Q&A: Olszewski and Redmer on the issues

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At nearly 600 square miles in area and with an estimated 830,000 population, Baltimore County is the region’s largest jurisdiction in both size and people power.  Surrounding Baltimore City on three sides, it has enormous impact on the lives of everyone in the metropolitan area. The county will also have new executive leadership in the county seat in Towson this December.

I recently interviewed the two major party candidates for county executive: John Olszewski, Jr., the Democrat and former state delegate, known informally as “Johnny O,” and Al Redmer, the Republican, currently serving as state insurance commissioner in the Hogan administration. 

Taking a regional perspective, what would be your priorities for improving the area’s transportation system?

Olszewski: We need a transportation system that’s safe, connected and sustainable; a system that takes advantage of technological advances. He would be a strong regional partner participating in BRTB. He noted having advocated for a standalone Baltimore County transportation department. He would be “doubling down on a multi-modal approach,” including biking and other modes. He cited the missed opportunity of the Red Line.

Redmer: There needs to be a long-term plan that’s open, transparent, collaborative, a regional approach. Baltimore County has no long-term, multi-year budget, no investment in long-term infrastructure, including its employee training. He would address these unmet needs, identifying them district by district with local stakeholders and put a price tag on these needs.

Affordable housing is a challenge in Baltimore County and the region. What actions would you take to respond to the challenge?

Redmer: This issue is another one of those unmet needs. Young people migrate to the city, then raise families back in county. It’s also a problem for seniors. He would collaborate with the state housing agency and secure affordable housing either through redevelopment or in-fill development. Bureaucracy makes it more difficult to build housing at an affordable price. He would streamline government to lower the costs.

Olszewski: The consent decree (resolving a federal housing discrimination complaint) needs to be enforced. We must partner with others to end discrimination. He would support the HOME Act, while supporting economic development and workforce improvements. Both Howard and Montgomery counties offer examples of providing affordable housing, as well as better equity in education.

The region faces several environmental challenges: improving air quality, storm water management, improving water quality in area streams and the Chesapeake Bay.  Do you have specific ideas for addressing these issues?

Olszewski: Balance growth with conservation, make use of green technology, preserve the URDL (Urban Rural Demarcation Line) in place since 1967. Support land preservation and opportunities for recreation. He recognizes the unique connection with the Chesapeake Bay. Back River and the Patapsco River provide current challenges, including sediment and nutrient pollution. He would support green energy and recycling.

Redmer: Government itself causes problems, such as dumping sewage into waterways. State is improving water quality coming into the Conowingo. He supports smart growth and is a cheerleader for nonprofits, such as the one working to enhance the Back-River Restoration.

Are there other areas that you can cite in which Baltimore County can contribute to the well-being of both the county and its regional neighbors?

Redmer: A water distribution system that’s more efficient, more cost effective; a multi-jurisdiction oversight committee providing cooperation and coordination between city and county. County has failed to invest in basic infrastructure, including police, with more on the street and the latest specialized training and equipment.  Regarding economic growth in general, we are not going to achieve this unless we get our hands around crime, education and school overcrowding. His regional priorities would include addressing regional crime and infrastructure.

Olszewski: One issue that sticks out as an issue for Baltimore County as well as the city is the opioid epidemic. Dealing with this requires collaboration with teachers, doctors, the courts, etc. to break the crisis. There’s also need for fresh data utilization to attack the problem.

On a final note, he mentioned being a partner in supporting arts and cultural institutions. He estimated the county had provided $30 million in such support over the past eight years.

Thus, my attempt to have the candidates think outside the box – or, at least, the borders of Baltimore County.

Joe Nathanson heads Urban Information Associates, Inc., a Baltimore-based economic and community development consulting firm. He writes a monthly column for The Daily Record and can be contacted at [email protected].