Being a legislator is not new to County Councilman Josh Cohen, who served five years as an Annapolis City alderman.
But making the change from serving a city of 36,000 to representing the more than 70,000 residents of District 6 has been a challenge for the Democrat.
“City politicians are more connected, involved in every detail,” Cohen said.
“But with 75,000 people, the level of involvement is entirely different. That?s where my assistant [Gail Smith] becomes a great asset.”
His first year was marked by a contentious bill that he didn?t write.
Cohen proposed amendments that turned a bill charging a permit fee to help fund stream restoration into a $30 fee on all property, doubling what the fund would have produced originally.
The changes led to a press conference, long debates and hours of public testimony,most in favor of Cohen?s efforts.
But the bill died by one vote because of concerns over the strength of the amendments and the county?s tax-averse nature.
“I knew the bill would struggle, but it was a good step forward,” Cohen said. “Now the task is to find some kind of common ground so we can start combating pollution.”
Cohen also has pushed for the preservation of Generals Highway. In two bills on zoning and water utilities, he pushed for amendments to limit development on the highway, much to the liking of the communities who spent several hours testifying against growth.
“I?m an advocate for controlled growth. We have to balance the protection of our rural character … while pushing for growth in areas that can handle and … accept the growth,” Cohen said.
This year, Cohen plans to continue his campaign for controlled growth during the once-every-decade review of the general development plan ? Anne Arundel?s master document on land use.
He said he will work on a compromised storm-water bill, though current discussions with the county administration have been stymied over how to make the fee sensible as a voluntary tax.
Cohen also plans to push for improvements to Annapolis schools, in particular visual arts magnet programs at Bates Middle School.
Opinions on Cohen?s year
“Josh approaches the concerns of his constituents very seriously and works at building consensus to get real solutions.
“We?ve always had a good working relationship.
“He has a strong commitment to his constituency, which includes us in the business community.” ? Bob Burdon, president of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce
“He has proposed interesting amendments to [storm-water and school capacity] bills that found support.
“I think he?s doing some good work on the council.
“But there?s a lot more to do.
“He seems to be committed [to limiting] development.
“Josh has a good beginning.
“Let?s hope it continues.” ? Anatasia Hopkinson, member of the Annapolis Neck Peninsula Federation
“He?s a wonderful councilman to work with.
“He tends to take positions our group is supportive of.
“He seems to be working energetically and creatively to find ways to bring parties together [on the storm-water bill].” ? Kurt Riegel, president of the Severn River Association
Fast facts on Cohen
» Age: 34
» Residence: Annapolis
» Day job: Grant manager for nonprofit criminal justice organization
» Party: Democratic
» Elected: 2006 (first term)
» District: 6, including Annapolis, Generals Highway Corridor, Highland Beach, Parole and Sherwood Forest
» E-mail: [email protected]
» Bills and resolutions sponsored: Seven
» Of those that passed: Six
» Legislation of note: A bill that created Anne Arundel?s first maritime advisory board, which will advise the County Council and the county executive on maritime industry issues
What do you think of Cohen?s performance? E-mail your thoughts to [email protected].
