Bay Weekly Question

When my term in office is finished, how will I have used their vote—and their trust—to make our county a better place to live?

In responding to this question, I reviewed the questions that Bay Weekly asked me four years ago as a candidate for Calvert County Commissioner. Bay Weekly asked me about what growth or land-use problem concerned me and also asked about my vision. As I finish my first term in office, it is useful to see how much of what I hoped to accomplish did get accomplished, given that a 3 person majority is required. I wrote: “by choosing Susan, you choose: • commitment to slower, smarter, sustainable growth in Calvert • a zoning advocate since 1975 who will comprehensively review the zoning code •respect for Calvert’s historical, agricultural and maritime industries • innovative ideas for expanding green corridors while advancing eco-tourism • preservation of rural character, open spaces, wildlife habitats, conservation easements.” I am pleased to report success in all areas. Calvert’s residential growth rate has been reduced to a sustainable and healthy 2%; a comprehensive rewrite of the zoning ordinance took over 1 ½ years to complete with the input of hundreds of citizens; proposals to over-regulate agriculture were defeated while the Southern MD Heritage area designation was achieved, opening the door to historical grants, and close partnerships with the Watermen’s association were formed; while more remains to be accomplished on green corridors, eco-tourism is forging ahead; more land has been preserved than has been developed.

I hope that four years from now, I can claim the same kind of success on the issues Calvert is facing now which include: maintaining a 2% rate of residential growth or below; focusing on our quality of life including getting the indoor aquatic center that was recently approved built and open, building a mid-county community center with a teen center in it; conservative fiscal management that holds the line on taxes; continued upgrades to Route 4; expanded business-friendly practices and advocacy; utilization of the town center concept and newly revised zoning ordinance to continue to preserve more land than we are developing, while keeping Calvert unique and livable.

My vision four years ago had 6 components including: use funds wisely to avoid tax increases; achieve a sustainable rate of residential growth; thrive economically with an increasing commercial tax base; move safely and efficiently by road, bicycle, and public transportation; provide a quality education for children and adults; actively value the environment. The only component that falls short is moving safely and efficiently by road, bicycle, and public transportation, which is a monumental task to complete, however progress has been made on the Prince Frederick Loop Road and on the Southern Connector Road.

Four years later, there are competing visions for Calvert County. The one to which I subscribe is that Calvert will remain a semi-rural community with open vistas of farms and forests, but with safer roads and an even better quality of life. One competing vision is that Calvert County would become an inner suburb with affordable houses on small lots all across the County, and with businesses strung up and down Route 4. A third vision is that Calvert County would become Ocean City west with high rises on the Bay and the River and workforce housing in between. I hope that in four years, my vision for a healthy Chesapeake Bay, residential growth under 2%, safer roads, and more amenities like an indoor aquatic center, and a teen-oriented community center; with low taxes, with support and encouragement for businesses; and with more land being preserved than is being developed, will prevail making our County an even better place to live!

Susan Shaw,

Calvert County Commissioner candidate from the 2nd election district