Because the Columbia Association has no real policy-making power on downtown Columbia?s future, candidates are split on how much weight to give the issue in the upcoming CA race.
Not much, says challenger for the Oakland Mills seat Ian Kennedy.
A lot, counters incumbent Barbara Russell.
“Those trying to make someone?s position on downtown the litmus test for whether or not they should be elected is doing a disservice,” Kennedy said.
Residents from seven of Columbia?s villages will elect a CA board member April 21.
Rather than take a position on downtown, the board should make sure “that everyone?s voice can be heard, regardless of where they stand,” Kennedy said. “Why wade into the murkiness of the Town Center debate when in our community there are” other issues, he said.
Kennedy isn?t focusing on downtown Columbia in his campaign, but instead on Oakland Mills? own revitalization plans.
However, for Russell, downtown redevelopment is a central issue. “I absolutely think it is a valid part of our election as council reps to the CA board,” said Russell, who supports a “reasonable level of development downtown.”
CA board members serve a dual role, both as a village representative and as a CA board member representing all of Columbia, she said.
“Since we are the only elected body to represent all of Columbia, it is extremely important that we have a voice in what happens downtown,” Russell said.
Downtown redevelopment is what got Hickory Ridge resident Marvin Lawson interested in local issues and, ultimately, torun for a seat.
“I think it?s going to have an impact, whatever happens, on Hickory Ridge,” he said.
CA should provide a vision for downtown, Lawson said, adding he also is focused on other issues, such as smart spending and civility on the board.
But in a debate on the final plans for downtown, candidates with their own opinions on the development will also be providing a voice for their constituents.
