Growth policy is becoming ever more important and controversial in Maryland, which is 42nd among the states in size but 5th in population density.

Poorly planned growth results in loss of productive soils, loss of forest land, loss of Bay fisheries, pollution of Maryland rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, increasing demand for infrastructure and other capital improvements, and the need to acquire forest land and set goals for agricultural land preservation.

Obviously, infinite growth is not possible in a finite area with finite resources. Still, most politicians continue to act as if there is no foreseeable end to growth.

We need an endgame to growth. Our Green Party candidates are addressing this issue head on.

Gubernatorial candidate, Maria Allwine, supports the concept of a steady-state economy. "Stability does not mean stagnation, in fact the opposite. Stability means that communities will strengthen from within to meet the needs of individuals. The steady-state economy is based on achieving stable population and stable consumption of materials and energy at a sustainable level."

The BRAC plan will put even more pressure on our state's already strained infrastructure, schools and services. Maria believes that the lack of consideration for the feasibility or sustainability of the BRAC proposal represents "a failure of leadership and an unwillingness to embrace a completely different type of development based on a steady-state model." Developers still control plans for growth and, ultimately, what our communities become. "This must change."

Mike Shey, candidate for Anne Arundel County Executive was a founding member of South Arundel Citizens for Responsible Development whose purpose was to protect communities from the consequences of unchecked development. Mike argues that we "need to stop giving our tax money away to developers and to promote a new local economy based on local businesses and local farms."

George Gluck, a candidate for Montgomery County Council, argues that the county's land use policy clearly needs to do more "to lower our carbon footprint." George argues that small businesses are not only more environmentally friendly but will keep more of the consumers' money within the county, whereas big box stores will send much of their income out of state-and may not even pay any state taxes.

Joe Lane, candidate for Washington County Commissioner strongly criticizes the county government for handing out gifts to developers at a time when there are too many houses on the market and not enough room in the schools. "These commissioners call this gift to developers a 'stimulus' package. Who will get the stimulus? Not small business owners, not machine shops, not bakeries or antique malls, not farmers. There is not a dime in this for long term, good paying jobs."

Achieving a sustainable economy in Maryland, one that does not degrade the environment or increase congestion, will require a well thought out transition from a policy of growth to a steady-state economy. For the moment, only Green Party candidates are willing to tackle this issue head on.

Now you can give online instantly to the Maryland Green Party. Visit http://www.mdgreens.org/paypal.html to make a secure online contribution now! Make a one-time contribution of $25, $50, or $100, or sign up to be a monthly sustainer. You can contribute $5, $10, or $20 on a monthly basis with your credit or debit card. Your support makes it possible to fund our ballot access drives, support our candidates, and expand our mission with advertising, promotional materials, and more. Please make an online contribution today!

If you are better at making money than giving it, the Maryland Green Party has instituted a new fundraising system. We are looking for dedicated Greens to contact their friends and family, community groups, neighbors, and fellow activists on behalf of the MGP. For every contribution you raise from an eligible donor, you will get back a percentage plus bonuses for stellar performance. Click here to learn more and get signed up as a Maryland Green Party fundraiser today!"

Click through on the following links to our candidates webpages and help out by donating some time or money to the effort.

Maria Allwine for Governor.

Natasha Pettigrew for Senate.

Mike Shay for Anne Arundel County Executive.

George Gluck for Montgomery County Council.

Joe Lane for Washington County Commission.