Margery,

Election season is upon us! As we prepare to cast our ballots on November 5th, I want to share important information with you about the 2024 Election.

If you have not done so already, please remember to register to vote by the deadline, Tuesday, October 15th. To register to vote, check your status, or update your information, visit elections.maryland.gov.

Additionally, this year, voters will be asked to make decisions on two important referendums- constitutionalizing reproductive freedom at the State level and creating an Office of Inspector General at the County level. During the 2023 Legislative Session, State legislators passed HB705 Declaration of Rights - Right to Reproductive Freedom. This bill initiated the constitutional amendment on this year's ballot. If the referendum passes, the Constitution of Maryland would include the right to reproductive healthcare. Voters will see the following question on their ballots:

• Question 1: Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 245 of the 2023 Legislative Session) Declaration of Rights - Right to Reproductive Freedom
• The proposed amendment confirms an individual's fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including but not limited to the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end the individual's pregnancy, and provides the State may not, directly or indirectly, deny, burden, or abridge, the right unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means. (Adding Article 48 to the Maryland Declaration of Rights)
• For the Constitutional Amendment
• Against the Constitutional Amendment

On July 29th, the Howard Council of Maryland unanimously passed CR107-2024, legislation to amend the County Charter to create an Office of Inspector General. As a result of this, Howard County voters will see the following question on their ballots:

• Question A: Charter Amendment - Office of Inspector General
• Amending the County Charter to create an independent Office of Inspector General to provide increased accountability and oversight of county government and county funded organizations. The Inspector General would investigate fraud, waste and abuse, and identify ways to promote efficiency, accountability, compliance and integrity. The office would do its work without interference from the County Executive and County Council. The office could hire legal, financial and technical advisors as needed. The Executive's proposed budget would have to include the funding requested by the Inspector General, and the Executive could not reorganize the office. The County Council would pass a law to specify the details of the office, including the appointment, removal and oversight of the Inspector General. The law may also provide for the use of a Council appointed board.
• For the Charter Amendment
• Against the Charter Amendment

Lastly, please make sure you get out and vote! Each and every vote matters. Election day is November 5th, with early voting taking place October 24th through October 31st. Early voting occurs at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Bain 50+ Center, St. John Baptist Church, and North Laurel Community Center.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

New legislation was introduced at the September 3rd Legislative Session, including:

• CR134-2024: A resolution supporting an application to the State of Maryland for the designation of the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone as part of the Maryland Enterprise Zone Program. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.



• CB49-2024: An act making emergency appropriations pursuant to Section 610(b) of the Howard County Charter and amending the Annual Budget and Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2025 to provide additional spending authority in the Economic Development Authority for farmer grants; and declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.



• CB52-2024: An act amending the membership of the LGBTQIA+ Commission to add that up two members can work or attend school in the County; amending the appointment requirements for the college student; and generally relating to the LGBTQIA+ Commission. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

September 15th through October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month!

Join the La Alianza Latina Commission and County Executive Ball at the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 5th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Color Burst Park. Celebrate with live music, food, performances, vendors, and more.

Register today for this free event online!

For any questions about the event, including vending and performing, please contact alianzalatina@howardcountymd.gov.

BikeAround Downtown

Join the Office of Transportation on Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Color Burst Park for the annual BikeAround Downtown Columbia Block Party. At the Block Party, Office of Transportation staff will be ready to help you and answer questions so you can make biking part of your daily routine.

After stopping by the block party, bike around on the seven-mile course starting at Color Burst Park, then riding through Oakland Mills, Owen Brown, and Blandair Regional Park.

Learn more about this year's event and register online!

Route 1 Pedestrian Improvements

The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) is hosting a public informational workshop on Tuesday, September 24th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the PHILLIPS School of Maryland in Laurel. At this meeting, SHA staff will discuss the goals and objectives to improve pedestrian access and safety along Route 1 from Gorman Road to the Prince George's County line. This section of Route 1 will be receiving safety improvements as part of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Interested residents can stop by anytime during the workshop to learn about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Learn more by reading SHA's press release online. If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to view the materials, these will be posted on SHA's project website.

State of the County 2024

On Tuesday, October 1st from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Building, County Executive Ball will give his annual State of the County address. During this address, he will provide an update on the County's efforts to make Howard County the best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.

Reserve your free ticket online!

Savage 7K Run & 1-Mile Historic Walk

Support Carroll Baldwin Hall in Savage by registering for the Savage 7K Run and 1-Mile Historic Walk! This year's race takes place on Sunday, October 27th at 8:00 AM. Proceeds go towards restoring and maintaining the historic Carroll Baldwin Hall. Register online before October 25th to pay a discounted price of $35!

If running is not your speed, consider volunteering by working as a course marshal, bringing baked goods, or helping with setup and cleanup. Sign up to volunteer online!

Legislative Analyst Job Posting

The Howard County Council is hiring a Legislative Analyst! This position includes professional and technical work supporting the legislative, budgetary, and policy roles of the County Council. Work includes drafting legislation, researching, reviewing, and analyzing legislative, budget, and policy issues; providing liaison with government agencies in support of policy issues before the Council; providing staff support for Council meetings and for special studies undertaken for the Council; communicating with agencies and with the public on behalf of the Council's initiatives.

View the job posting and submit your application online!

Community Ambassador Program

Join the Community Ambassador Program! The Community Ambassador program provides an opportunity for dedicated community members to learn about important county resources and services. With this knowledge, our ambassadors can give advice to their respective communities, as well as Howard County at large. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to serve as representatives at community events and help constituents navigate resources to find the information they need.  

Learn more about the program by visiting the Community Ambassador website. Interested residents should apply online to become a Community Ambassador.

Electric Vehicle FAQ

Three years ago, my family needed a new vehicle, and despite some uncertainties, we decided to go all-electric. Since then, I’ve been approached numerous times by people curious about EVs. It seems there are quite a few of you out there, so here are some of the common questions I’ve encountered:

1.       EVs are so expensive! How were you able to afford one?

EVs are still more expensive than a gas-powered car, but our family was able to get a federal tax credit when we purchased our Nissan Leaf, which made it work for us. Tax credits are still available for many EVs. Find out more here.

2.       How/where do you charge?

We own a townhouse without a garage, so I initially thought installing a charger was impossible. We use the charger that came with our car, plugging it directly into an outdoor outlet for Level 1 (“trickle”) charging. While slow, it's been sufficient for us. Since homeowner’s associations cannot restrict the use of a charger, this option works really well for us. To prevent the charging cable from becoming a trip hazard, we cover it with a cable ramp. Another option is to purchase an external charger and hire an electrician to install it. Although we didn't install a charger, Maryland now offers rebates for homeowners who wish to. In central Maryland, there are also plenty of Level 2 chargers, some of which are free, like those at libraries or the George Howard Building. Google Maps is a great tool for finding chargers and ensuring compatibility with your vehicle.

3.       What is Level 1 and Level 2?

The speed of a charger is ranked on Level 1, 2, or 3. Level 1 is the slowest but gentlest on your battery, taking about 24 hours to fully charge our car. Level 2 is faster, typically taking about 4 hours for a full charge. Fast chargers, or Level 3, are usually found near highways and can charge your car in about 30 minutes.

4.       Is charging cheaper than gas?

Absolutely.

5.       How often do you need to charge?

It depends on usage. Our family charges about once or twice a week, but we do it overnight or while at the office. It is incredibly convenient!

6.       What kind of range do you need?

This also varies. Our Nissan Leaf has a 160-mile range, which is on the low end for new EVs. For us, it is perfect for daily needs like school, work, errands, and short weekend trips. We can get somewhere comfortably that is about an hour and a half away and back, without planning for an additional stop to charge along the way. For longer trips or to areas without charging stations, we rent a vehicle.

7.       What is great / not so great about owning an EV?

I love how quietly it drives and its quick acceleration. The maintenance is minimal, though regular tire care is important. However, you can't always rely on finding a charger, so some trip planning is required. There's a learning curve (for example, the range decreases with high speed, heavy AC/heat use, or in cold weather), but overall, we've been very happy with our EV and recommend it to anyone considering one!

8.       Where can I learn more?

Howard County’s Office of Community Sustainability offers some great resources and the County’s Department of Planning and Zoning recently created a one-pager with step-by-step guidelines on installing a charger on private HOA property. For an overview of all incentives available, check Maryland EV’s incentives resource page.

Have any other questions? I’m happy to chat EVs – email me at cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov.

• Energy and Utility Assistance
• Food Assistance from the Howard County Food Bank
• Emergency Broadband Assistance
• Volunteer Opportunities

• HCPD Daily Bulletin
• Interactive Map
• Unemployment Benefits from the State of Maryland
• Maryland Vaccine Locator

There is one community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3.

Name: Nordau Section E-2

Sign Code: R06

Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 8th at 6:00 PM

Meeting Address: Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel, MD 20723

Acres: 2.5

Planned use: Subdivide 2.5 acres into 3 lots.

Christiana Rigby

Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2001

Colette Gelwicks

Chief of Staff

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-2421