League Of Women Voters
Howard County, Maryland

Grace Kubofcik & Barbara Schnackenberg Co-Presidents, LWVHC

Co-Presidents’ Message... *

This is a time for reflection and a time of opportunity. As we prepare to begin a new League year, Barbara Russell and I reflect on our joint leadership of the past three years. We have had many opportunities to learn, advocate, educate and inform. We have enjoyed the support of an active and committed Board, as well as the many talented and willing members of the Howard County League. It has been fun and, we’ll admit, at times tiring, but never dull! Shared leadership can test a friendship. Having known each other for more than 20 years, we were certain our styles would be complementary and that our friendship would not suffer. In fact, it has flourished. We are still occasionally amazed at the skills we did not know the other had. We welcome the opportunity to work with Barbara Schnackenberg as the League's new co-president. We are certain friendships will continue to flourish and new challenges will strengthen each of us.

The Maryland General Assembly adjourned on April 7th. It will be interesting to read the next issue of the Report from State Circle. There were many last minute legislative disappointments and successes. The League Board heard a briefing on Healthy Howard on April 2. We are pleased that the enabling legislation for this program, led by Senator Kasemeyer and Delegate Pendergrass, passed. Delegate Miller introduced, with bipartisan support, legislation that will allow anyone to track State spending on-line. Three County capital budget projects were funded: Blandair Regional Park, the North Laurel Community Center and the Robinson Nature Center. Considering our tight budgetary constraints, that was a stunning accomplishment! Delegate Guzzone successfully sponsored enabling legislation to allow local governments to provide tax credits for residential properties that are accessible to senior citizens and/or those who are physically disabled. Two bills that did not pass were Senator Robey’s speed camera monitoring bill, and Delegate Bobo’s enabling "standing" bill, which moved successfully through a House committee, the House of Delegates, and a Senate Committee, only to be thwarted from a final Senate vote on the last day of the session. Next year’s Legislative Luncheon promises to be very interesting.

Opportunities abound in the County Executive's capital and operating budgets. The County Council will be making budget decisions during the month of May. They also have important legislation to consider. Council Chairperson Watson, joined by all members of the Council, introduced legislation to limit the time frame for individual Zoning Regulation Amendments. The League is supporting this legislation. Another major opportunity is the General Growth Properties presentation of their phased plan for downtown Columbia. Many League members have been attending the meetings with the consultants working on the downtown plan.

We will all have the opportunity to participate in our environmental outing on May 10th and help with our table at a "Taste of Wilde Lake" on the same day. There will be several opportunities to participate in High School Voter Registration in late May.

Finally, there’s the opportunity to take some moments to reflect on the colors, sounds and new growth so abundant in a Howard County Spring! Deep breath now . . . okay, you’re ready for another exciting League year!

Barbara & Grace