Shift in panel worries some growth activists

Some Montgomery activists are worried a shift in County Council panel assignments has pro-growth leaders in the majority on a planning committee and could mean development plans will be rushed through.

County Council President Mike Knapp restructured council committees last week, after the death of long-time Councilwoman Marilyn Praisner left a vacancy at the helm of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee. Knapp ceded his position as chairman of the Education Committee to former school board member and current Councilwoman Valerie Ervin and made himself chairman of the planning committee, saying he wanted to take advantage of council member strengths.