Howard County Republican executive candidate Chris Merdon outlined his green plan to address environmental concerns in the county, but his challengers for the seat called the move “disingenuous” and “idle rhetoric.”

“Where were these proposals when these councilmen were serving their terms and not running for council president?” independent candidate Stephen Wallis said, adding that Democratic opponent Ken Ulman has introduced similar initiatives during the election year. Ulman is on the County Council; Merdon is its chairman.