Candidate promises to make it a better Eastport

In the last week, there has been a lot of noise from my opponent’s supporters suggesting that I couldn’t possibly represent all the voices in Ward 8 because I took campaign donations from developers. The implication is that because of this I am somehow tainted; that I am now anti-resident, anti-environment, and pro-uncontrolled growth. This is just not correct! I support all residents of Ward 8, including the 40% who do not choose to own single-family homes! I support all aspects of environmental stewardship. I support only smart growth with compliance with specified APF’s.

For the last 30 years, the foundation of my consulting methodology has always been to first listen to what clients tell me. And then to collaborate with ALL stakeholders to reach a successful solution. Isn’t it best to include everyone from the beginning?

Building trust and relationships among all these folks is essential, even among folks with very different points of view. Using a Community Benefit Agreement with each potential developer before a project even goes to the Planning and Zoning Department is a way to actualize that. We also need a complete review/ revamp of planning and zoning city codes and adoption of form zoning. I cannot undo what has occurred in the past, but I promise to make it a better Eastport — not the Eastport of 20 years ago, but a vibrant Eastport for the future and one we can all be proud to call home.

Someone recently said I needed to “pick a side.” My years of experience have shown that collaboration and successful solutions are not well served when one “picks a side.” I recently saw a lovely piece of art representing Annapolis and the words: Peaceable Kingdom of Annapolis. I want the art that says Peaceable Kingdom of Eastport! #Change is coming …

Katie George, Annapolis The writer is a candidate for Ward 8 Alderman in Annapolis.