The third time is a charm for Columbia Democrat Calvin Ball, who finally will have a seat on the Howard County Council after running unsuccessfully in 2002 and 2006.
The Democrat is replacing David Rakes, who resigned March 31 for health reasons.
Ball, who will be appointed tonight, enters the political arena as the County Council negotiates the financial twists of the proposed capital and operating budgets for the upcoming year and decides the future of a countywide smoking ban.
As he works on the budget, Ball said he will support the Board of Education, but he doesn?t know enough about the budget to conjecture.
The school board proposed $396 million for its operating budget, which covers health care and salaries, and $99.9 million for its capital budget, which includes construction projects.
County Executive James Robey proposed about $20 million less for the capital budget and $3 million less for the operating budget.
With an equally divided council, Ball?s vote could determine whether Howard County institutes a smoking ban.
“I want to facilitate a safe and healthy community. Generally, a smoking ban helps facilitate that,” he said.
Republican County Council Chairman Christopher Merdon introduced a smoking ban bill that he originally tabled.
His goals include revitalizing older neighborhoods, especially Oakland Mills and the Route 1 Corridor, improving senior and work-force housing, and increasing public transportation, he said.
Ball?s second district encompasses the East Columbia villages of Long Reach and Oakland Mills, and parts of Elkridge, Ellicott City and Jessup.
The Howard County Democratic Central Committee selected Ball on Tuesday from among four candidates.
If you go
New County Council Member Calvin Ball will be sworn in at a ceremony at 6:30 tonight in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building on Court House Drive in Ellicott City. After a brief reception, he will participate in this year?s first public budget hearing at 7 p.m.
