Unless he?s on the dais, Councilman Ed Reilly, R-District 7, rarely likes to say where he will vote on a matter.
And for matters he advocates, Reilly?s first appeals come on the dais.
“I don?t like to lobby behind the scenes,” Reilly said. “Everybody should do things in the light of sunshine.”
One issue the second-term legislator has made known during last year was his efforts to help small businesses and landowners.
Reilly has introduced bills that would take small-property owners wanting to subdivide their property off a six-year waiting list. He also put forward bills to help increase elderly housing while making it affordable.
“I try to do things that make sense for the growth of our county,” Reilly said.
But his efforts to help small businesses also have caused a stir. His bill to remove the expense of lifeguards at small hotel pools was defeated, and one of his bills helped a private golf course owner while at the same time the developer held a fundraiser for County Executive John R. Leopold.
“The bill came up 18 months ago, long before the fundraiser,” Reilly said. “I thought the bill was appropriate, and there was no impropriety.”
He sided with Leopold?s version of a stormwater funding bill that died because the council tacked on an unpopular tax on current development.
If the bill ever resurfaces, Reilly said he would still disapprove of a new fee on taxpayers.
“Let?s put this to a referendum,” he said.
While Reilly has sided with Leopold in many instances, he also has opposed the executive on issues such as making small-property owners on peninsulas pay for road improvements.
As the council vice chairman this year, Reilly is looking to increase affordable housing in the county.
He also said the review of the county?s master land-use plan ? done once every decade ? will also be a critical issue for the southern part of the county, which is fighting against development.
“It?s going to be a trying year fiscally as well as in our planning,” he said.
Opinions on Reilly?s year
“I think he?s done quite well. He has represented us well on the council. He has continued to keep an interest in how things affect the community, especially [Base Realignment and Closure] issues. He has also been very good about keeping communications open on the general development plan.” ? Steve Grimaud, president of the Crofton Civic Association board
“Most of the constituents that have supported Reilly are gravely disappointed in him and his failure to act on his promise to be the fourth vote [on a stormwater bill]. He?s retreated into his shell and won?t fulfill that promise.” ? Anne Pearson, director of the Alliance for Sustainable Communities and a Crofton resident
“I haven?t heard any complaints. A politician?s presence outside of an election year is an important measure of a person. And during those times, he?s here, and he does what he can. He pays attention to south county. Our previous representative, we didn?t see so much.” ? Joe Gibson, vice president of the South Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce
Fast facts on Reilly
» Age: 58
» Residence: Crofton
» Day job: Insurance agent
» Party: Republican
» Elected: 2006 (second term)
» District: Seven, the largest geographically that includes Crofton, Davidsonville, Edgewater, Deale, Shady Side and the southern half of the county
» Email: [email protected]
» Bills and resolutions sponsored: Eight
» Of those thatpassed: Six
» Legislation of note: A bill that allows high density senior housing in residential areas; a bill that would give small property owners an exemption from school capacity tests
What do you think of Reilly?s performance? E-mail your thoughts to [email protected].
