledge the legitimate safety concerns
of the neighbors who live in the vicinity of the jail. For years, the County has made promises to
the City that it refuses to honor. While the number of beds may actually go down once the jail is
open in Clarksburg, the number of releases into the neighborhood will increase substantially. At a
minimum, I believe the County must commit to implementing at least some of the suggestions
proposed by the Planning Commission in order to enhance the sense of security for anyone who
lives near the facility.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
With the improvement in the economy, I think we will see a reversal in this trend, so that
business will carry a greater share of the tax burden. In the early 90's, growth slowed to a
standstill. Many existing commercial properties appealed their tax assessments and were granted
significant reductions. In addition, the downtown mall was torn down, which caused another
significant drop in tax revenues. In contrast, we are now seeing the redevelopment of numerous
businesses on the Pike (i.e. Congressional and Congressional North). Occupancy rates in office
buildings are improving. Movie theaters are being built downtown. Our new nonprofit economic
development corporation will also help us bring new business to the city.
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
Answer:
Rockville actually has a greater proportion of low and moderate income housing than many
other areas of the County. This is due in part to the greater age of some of our housing stock. In
addition, we have worked with groups such as the Montgomery Housing Partnership to create
subsidized housing projects such as Beall's Grant. We also worked closely with the County to
insure that the Blandford Apartments would continue to serve a lower income population.
Although the rents will be higher than before, the units will only be offered to those making 60%
or less of the median county income. Our Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Ordinance is also
being put into effect with the development of Chestnut Lodge and the King Farm. 12 1/2% of
these new housing units will be MPDU's.
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What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
I think the city should work to revitalize some of our older neighborhoods to insure that they
remain desirable places to live. In addition, we should seek out some public-private partnerships
that would be beneficial to all. Many large employers in Rockville have made it clear that they
have a hard time attracting the new employees they need because of the high cost of housing. We
should work together to create new moderate housing opportunities.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
I think my greatest contribution as Mayor is that I have challenged the status quo in order to
raise the level of service being provided by the City. We cannot live on our past reputation.
Technology is changing, the demographics of Rockville are changing, our environment is
changing. Even while on the Council, I asked a lot of tough questions. As Mayor, I have moved
rapidly ahead to institute a number of new initiatives, including our Walking Town Meetings, a
non-profit economic development corporation, and "Imagine Rockville". Staff is fully aware that
our level of expectation has changed. This Mayor and Council demands thorough, objective
responses to issues so that the decisions we make will be the best ones for our city.
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For
Mayor |
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Lih Y. Young
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
Yes. Support: environmental policy, and an environmental watchdog
or liaison on environmental issues. Protect people's health;
maintain air quality, clean water; avoid harmful effects from
poisoning: lead, chemical, pesticides, toxic materials; preserve
natural resources: recycle materials; plan on land use. The
liaison, as a major planner, devises plans; coordinate inputs from
various government agencies and environmental groups;
participate, monitor and review the plans and planing process;
testify on: growth management, annual growth policy.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
Yes. Elect a NEW quality mayor: leadership, responsibility,
reasoning, cost-effectiveness, justice, commitment. Protect:
people's rights, resources, family, community, peace. Improve
voter education, people's inputs. Telecast issues/candidate
forum, real town hall meetings without threats, coersion like
current system. Display, disseminate, and maintain candidate
information: equitably, meaningfully. Eliminate fake democracy,
unfair election process, obstruction of campaign: by officials,
IRS, law enforcement, financial services, fraudulent and criminal
networks. See other Questions.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
Oppose a new jail. For safer community, redirect budget to
priorities: government accountability, education, economic
security, public safety; with prevention, diagnosis,
cost-effectiveness, real democracy, fair election process;
provide nourishing, peaceful and educational environment; protect
children, self-esteem, family, resources; eliminate brutality,
retaliation, double standards, frivolous and disparate
treatments, improper processing of complaints, cruel tyranny by
officials, IRS, law enforcement, fraudulent and criminal
networks. See other questions.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
Reduce people's burden, increase the value of tax dollars,
restore people's trust. Coordinate: various governments; redirect
budgets priorities: government accountability, education, economic
security, public safety. Eliminate: waste, abuse, unlawful acts
against people and business by officials, IRS, related fraudulent
and criminal networks. Support: tax cut, tax credits for low
income, affordable housing, library services, civilian review on
law enforcement. Strengthen: complaint processing, implementation
of laws. See other questions.
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
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What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
Coordinate with agencies at various levels of government. Support
affordable housing, tax credit to low income; prevent
discrimination. Strengthen the board/commission on human
relation, fair housing, lending practices. Increase people's
inputs, comments and complaints. Eliminate bureaucracy, abuse of
power, unlawful acts among officials, IRS, law enforcement, legal
system, financial services, related fraudulent and criminal
networks, which deprive of people's rights, properties,
resources; destroying family, credit, reputation. See other
questions.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
"Challenge & Change, People & Children First!" Promote:
liberties, justice, equality, effective gov't & law enforcement.
Protect people, business: rights, resources, reputation.
Testified before legislators, law enforcement, public hearings:
redirect budgets-priorities; devoted to eliminate waste, abuse,
brutality, unlawful acts, fake democracy, cruel tyranny - among
officials, IRS, law enforcement, legal system, financial
services, fraudulent & criminal networks (which cause social
problems, people-slaves). Make community: better, safer: now,
future. See other questions.
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For
Council |
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Robert E. (Bob) Dorsey
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
Answer:
YES. Of course we need to determine what is meant by "strict". I
feel we need a certain amount of appropriate flexibility, yet there
needs to be clear comprehensive standards. A clearly defined well
presented policy will be most effective and avoid challenges based on
misunderstanding. Comprehensive standards will also help maintain our
city's reputation for respect for nature without any citizen being
accused of being a zealot or environmental eccentric.
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
Answer:
We need a watchdog, but I don't feel a watchdog can be optimally
effective as an internal staff position with the potential for mixed
loyalties. Watchdog entities are most effective with a bit of
independence and sovereignty. Maybe a trusted consultant on retainer can
be effective and impartial.
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
I support the documenting of standards so everyone involved can
understand their limitations before investing too much time and/or money
in a project which has potential adverse impact on the environment.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
YES. Much can be learned from any situation, pleasant or unpleasant.
From the King Farm experience we can learn a lot about developing
notification techniques to better inform interested parties of pending
development. We can learn how to better enhance our city as the ideal
place to live and work. In order to achieve a favorable balance from the
tax and revenue perspectives, we need to promote appropriate development
that includes commercial as well as residential.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
Obviously public safety must be the top priority, but we should
proceed in a manner that does not jeopardize the Clarksburg Jail
progress. We should avoid provoking an environment of friction between
the various levels of government. The city, county and state elected
officials need to better understand what is at stake as a result of any
decision or indecision. We must work toward an environment of dialogue
that keeps appropriate options on the table without compromising the
safety and peace of mind of the citizens of Rockville.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
The implications are that we must find ways to promote a shift
toward businesses carrying more of the load. This must be accomplished
by attracting new business and not punishing existing businesses. The
Economic Development Corporation will take us a long way in the right
direction for attracting new businesses. The Chamber of Commerce will
continue to promote retention of existing businesses. The mayor and
council and city staff must continue to help citizens understand as much
as possible about how to bring this into better balance without
damaging the Rockville quality of life. A well informed citizenry can
make valuable intellectual contributions to the decisions associated
with which businesses should be allowed to locate in Rockville.
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
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What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
The availability of low and moderate income housing in Rockville is
low and moderate. To a great extent this is a regional problem. The
Washington Metropolitan Area is an expensive place to live. The demand
for the quality of life offered by Rockville creates a market situation
where very little low and moderate income housing is available. There
are precious few low and moderate income housing opportunities. A home
in Rockville is a highly valued and priced item. The mayor and council
can support and promote programs like REACH and Habitat for Humanity,
that attempt to fairly administer housing opportunities. Continuing to
promote a cooperative and supportive relationship between city, the
Rockville Housing Authority, county housing agencies, and other public
and private housing advocates is a crucial role the mayor and council
can play.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
My willingness to listen, be fair and not make decisions based on
personal or preconcieved notions.
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For
Council |
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Glennon J. Harrison
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
Answer:
Yes, I believe that the City should adopt a formal environmental policy
that is as strict or stricter than the County's policy. Rockville must take
active steps to protect and enhance the many environmental elements that
are so crucial to maintaining a high quality of life in our City and, by
extension, in Montgomery County. Rock Creek, Cabin John Creek, and
Watts Branch all originate in Rockville and are extremely sensitive
watersheds of the Potomac. Watts Branch flows into the Potomac River just
above much of the Washington areas' water supply. The farms that once
surrounded Rockville are disappearing and sprawl is now a great challenge
to all of us in the County. There's no point in having lower standards unless
we want to become a dumping ground for every ill-conceived use out there.
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
Answer:
I await a recommendation from the Environmental Guidelines Group (see
part c. below) about how to accomplish the goal of getting solid advice and
guidance on environmental issues. Some issues are technically challenging
and I want to know that we have access to the advice whether or not the
person (watchdog?) is on staff. I am less concerned with where bodies sit in
City Hall than I am with getting advice and guidance that is objective and
that fairly states the issues.
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
The current Mayor and Council is in the process of appointing an
Environmental Guidelines Group (EGG) to recommend a set of guidelines
that we intend to adopt formally in the near future. The group will also
study the possibility of having an environmentalist on staff or retaining an
environmental consulting group to provide information and guidance on
environmental questions.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
Yes, whether you are a citizen or Councilmember, pay careful
attention to large development projects. While developer interests may
coincide with yours, never assume they have your interests at heart. Keep
on top of development proposals and work with your local government to
make sure it is considering your point of view. In the case of the King Farm
(KF), many of the issues that most concerned citizens were set in stone in
1995 before I was elected to the Council. The King Farm annexation
agreement sets many of the terms for development and citizens did not really
have a chance to carefully examine, understand, or comment on an
extremely complex agreement. I am committed to doing a better job to
inform and educate residents about all of our development options. I will
also work hard to insure that the King Farm does not impose burdens on any
other part of the City.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
The reuse issue is one of the most serious questions facing Rockville
as a City. The City and the citizens of Rockville need to turn our attention to
County officials, especially the County Council. We cannot allow the
County to put uses on the jail site that threaten the general safety and well
being of our citizens. I strongly support the Planning Commission's action
to deny the use-permit for the Central Processing Unit. The Mayor and
Council will continue to work for a satisfactory resolution to this issue.
Meanwhile, I advise concerned residents to voice their concerns to members
of the County Council.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
Since FY 1993, the assessed valuation of residential real estate has
equaled or exceeded commercial real estate. A large number of
commercially zoned properties are currently undeveloped. If developed,
commercial real estate would contribute a proportionally larger share to city
coffers. We have pretty much reached our growth boundaries, so any
rebalancing of the ratio between commercial and residential must be
accomplished on land that is already within City limits. More important
than the balance, however, is ensuring that the quality and type of
development in Rockville contributes to OUR community (e.g., a lively
town center area that people want to go to).
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
Answer:
There is a shortage of affordable homes for people with low and
moderate incomes in Rockville. This is equally true for the County and for
the entire Washington metropolitan area. This situation has existed for
many years and solutions have eluded officials at the federal, state, and local
levels. There is no unique Rockville solution: we need to work closely with
public and private agencies throughout the region to create new
opportunities for affordable housing.
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What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
The current Mayor and Council helped find a solution to a crisis in
affordable housing last year when millionaire philanthropist Betty Brown
Casey decided to close the Blandford Apartments rather than bring them into
compliance with the fire code. Through a lot of work with the County and
the State, we made sure that the Blandford (operating under new ownership)
will continue to provide persons with moderate incomes a safe, affordable
place to live. The Mayor and Council also took action to insure that the
Board of Commissioners of the Rockville Housing Authority (RHA) is
working to accomplish its mission rather than playing politics with the lives
of the residents of the RHA.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
Greatest? I'm not about to describe anything I've done in such
superlative terms. I've done a lot that I'm happy with, including:
RockNet... The City's web site and email access to City Hall... I was an
early advocate for the City's visioning process (Imagine Rockville)... getting
the economic development folks out of the Planning
Department... reorganizing and refocusing the City's planning department...
neighborhood-oriented planning... the King Farm "pump around" and tree
preservation in the Upper Watts Branch... better stormwater
management... Twinbrook Community Center... improved City-Lincoln
Park relationship. The thing that I liked best about the last two years was the
opportunity to serve my fellow citizens. I hope that we achieved better
communications, improved our neighborhoods, and developed new ways to
bring the entire community closer together. I feel like I make a difference.
It has been a real honor and privilege to serve on the Council.
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For
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Charles Haughey
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
Answer:
Yes, the City is in need of consistent, rigorous standards for managing
and protecting our environment. I advocate (and would work for) an
high-priority effort to establish and apply such standards to all City planning
activities. Clearly, we need to review County standards and those of other
municipalities (e.g. Takoma Park) to devise our own equal or stricter
standards.
Once established, those standards must be applied to all formal planning and
zoning endeavors, preferably by creating a new Rockville zoning
ordinance grounded in environmental planning. Other municipalities have adopted
environmental zoning codes; despite our advanced level of build-out, it is not
too late for Rockville to do so.
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
Answer:
Rockville needs to employ a trained and capable environmental advocate to
work with boards, commissions and citizens groups and across the City's
departmental lines to devise and enforce appropriate environmental
provisions in all City activities. This position should not be encumbered by
the City's bureaucracy but should work directly with the City Manager
and should be a pro-active advocate for our environment rather than being
limited to a watch-dog role. Even if such a role is established, the
City's elected officials should be more responsive to the concerns of our
people. It should not take a frustrated crowd of over 200 people to make the
Council attentive to environmental concerns.
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
The Mayor and Council have the authority to adopt the regulations they
judge necessary to safeguard our environment. I believe the changes we
need must be implemented through decisive, formal Council action and be
monitored vigilantly and directly by the Council. That process should
include working through a citizens' commission to review and develop plans,
to oversee staff analyses and to develop ordinance language for council
action.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
The over-riding lesson is that the City government and staff lack the
experience and skill to manage such a large-scale development effectively.
Rockville should never allow itself to be so rushed by circumstances that it
hurries into formal legal arrangements without adequate review by objective
and specialized legal counsel. We should always give the public adequate
time to respond to the City's proposed course of action and to develop and
offer testimony that represents informed citizen opinion. Elected officials
should work with neighborhoods on specific implementation issues to avoid
problems of the kind associated with the King Farm sewer line options.
Finally, Council endorsement of a concept plan should never abrogate the
City's authority to approve or disapprove detailed development plans.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
First, the City should specify what it wants and what it is willing to
contribute to arrange a satisfactory settlement (e.g. CPU within Rockville
but not intruding in either residential or prime commercial areas) over a
reasonable time. The time frame for a solution and transition is probably
in excess of five years and the cost to taxpayers may be substantial
(but necessary) in order to accommodate the needs of Rockville's people
and neighborhoods. Second, we should conduct open, public, good-faith
negotiations with the County's elected officials to secure an agreement
that is satisfactory to Rockville's people both as citizens of Rockville and
as citizens of Montgomery County.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
Our economic development process should redress any imbalance over time but
that process needs to be realistic and sensitive both to neighborhood
concerns and to the likelihood that it will take substantial time to attain
an ideal balance. The City already has a 3 to 1 ratio of jobs to households
that translates into a very substantial number of people traveling into
Rockville every day to work. The result is increasingly heavy traffic with
high auto emissions. Overall, we need a more balanced approach to growth
-- no more growth for growth's sake. Quality of life for Rockville's current
citizens should take priority over more growth and increased density.
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
Answer:
First, we need a comprehensive inventory -- a thorough assessment -- of
low- and moderately-priced housing stock, identified by location. With that
inventory in hand, we can begin to make truly informed, intelligent policy
decisions about low- and moderately-priced housing. At that point, we will
be able to devise a plan to determine what can best serve Rockville's
communities and neighborhoods.
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What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
The primary role of the Mayor and Council is to make certain that all
City regulations concerning the maintenance of low- and moderately-priced
housing (or any housing for that matter) are rigorously enforced. Beyond
that, we face a policy question -- to be determined in the planning process
described above -- as to how City government should work with developers
regarding the addition of low- or moderately-priced housing.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
I am still pursuing what may be my biggest contribution to our City --
running as the ONLY INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE in this year's election for City
Council. We desperately need -- now more than ever -- active, dedicated
and determined leadership. By campaigning, I've ensured that voters will have
an opportunity to consider issues and determine who leads Rockville next
and I've been able to point out changes needed in City operations. As
Planning Commission Chair in 1996, I initiated a review of significant zoning p
provisions, improved processes for conducting Commission meetings, pressed
for Commission access to direct legal advice and for TV coverage on
critical issues and led review of the County's Central Processing Unit
application which culminated in rejection of its use permit.
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For
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James T. Marrinan
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
Answer:
There is a clear need to develop a formal environmental
policy for the City of Rockville, including specific
standards that in all likelihood should be at least as strict
as those of Montgomery Co. City staff have been asked by the
Mayor and Council to start that policy development process
and complete it as soon as possible.
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
Answer:
The City of Rockville needs an in-house environmental expert
to advise not only the Planning Department but all city units
about environmental issues. This position should be
organizationally positioned so that it is available to all
city staff and can also monitor city activities. City staff
were directed by the Mayor and Council to establish such a
position and at least initially a consultant will be hired to
perform this role until a permanent position is created.
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
See above.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
We learn from every experience and clearly the annexation and
development of the King Farm made us more aware of sewer
capacity and environmental issues to name just a few. These
lessons learned will be extremely helpful as the Thomas Farm
is developed and additional annexations occur in the next few
years.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
The Montgomery Co. Detention Center issue is extremely
complex. The good news is that a new jail is scheduled to be
built in Clarksburg starting next year. This is a long-term
goal of the City but there are some on the County Council who
want to reverse that decision before construction actually
starts. The re-use of the Seven Locks Road property issue
might give them that opportunity if this entire issue is not
handled carefully. At this time, it is best to coordinate
our activities with the Office of the County Executive while
we continue to stress the security concerns of the
surrounding neighborhoods and attain certain improvements in
the upcoming County budget.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
Clearly, we need a better balance between residential and
commercial property tax revenues. One initiative of the
Mayor and Council is to actively contest the property tax
appeals of commercial property owners that for the past few
years have been mindlessly approved and lowered by the State.
It is the City's long-standing policy that commercial
property tax revenue should be the primary source of funds to
pay for city services.
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
-
What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
The City has made consistent progress in providing low
and moderate income housing in Rockville but the need
continues. In the past few years, we have enacted the
Moderately Priced dwelling Unit and Grandparent Unit
ordinances, as well as helped re-structure the Rockville
Housing Authority. Compared to nearby jurisdictions,
Rockville is doing a good job. However, we need to look at
our zoning ordinances to determine if additional development
incentives can be incorporated to address this on-going need.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
As the longest serving member of the Mayor and Council, I see
myself as the institutional memory to this body helping newer
members understand not only the history of policy issues but
the necessary procedural steps we need to undertake. I have
focused my attention on revenue and community service issues
to insure that our excellent city services continue and where
possible improve.
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For
Council |
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Robert (Bob) Wright
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Questions on the environment:
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Do you support the city of Rockville developing a formal
environmental policy with standards at least as strict as the
county's standards?
Answer:
Yes.
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Do you support creating an "environmental watchdog" position in the
planning department?
Answer:
No.
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If yes to either of the above, how do you plan to help implement
the above changes?
Answer:
The City staff is currently in the process of developing environmental
guidelines that Mayor and Council would adopt as a part of the City's
environmental policy. Also Mayor and Council have formed an Environmental
Guidelines Group to provide for public comment on those guidelines. I
anticipate those guidelines coming before Mayor and Council for adoption in
June 1998. I do not support the "watchdog" approach as a management
practice. It's too often viewed as a "police state." I believe a champion
for the environment is a better management approach. The champion's charge
should extend beyond the planning department. In addition the City's senior
managers need to incorporate into the daily practices of every staff member
the recognition that they have a responsibility for our environment.
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Can any lessons be learned from the annexation and development of the
King Farm? If yes, how will you apply them in the next few years?
Answer:
Yes. I believe the lesson learned is not to use the annexation agreement
as either the vehicle or as a substitute for the planning process with its
public input. Detailed annexation agreements limit the ability of the City
to act at a later date. Today we are applying this lesson learned to
pending annexations into the City.
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How should the Council and Mayor proceed in handling the County/City
disagreement over the use of the Seven Locks Road's jail?
Answer:
We need to work with the County Executive and the County Council to see
that they address the concerns of the residents in the neighborhoods
surrounding the County site on Seven Locks Road. A jail and a central
processing unit (CPU) should not be located in a residential area. First,
we must insure that construction of the jail in Clarksburg begins. Second,
going to court against the County has to be carefully contrived. We must
assess the risk of a Court decision that says the County, as a higher level
of government, does not have to comply with City codes. Current and future
County Executives and Councils would point to this court decision and ignore
the City, not only with regard to the current jail and CPU, but with the
numerous other County uses in the City as well.
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Private residents are now paying a larger portion of property taxes
than commercial properties. What implications for Rockville's
planning do you draw from this fact?
Answer:
I believe sustainable fiscal health for the City requires a roughly even
balance between residential and commercial property taxes. In 1993 we were
at that balance. Today, the proportions for property tax revenue are
slightly greater than 60% and slightly less than 40% for residential and
commercial, respectfully. I believe we must watch this trend closely, but
the future for returning to an even balance between residential and
commercial property tax revenue is favorable. The City and Rockville
businesses have formed the Greater Rockville Partnership to select and
promote targeted economic development within the City. The town center will
develop over the next several years beginning with the retail pavilion which
will open in 1998. The IBEW property on the corner of Middle Lane and
Hungerford Drive will eventually be developed. Over 3 million square feet
of commercial space is available in the King Farm. Tower Oaks and the PEPCO
property on Gude Road remain to be developed. It's only a matter of time.
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Questions on Rockville housing:
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Assess the availability of low and moderate income housing in
Rockville?
Answer:
Rockville is quite diverse with regard to the price of its housing stock.
In the City I believe there is readily available moderate-income housing,
and to a lesser degree low-income housing. However, I am concerned that the
moderate- and low-income housing is concentrated in specific locations
within the City. I prefer it to be more dispersed. The King Farm will add
substantially to our moderate-income housing stock.
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What role should the Mayor and Council play in maintaining existing
low or moderate income housing in Rockville?
Answer:
I believe Mayor and Council should put in place more programs that
encourage and assist owners and tenants to maintain and improve their houses.
We should provide incentives to upgrade the existing housing stock.
Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU's) in new developments receive much
attention, but it's the existing housing stock that requires new and
innovative program initiatives.
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During the last two years, what was your greatest contribution to the
city of Rockville?
Answer:
My greatest contribution is the furtherance of citizen involvement. On
numerous occasions during the last two years I have been both in the
neighborhoods and at the City open houses on various projects. On those
occasions I encouraged citizens to become activists and to champion their
positions. It's been challenging, for example, the Watts Branch sewer
upgrade, but more positively, Imagine Rockville involved many residents for
the first time. Today the City has more residents actively involved then
ever before. With more involved residents there is a greater diversity of
opinions, which is necessary and helpful. I will continue to promote
citizen involvement, as I believe it results in better City government.
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