Tom D'Asto's Political Platform,
June 2, 2010
I would like to declare where
I stand on the critical issues that face our county and the residents of
District 4.
My Common Sense Political Platform:
I was and I still am a proponent of community planning. However, my position on the Town Center re-development: it's been voted on and it's a done deal. It's such a done deal that I want to be the community leader to make sure that the developer's actually stick to what they signed up to do!
I come from a part of the district/county that has seen the developer's plan unfold repeatedly: propose a plan of high density, fight with the community, come to some middle ground, and then as soon as the equipment starts to move earth the developer puts up those familar orange signs announcing a change in plans!
Well, I won't stand for it as your Councilman. In fact, I will push for completion of the plan as fast as possible. We don't need this dragging out for decades!
During this re-development period, I want to ensure that the roads and sewage system are adequate and properly planned, protect Merriweather and Symphony Woods, and minimize the cost to Howard County.
With regard to the Wilde Lake Village center, the county and District 4 residents should consider the current leadership an utter failure. Business owners, like Columbia's homeowners, should be required to maintain their properties at levels that are beneficial to the community! It's time for a hardline approach and I'm the man for the job.
I am determined to restore fiscal discipline to the county's budget process. I want to hold the line on County spending. My long-term goal is to return property tax rates back to reasonable levels. As your councilman, I will find ways to reduce the tax burden on working families to make Howard County an affordable place to live and work for everyone.
With three young children in Howard County schools and with a wife who is a public school teacher, I will certainly continue to support our public school system, striving to maintain the best schools in the state.
I understand the need to maintain an excellent team of first-responders and will support the needs of the different departments in an effort to maintain personnel staffing levels and first-rate facilities.
I differentiate myself from other candidates not only because of the preceding statements, but also because I stand for sincere and honest leadership.
