Candidates for the District 1 County Council seat examined possible affirmative action abuses at a candidate?s forum Saturday.
The District 1 seat, currently held by Republican County Council Chairman Christopher Merdon, represents Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Hanover.
The forum?s sponsor, African Americans in Howard County, asked candidates to respond to its view that affirmative action laws are being abused by white women, many of whom are posing as the owner of their husband?s business, and reaping affirmative action benefits.
Watson said she has witnessed the problem in her job as vice president for commercial sales at an insurance agency.
“There was an incident last week, where someone came into my office looking for insurance, a woman. Everything was sub contracted out to her husband?s business. It was exactly the problem you were talking about,” Watson said.
“I will look into affirmative action laws,” Watson said.
Tony Salazar, the Republican candidate, said his experiences as a Latino in Howard County would help him ensure that affirmative action laws are being properly upheld.
“When you grow up and your skin is a different color than other people?s, and your hair is a little frizzier than other people?s, and your parents don?t speak English that well, you get a special sensitivity for minority needs,” Salazar said.
“The laws, while facially neutral, when operating might be working against a minority. Someone who has a special sensitivity can look at it and understand,” Salazar said.
The political action committee of African Americans in Howard County asks political leaders to address issues important to African-Americans living in Howard County.
The forum was held Saturday at St. John Baptist Church.
At a glance
Candidates for the District 1 County Council seat, representing Ellicott City, Elkridge and Hanover:
» Courtney Watson, Democrat, Board of Education member and recent chairman, vice president for commercial sales at an insurance agency.
» Tony Salazar, Republican, lawyer, ran for a House of Representatives seat in 2004
