Politics & Government

Q&A: Barrie Howard, Ward 6 Candidate

Check out what the candidates have to say.

Throughout this week we'll be running Q&A's with candidates in the Takoma Park City Council election. Any of the candidates that responded to our questions will be posted.

Ward 6 candidate Barrie Howard sat down with Patch to answer questions before the Nov. 8 election.

1. Where would you cut the budget? Can the city progress with programs or does it need to simply maintain it's current services because of budget issues?

Find out what's happening in Takoma Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I wouldn't. Significant cuts were made in FY2011, and this year's budget actually remained in the black through the good stewardship and lobbying efforts of our City staff. Next year we'll see an increase in the speed camera fund and considerable savings from paying down debt in FY2012. We can progress programs, where there is approval from the citizenry.

2. Name three things you would propose as a council member to improve livability in Takoma Park.

There are more than three important elements of a livable, inside-the-Beltway suburb. A short list should include easy access to and affordable options for food, health care, housing, and transportation. In that order, I'll advocate for: a Trader Joe's within the City limits and continued support of the Crossroads Farmers Market; the development and open review of a feasible business plan for residual services left in the wake of WAH's proposed relocation, or improving our relationship with the Hospital in the event it stays; affordable housing options within new development plans and the assertion of tenant's rights; alternative modes of transportation that encourage people to leave their cars at home like a Capital Bikeshare for Takoma Park.

3. With the County Council adopting the CR Zone what would you like to see happen to the Takoma Langley Crossroads? Where is the balance between development and livability?

Find out what's happening in Takoma Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I'd like to see interim development, guided by input from Takoma Park residents, in the spirit of the best aspects of the new zoning ordinance. The City has supported a number of economic development initiatives for developers over the last ten years through commercial overlay and enterprise zones to no effect. We can't wait until the Purple Line arrives to catalyze redevelopment that will have positive impacts on our community and drive tax revenue to the City. There are a number of neighborhood level initiatives afoot to enhance livability, such as the implementation of traffic calming devices. A balance is achievable as long as revitalization projects don't undermine these initiatives, and ensure quality development.

4. How do you see the Takoma Junction developing? How would you quell the traffic issue?

This issue needs more study. The Takoma Junction Task Force recognizes this, which is why they asked for and received an extension of their term through January 2012. Just this week the TPSS Co-op agreed to explore an expansion of their Junction location, which will at a minimum have an impact on automobile and pedestrian traffic. I'm looking forward to meeting with the Task Force and discussing its recommendations.

5. With tax duplication being such a big issue with residents, how would you make city services worth the extra money residents currently pay? If the county is providing a better service do you think the city should drop that service?

The County doesn't provide better services in almost all cases, and you get what you pay for. Many non-residents enroll in our Rec Dept programs because the County's recreation services are on the decline. We have a high standard of living in Takoma Park, which would erode if we were dependent solely on Rockville for public services. Takoma Park residents shouldn't have to pay Montgomery County for services they don't provide, period. I'm going to focus on changing that.

6. What issue is most important to you? Just speak your mind on this one and let the readers know why it is important for you to be sitting at the dais after the November election.

Participatory government is the most important issue to me, and permeates every issue from the Junction to the Crossroads Sector Plan. The City can do more to reach out to residents, encourage civic engagement, and make policy decisions based on public input. There are too many examples where residents have engaged, and received little more than lip service. Your voice on the Council should matter, and make a difference.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here