Given the significant differences between Abingdon and Fallston and the lack of a long-tenured incumbent, the race for the District B Harford County Council seat might have been something of a free-for-all.
Instead, with only two Republicans running for the office and no Democratic candidate stepping forward to be placed on the ballot, the next District B councilman will be decided in next month’s primary election.
The Dagger caught up with those candidates – Derek Howell and Joe Woods – and posed to them the same set of questions.
Those questions, and the varying answers of the candidates, are listed below:
In one paragraph, please give a brief biographical sketch of yourself.
Howell
I am a Constitutional Conservative Republican. I have been blessed to receive a good education, and I am thankful and mindful of this blessing. I earned my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the Johns Hopkins University (both with honors) and my Juris Doctor (cum laude) from the University of Baltimore School of Law. As a former Maryland state trooper I had the privilege of serving and protecting the citizens of Maryland. I served over ten years with the Maryland State Police in various positions and locations, including Harford County, before leaving to obtain my law degree. Presently I am a small business owner, attorney, adjunct faculty member of a local community college and consultant. I spend a good bit of time teaching and speaking on the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and America’s founding era. I am happily married to my wonderful wife, Jenna, and we both worship at Mountain Christian Church. For more information please visit www.HarfordForHowell.com
Woods
I’m a conservative republican who believes in small government, low taxes, and conservative values. I am a Harford County small business owner of PPM – PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL – which provides EMS and rescue services and is Maryland’s largest private First Aid, CPR, and safety-training center. I joined the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company at age 15 and soon became the youngest certified emergency medical technician in Maryland. I was Chief of the Fire Company when I was chosen to fill the vacant District B seat on the County Council in 2009. I am also a former Harford County Sheriff’s Deputy and worked at the jail.
My family has lived in Harford County for four generations and I have lived in District B all my life. My wife Laura and I live in Fallston with our retired search and rescue dog, Katie. During my year on the Council, I have been privileged to work with citizens from communities in Abingdon and Fallston to work out road, traffic, and zoning issues and protect our neighborhoods. It was especially gratifying to vote to lower taxes and cut County spending, helping the county achieve the AAA bond rating for the first time ever.
Another high point of the year was the February blizzard. I got a front-seat view of what our county road crews do when I volunteered to drive a county snow plow for 57 ½ hours.
What is at stake for District B (Fallston/Abingdon) in this race?
Howell
The Master Plan is one issue at stake, and it will be addressed after the election (unfortunately not before this important election). Another very important issue at stake is the economy and the County budget. Voters must elect someone who is not afraid to stand up for them when it comes to economic/tax related matters. The next four years will present trying times for all of us, and it is time to remove the incumbent and elect a true conservative.
Woods
Our rural heritage and what open space / agriculture areas we have is at stake. We have the opportunity to protect and preserve not only our rural heritage but our sensitive areas in District B and in Harford County by proper planning and the almost total rewrite of the Master Plan. I have stated before being appointed to council that this topic is very important to me. I will continue to use our communities for input and support legislation that benefits the citizens of Harford County.
What is the biggest problem in District B (Fallston/Abingdon) and what will you do if elected to make it better?
Howell
The economy and how it relates to the County budget is the biggest problem. At first glance this might not appear to be the biggest problem. Indeed, a quick response to this question might be one which simply mentions BRAC or traffic related issues. However, upon closer review and with an understanding of the budget, more specifically the general fund, it becomes patently clear that the economy and how it relates to the County budget is truly the biggest problem for District B.
In addressing any problem, it is vital to discern the actual problem from its symptoms. By addressing the problem appropriate solution(s) can be implemented. However, by simply focusing on the symptoms of the problem a band-aid style approach will unfortunately be used to cover but not heal the actual problem.
With respect to the issue at hand, the general fund is the principal operating fund for County Government. General fund appropriations are used primarily to finance the administrative activities of the County Government and to provide services to the citizens of the County. Due to the housing make up of District B, the County receives a significant amount of revenue in real property taxes from the citizens of District B, which is used to finance the general fund. In other words, the hard working citizens of District B pay a considerable amount of real property taxes which are used throughout the County.
County Government’s jurisdiction is limited. We expect County Government to serve us well in its limited responsibilities and obligations. However, when County Government grows too big and loses focus by overstepping its boundaries (jurisdiction) it then simply expects the citizens (We the People) to pay more for its overspending. This is unacceptable.
Take for example last year’s threat to close the Fallston branch of the public library. Public libraries were first advanced by Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. They serve an important local community function, and I find that it was unacceptable to threaten the closure of the Fallston library branch when other areas in the County budget could have been cut and/or nonessential government services privatized to local businesses.
I will work with the next county council and county executive to see that unnecessary government spending is eliminated and to ensure that legitimate government services are maintained.
Woods
Over development and bad planning. Setting aside the major issues of the County with the current economy; and issues dealing with the influx of people from BRAC, over development is the biggest problem in District B (Fallston/Abingdon). I will continue working with community groups and community Associations to slow the problem down and update the master plan.
With the continued commercial development in the area (Wal-Mart on Route 1 and the new shopping center at Route 1 and Route 152) and the new Transfer of Development Right rules that designate Fallston as a major receiving area for future residential development, how is Fallston changing? How is Fallston dealing with that change? What is Fallston’s future?
Howell
Fallston has changed over the years in its population growth. This is a result of the new housing market. After talking with residents from Fallston, it appears that many are unhappy with expanding growth. As an advocate of private property rights I do not want to take away the rights of property owners to use their land, but we must ensure that one person’s property does not destroy another’s.
Fallston citizens are dealing with the change by becoming active and voicing their thoughts to County officials. This is to be encouraged. Additionally, some citizens deal with the change by taking advantage of the resources in their community.
The future of Fallston – to continue to be an excellent community to raise a family and live free in liberty.
Woods
Fallston residents, including myself, have fought hard for years to protect the rural nature of our community. Since my appointment, I’ve worked to be a strong advocate for Fallston and Abingdon during comprehensive rezoning. I amended the transportation element plan road types for roads in the area like 152, Old Joppa, Harford Rd, and Connolly Rd from urban back to rural. I removed wording from the plan that would increase the lanes on Harford Rd from two to four and lane changes on 152. I work with the community council and other community groups all the time to prepare for the master plan updates. It’s critically important that the voice of the people is heard, and that’s why I work with community associations and groups throughout the District. If we are going to protect our neighborhoods from over-development, the voice of our people must be heard over the voices of developers.
I wonder if Joe Woods has ever been to Abingdon. He has no clue about our community needs and only talks about rural issues. It is time to elect someone who can understand the needs of both Fallston and Abingdon. The current Council is, to be kind, a little light on the intellectual side and could use someone with some brain power and new ideas. I guess I will go with Howell and hopefully he will bring real change to the Council and the County.
Go Derek! You are exactly what we need to get Maryland, and specifically Harford County, back on track!!
Mr. Woods voted in favor of the Beechtree developer receiving 14mil. in bonds to allow/aid/encourage multiple housing units on the rt. 40 corridor. How is this protecting anyone from overdevelopment? The Prospect mill area is up for 125 townhouses, and the over-development crowding continues…
Mr. Howell will say what he thinks. He does the research and does research and ask a lot of questions.
Dion has been running around looking busy for a long time. What are his legislativve accomplishments? His literaturedoes not even address it. People are not stupid and are not fooled. Jphn henkel is a bright and serious candidate and he will make JT and edgewood proud. Not just trying. To boost his name in gthe aergis rag like our prresent councilman does. Vote henkel
Mr. Woods and Mr. Howell
I wonder if either of you are one of the many of us who face the ridiculous traffic backup on Mountain Road every evening between 5:00pm and 6:30pm? Most days I exit 95 South and come to a crawl. The size of the current road is totally inadequate to meet the increasing demands of traffic and the coming shopping center can only make it worse. Do you have a plan to resolve this situation?
As one who has been on that parking lot called MD152, I agree something needs to be done to ease that congestion. I don’t see why it couldn’t be widened to acomadate present traffic flow. As far as development goes… peolple need a place to Live, Work, and play. God gave us dominion over the Earth letrs be good stewards. Go Mr Howell, you are the man!
Imagine that, a real estate agent advocating for more residential development. Why the heck do you think 152 has so much traffic? More development will only make it worse. And widening the road will only provide justification for even more development along 152 in the future. It might alieviate the situation for a short period, but “if you build it, they will come.”
Anyway, it’s a state road. County Council couldn’t have it widened even if they wanted to. So this whole discussion is really a moot point.
Imagine that indeed, I am by no means advocating more development. Development doesn’t put any money in my pocket. However I am a supporter of private property rights. Land doesn’t usually get developed unless there is some to purchase the finished product. Over development stunts the real estate market and depresses values as we are presently seeing. Let’s all be reasonable about things.
I live along Rt 152 and as bad as the traffic is now I do not want to see it widened. That will only invite more development and it is easy to ask for such things when you are only passing through and do not have to live with the congestion in your front yard.
Look at what happened to Rt 24 when it was widened, clear sailing from one end to the other for a very short time until the developers got in there. We do not want or need a repeat of this on 152. Rt 152 is supposed to be a rural buffer between Baltimore Co. and the Harford Co. development envelope and that is the way it should stay. Plans to widen Rt 152 to a four lane, with median strip, highway were suggested and scraped years ago because of community opposition, as it should have been.
As I see it the developers are here and not leaving, so a reappraisal of how you see the communities of Fallston and those beyond on 152 is in order. The rural flavor of this area has been changing even in the few years since I have moved here. The shopping center of the corner of Rt 1 and 152 is a very strong indication that the population is expected to increase and development is going forward.
Traffic has worsened and will continue to do so. I would like to see it widened to accomodate what is and what will come.
Woods are you that pathetic that you need to stoop to the ridiculous tactic of lying. As far as I know Ehrlich is not endorsing you as a candidate, yet I saw signs yesterday that are contrary to the truth. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, you could say you had no part in adding an endorsement to your signs – however your webpage states the same. You webpage is your responsibility – if I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt on your signage. We already have one pathetic liar in office and his trusty side kick Pelosi who is nothing more than a yes “man” and a Barbie doll for her husband to dress (true story) Things that make you go hmmmmm. Are you afraid you can’t win on your on merit?? What a pathetic stunt to pull this late in the game. It shows a true lack of character – congrats you just lost my vote.
I agree with Kendell. How can you claim to be endorsed by Ehrlich when in fact you are not. More then one person has told me that they called the Ehrlich camp to inquire if you had been endorsed and they were told that you were not. Why are you lying about an endorsement? If you will lie about this then I guess you will lie about anything. Just another want to be politician that will do whatever to get what they want. I do not want any more liars to represent me. You have lost my vote and I will work to help you lose this election.
Thank you Quiet Man! Your dead on! Thank you for seeing this for exactly what it is…..a LIE!
ehrlich has endorsed every candidate in every race…he’s to afraid to hurt anyones feelings….
That’s a crock and a cop out excuse for a pathetic lie. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings but I can’t endorse your post.
Member, check out the facts:
I agree, Woods lost my vote by pulling this stunt, see below – this needs to be addressed and exposed for the lie it is:
I agree, please check this information out, it’s a fact that Wood’s is lying about his “endorsement” from Ehrlich
For those interested in the truth behind the lie – please see the link to Woods website:
http://www.teamjoewoods.com/index.php?p=1_3_Contact
Governor Bob Ehrlich Endorses Councilman Joe Woods
01-09-2010
Governor Bob Ehrlich with a Keep Joe Woods Sticker
Not only did Governor Bob Ehrlich wear a Keep Joe Woods Sticker when he announced that he was running for Governor in Bel Air early this summer. He has also endorsed me for Harford County Council District B. Thank you Governor Bob Ehrlich and Good Luck! Joe Woods
This is a flat out lie – Woods knows this is not true – Woods, I’m asking as a resident of Harford County for you to man up and run for office with truth, integrity and respect for the citizen of this county. This is shameful. Seriously!
I am disgusted with Joe Woods! I just received a flyer in the mail stating that he was endorsed by Bob Ehrlich, which is a complete lie. Does anyone in the media even care about this? Perhaps the media believes that all politicians lie so it is not newsworthy. We deserve better than this from both our elected officials and media outlets. Shame on Joe and shame on you DAGGER PRESS.
Sarah Preston,
I talked to Joe Woods and he told me he has the endorsement. I’ve heard from a few others who have told me he has the endorsement.
I haven’t been able to get a call back from Greg Massoni or the Ehrlich campaign for confirmation that he has the endorsement.
But since you’re so sure Woods doesn’t have the endorsement, perhaps you can explain to all of us how you’ve come to that conclusion.
If not, shame on you.
I was able to get in touch with Ehrlich’s camp and they said they have not and are not endorsing Joe Woods. How hard did you try to reach them Mr. Goodman?
Apparently, although email is not published, members of the Dagger Press are using emails to “friend” people on
Facebook – I’d call this harassment and I will pursue legal counsel, if you try to reach me personally again – it’s in violation of this forum –
I have screen shot of your request
Dear Kendell,
You’ve been questioning my integrity all week and spamming my site with 8 (yes, I just counted) consecutive, identical posts on a rumor you can’t or won’t clarify.
You seem so fabulously well-connected as to have the ear of the former Governor at will, so please tell us exactly what the “Ehrlich camp” told you. Use exact quotes when at all possible.
Here’s what I know (and please remember I have much less access to the players in this game than you do):
– Joe Woods says he has the endorsement. He and McMahan were the only 2 councilmembers to get Ehrlich’s endorsement. McMahan got a letter, Woods didn’t. Woods had a mailer go out yesterday with the endorsement on it. Woods spoke to Massoni recently and is working hand-in-hand with the Ehrlich camp.
– “People with knowledge of the situation” have told me that Woods has the SUPPORT of Ehrlich, but may not have the official ENDORSEMENT of Ehrlich. Semantics? Possibly. But the Ehrlich camp doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to clarify any error or misconception. And, trust me, they know about this.
– You evidently have a direct pipeline into the Ehrlich war room and have gleaned knowledge contrary to everything I’ve heard and have been told. We would all love to hear what you know.
Anyway, hi, I’m Brian and I’d still like to be your friend.
I have known Bob Ehrlich since his first campaign for Congress (2nd District) Bob does not want fights in the primary elections so therefore don’t endorse candidates. Bob is more concerned for Republican Party Unity. Because that is what gets the top man on the ticket elected. I am a Bob Ehrlich Supporter, and this is a good strategy for him. That being said any stretch of the imagination will show you that the Governor is not going to say anything negative about someone holding office in the area he is campaigning. So Joe has taken this and stretched some positive words to the breaking point. I can’t say I blame him. I am a supporter of Derek Howell for District B County Council. He is by far the most qualified candidate. Not just a politician, but more a statesmen. One that knows what is right, and lives he life accordingly.
Brian – Call 410-244-0147. Ask to speak with Greg Massoni, Paul Schurick or Bernie Marzack. All will confirm the information. I hope once you receive proof that Woods has lied both to the voters and apparently directly to you, The Dagger will be taking action, instead of sitting on the sidelines. We do not need another Nixon/Clinton in office.
All, if you think your identity or emails are confidential, your mistaken, I was just contacted on Facebook by Brian Goodman, who works for Dagger Press – I received a Friend request. I don’t know Brian
Brian
Your abusing your “authority” at the Dagger. I haven’t seen a post from you all week. The point of the forum is NOT to identify people posting so you can contact them personally.
& no I won’t friend you on Facebook.
Abusing my authority would involve identifying people so our readers could figure out the axes they’re attempting to grind.
But don’t worry, your secrets are safe with me, Kendell.
How about Ehrlich?
What was it he told you about his endorsement?
ps – I’m really hoping you’ll reconsider on the friendship thing.
Wow Brian… You’ve convinced me to have less respect for your publication than I already have for the Aegis. I didn’t think that was possible. Well played my friend. Oh, and by saying “my friend” I wasn’t asked for a Facebook invite.
Mr. or Mrs. Stevenson: Please stop posting. “You’re” getting on my nerves with “your” uppity attitude and “your” incorrect use of “your”. No one even knows what “you’re” talking about. How is Brian abusing his “authority” on The Dagger by not posting in a week? You are weird. Go find another blog.
Stefano – no, nobody wants the truth. I’ve in no way offended you. This is a public forum, not a outlet for seeking identity. Brian is abusing his authority by contacting me directly – Am I weird because the truth hurts? Sorry if the truth hurts, Brian is in fact the one who launched a personal attack. It’s best he backs off at this point…………. bottom line.
The truth is there is your open to it. So THERE! This just goes to show the media has it’s on personal agenda – This is your first post – so is this Brian under an alias – Do your homework and you’ll find the truth –
I agree with Underdog629