A group of mostly religious leaders are working together to influence legislation in Howard County.
“We plan to be a vehicle for change in Howard County,” said Hector Rodriguez, organizer of People Acting Together in Howard County.
The newly formed organization, comprising more than 400 leaders from Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish congregations in the county, plans to address issues such as affordable housing and transportation.
“We have children who are growing up in the county, and we would like for them not to have to abandon the county” because of a lack of affordable housing, said Rodriguez. “We want a transportation system that works and is reliable, not one just in the corner of the county.”
The leaders will develop their recommendations in teams and then present them to the County Council. Their first meeting is Sunday.
Council Member Calvin Ball, D-District 2, said he plans to attend the event and welcomes PATH?s participation in improving thelives of county residents.
“I?m always open to citizen input, and I look forward to partnering with any group that helps me represent my constituents better,” he said.
The Rev. Jerry Bowen, pastor at St. Augustine?s Catholic Church in Elkridge for the past 12 years, said PATH is needed in the community.
“There are greater needs that we share across the county, and since the needs are so much larger, we can?t address the needs as a parish,” he said.
Doug Denison also contributed to this article.
