The Howard County Council passed a measure that would allow a mediator to negotiate dissent between developers and residents.
Some residents have said mediation should not be used in zoning decisions because it could distract the zoning board from its responsibility to uphold legal standards.
But some council members said it would be an effective, voluntary tool that could allow both sides to reach a compromise related to land use changes.
Do you think mediation could help solve problems between residents and developers?
County Council candidates
Calvin Ball: “Yes.”
Tom D?Asto: “This mediation won?t be binding. The bottom line is citizens need to elect good honest leaders [who] have a vision representative of the residents currently living in the community.”
Don Dunn: “No. The problem is council members are not qualified to make land-use decisions.
“Example Comp Lite. Zoning Board should be replaced by an expert on the legal standards of zoning laws.”
Gina Ellrich: “If mediation is voluntary, it may provide an easy way to resolve issues before they become real problems. I do not believe it is the solution in all cases.”
Greg Fox: “Ultimate responsibility lies with the Zoning Board who should maintain an open process for the citizens.
“However, it might not hurt to have nonbinding mediation available when all sides consent.”
Tony Salazar: “Yes. I will uphold existing rules in deciding zoning change cases and will monitor mediations so we can evaluate whether they result in reduced zoning disputes and better projects.”
Mary Kay Sigaty: “Yes, when the issues are details of a plan; no, when a zoning case is a request for piecemeal rezoning.”
Jen Terrasa: “I support mediation as an option in comprehensive rezoning.
“However, in other zoning cases, mediation should only be used after an initial determination that a mistake or change has occurred.”
Donna Thewes: “This is a nonbinding, voluntary tool citizens can use if they want. We need a process in place that the citizens trust, and I pledge an open government for all.”
Courtney Watson: “Yes, as long as it is voluntary.”
County executive candidates
Chris Merdon: “Mediation can be helpful.
“We need to deal with the root of the problem: ? Citizens want a voice in the process from the beginning. ? I will encourage and support open and transparent
government.”
Ken Ulman: “Mediation can help residents and developers find mutually agreeable solutions.
“I have seen several instances where mediation has worked. Mediation should be an available resource when appropriate for the case.”
Stephen Wallis: “Mediation could help solve problems ? , outside of the Zoning Board making the legal determination.
“A nonpolitical Zoning Board should determine if there?s been a change in neighborhood or mistake in earlier zoning.”
Howard County Executive:
Chris Merdon (R)
Ken Ulman (D)
Stephen Wallis (I)
County Council:
» District 1: Ellicott City, Elkridge and Hanover
Tony Salazar (R)
Courtney Watson (D)
» District 2: Elkridge, Ellicott City, Jessup and Columbia Villages of Long Reach and Oakland Mills
Gina Gabrielle Ellrich (R)
Calvin Ball (D, incumbent)
» District 3: Allview/Arrowhead, North Laurel, Savage, Guilford, Jessup and Columbia Villages of Kings Contrivance and Owen Brown
Donna Thewes (R)
Jen Terrasa (D)
» District 4: Columbia Villages of Dorsey Search, Harper?s Choice, Hickory Ridge, River Hill, Town Center and Wilde Lake, and parts of Clarksville, Highland and Fulton
Tom D?Asto (R)
Mary Kay Sigaty (D)
» District 5: West Howard County
Greg Fox (R)
Don Dunn (D)
Source: Howard County Board of Elections
