Tom D'Asto's Political Platform,
September 19, 2006…
I stated early this year, at my campaign kick-off announcement,
that I would release my political platform later in the summer. Now that
the Primary Elections are history, 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 am a proponent of community planning, but reject the current plan for Town Center due to the levels of residential and commercial density. 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 when a satisfactory plan is submitted.
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 reduce property and income tax rates back to reasonable levels. As your councilman I will find ways to reduce the tax burden on working families and others to make Howard County an affordable place to live and work.
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 will advocate for the County’s non-profit organizations by encouraging county residents to contribute time, resources, and funding.
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 support the legislation that caps property taxes for senior citizens – essentially, fixing the annual amount paid in property taxes so that seniors can better plan for retirement on a fixed budget.
I want to institute the RECAP program introduced in April by a select group of Howard County Council Republican candidates. Basically, this program allows homeowners to retain their current property tax cap protection when they move to a new home. I do not want an increase in property taxes, due to a home purchase, to limit people from taking their next life step.
I will continue to support the county’s initiative to work with the surrounding jurisdictions and state officials to improve public transportation. We especially need to accommodate and prepare for the changes associated with the expansion of Fort Meade as a result of the base realignment and closure activities of the federal government (BRAC). This will have a significant effect on the county’s eastern corridor and must be planned correctly.
Please review one of the rebroadcasts of the League of Women Voter's County Council Forum to hear what I completely said about affordable housing!
"...I support enhancing our current home OWNERSHIP programs because home ownership is more important for our community than subsidized rentals!"
Home ownership brings to our community a more stable population that will care for the community in better ways than transient populations will.
You can quote me COMPLETELY on that!
I differentiate myself from other candidates not only because of the preceding statements, but also because I stand for sincere and honest leadership.
