As the County Council?s chairman, Ron Dillon Jr. said he didn?t have a chance to put forward much legislation; instead, the second-term legislator took up “homework.”
“It was a busy year, and being chairman is hard work,” said Dillon, who represents District 3.
“But it gave me a chance to watch things from a different angle. And a lot of time is spent doing homework on issues to better understand them.”
During the two-month debate over a coal fly ash moratorium,Dillon said he researched the issue and interviewed environmental officials and coupled his efforts with his job as operator of his family?s bus company.
“I learned more about the downside of trucking this material,” said Dillon, who raised the issue during debate. “If you make a mistake, it will be evident for years.”
He also studied storm-water pollution to get a county tax to help pay for stream restoration ? a move that won him criticism and praise in his district.
Dillon said he went against a typically tax-adverse constituency because he saw firsthand the effects of pollution, having spent many hours in the state?s waterways ? he jet-skied from Anne Arundel to Ocean City this summer.
“If you?ve seen some of things that I have, you?d do the same, too,” Dillon said.
His stance was won some favor with environmentalists, some of whom have said Dillon has not been the most green legislator.
As a regular council member, Dillon has a long list of priorities this year.
As with all Council members, the budget remains a big priority, particularly impact fees and how they relate to schools.
His other initiatives include helping to reduce youth crime in his district, increasing the installment of defibrillators and carbon monoxide detectors, and helping the Northeast neck of the county brace for Base Realignment and Closure growth.
“I?m concerned that with this growth and with no incoming road improvements, we will go to complete gridlock in the Pasadena area,” Dillon said.
Opinions on Dillon?s year
“He is an excellent guy; a smart guy. He runs a good meeting. He?s consistent. Since Day 1, Ron?s been very intelligent and listens to people. He helps when he can, and I?ve heard positive things.” ? Tom Redmond, member of the Pasadena Business Association and the county?s Republican Central Committee
“I don?t think he had a strong environmental policy in the past. We?ve butted heads with him on a number of issues, and his track record was not very good. With the storm-water bill, he?s on the right track and up front with his position.” ? Paul Spadaro, president of the Magothy River Association
“Ron?s very responsive to our group and takes a big interest in the Pasadena area. He keeps us up to date on budget issues and anything new. I think he?s got a pretty good slate and has done an excellent job.” ? Mike Cadogan, president of the Greater Pasadena Council
Fast facts
» Age: 32
» Residence: Pasadena
» Day job: Controller of family bus company
» Party: Republican
» Elected: 2006 (second term)
» District: 3, which comprises Pasadena, Marley, Fort Smallwood, Gibson Island, Brandon Shores, Solley and Rivera Beach
» E-mail: [email protected]
» Bills and resolutions sponsored: Seven
» Of those that passed: Seven
» Legislation of note: Amended legislation that would have created a new storm-water fee on properties to help fund stream restoration and reduce pollution run-off.
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