Patoka: Baltimore County welcomes public involvement in planning

I am writing in regard to the recent editorial in The Baltimore Sun, “In Baltimore County, will politics always trump thoughtful planning?” (April 9). As chair of the Baltimore County Council and a professional planner, I would like to offer an alternate perspective.

It may be true that Baltimore County has had a checkered past in regard to development issues. For that reason, it is easy to suggest that the county’s behavior of the past still exists. However, this is a false narrative that continues to be shared by those who have very little interaction with residents, community groups and families who live in Baltimore County. The current County Council is engaging and an extremely thoughtful governing body especially as it relates to development issues.

The Sun states, “Until local residents become more politically active and start pushing back against the politicization of land use decisions, the best hope may yet be in reducing the clout of individual members.” I support growing the County Council to nine members. Further, I contend that residents who participate in community meetings are, in fact, politically active and work day in and day out to strengthen their respective communities. Council members participate in that political process with the shared goal of making Baltimore County stronger. This allows for council members to make informed decisions based on community input that are balanced in thought.

There will be significant legislative initiatives in 2024 to address quality-of-life issues that require community engagement. The county council welcomes your participation. Please stay tuned to important pieces of legislation like the Mixed-Use Overlay District (9-24) and our Adequate Public Facilities legislation to address overcrowded schools.

— Izzy Patoka, Sudbrook Park

The writer is chair of the Baltimore County Council.