What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them?

(1) Storm water- ensure that the most efficient tech ply is being used on new projects being designed. Work to address maintenance and failing of old systems which is very difficult as developers move on and HOA’s are not prepared to address the issues 

(2)Water quality- work with property owners to address issues that impact surface and subsurface water quality. 

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties.  Is this good news to you or bad…and why? 

I think that is good news but honestly if it were lower I would be even more happy. Today we still struggle with infrastructure issues based  on our past rapid growth. Based on our topography and environmental factors we cannot handle so much more traffic. 

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion?  If no, why not?

Yes 

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%?  If not, why not?

I would need more information and to see what 25% actually looks like. If the town centers are where we want future growth to go, more work needs to be done before we set limits on how much growth in those town centers. 

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters?   If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention?

Depending on the information needed to make decisions their perspective would be helpful. To my knowledge they have not been utilized in the past and maybe that is something we should look into. 

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern? 

In the last 4 years we have opened up more venues for public participation but it is still greatly lacking. The only way to make good decisions and set a future path for this county is by listening to as many of its citizens as possible. I am always willing to listen to other perspectives because you never know where the next great idea will come from. 

Mr Estes, comes to most of our board meetings and I think he will attest to the fact that I do work to get issues corrected as quickly as we can. Sometimes the issues are under the Maryland Department of Environment and we have to push them to get actions. Other times we have to work with SHA and it is surprising how reluctant they are to address issues. I guess in the end we all can and should do better after all it’s our children’s future in our hands. 

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to connect with your organization. 

Buddy Hance

At-Large Commissioner

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them?

The two most critical issues are having enough water for consumption for the future and keeping our waterways clean. I am a member of Friends of Mill Creek and we work towards keeping Mill Creek clean.

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties.  Is this good news to you or bad…and why?

This is good news because I don’t want to see overpopulation in Calvert. We have limited land and we need to use it wisely to keep the rural flavor.

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion?  If no, why not?

Absolutely. It should be included in the Master Plan.

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%?  If not, why not?

Yes. I would support such an ordinance.

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters?   If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention?

Definitely, I would turn frequently to the Environmental Commission for input on the impact of Planning and Zoning matters.

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern?

I would turn to the Environmental Commission to help educate residents on areas of concern and I will certainly listen to their issues.

Tricia Powell

Candidate for County Commissioner

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them?

The 1st critical issue is the cleanup and remediation of PFAS chemical type substances, (known as forever chemicals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. With health effects associated with exposure, such as, cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease), contamination in soils such as at the Naval Research Laboratory in Chesapeake Beach.  And to prevent the further contamination of ground waters. The need is to work with State leadership and that of the Federal government for funding of this cleanup effort. And to ensure that these chemicals, or newly created, replacement, associated similar chemicals, will no longer be used.

The 2nd critical issue is to have all farms in Calvert County, that have used human sewage treated biosolids for fertilizer spread upon their fields, to have their soils tested for PFAS, (forever chemicals), contamination, since much of the produce and meats sold at farmer’s markets in the county are grown and produced here. It has been found that many of these biosolids have been contaminated with PFAS type chemical substances. Also, to ensure any future applications of biosolid fertilizers, on farms in Calvert County, the testing of biosolid fertilizers must be mandatory, and certified, free from PFAS, or PFAS type, chemical substances prior to application. It is absolutely critical that we know if Calvert County farms have contaminated soils, and thereby, since grown on those soils, contaminated products, such as vegetables, and feeds for livestock, and other animals. As well as the possible farm field water runoffs into our local streams that feed into our tributaries and waterways. A list of all county farms that do not have, or do have, levels, and if so, the level of PFAS, or PFAS type, chemical contamination, should be posted on the Calvert County’s website, and the Calvert County Health Department website, as a health advisory.

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties. Is this good news to you or bad…and why? 

I think it is good news. Slower population increase. Less overall density. Less traffic congestion. Less environmental damage. Less commercial construction. Better managed. 

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion? If no, why not? 

Yes.

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%? If not, why not? 

Yes. It is a great way to protect our streams and the waters of the Patuxent and Chesapeake Bay from contaminated water runoff.

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters? If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention? 

Yes. I will listen to all those with the knowledge, education, and experience, on such matters, and seek out those opinions, and advice, when necessary.

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern?

I would encourage the BOCC to schedule town hall meetings, a couple of times each year, to discuss, in a civil manner, all issues of citizen concerns. As well as having the heads of departments attend. In the case that the BOCC will not, I would be happy to have a get together with any group, or citizens, to hear any concerns and work to see that they are addressed at BOCC meetings. Also, I would like to see the County develop a blog type site where commissioners, and department heads/managers, so the public could engage on any subject. Or at a minimum, the creation of an ombudsman site separate from the County’s main website.

If you have any further questions, I’d be happy to answer those as well.

Sincerely,

Patrick E. Flaherty

1of5@electflaherty.com

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and  what will you do to address them? 

My first concern is stormwater management. We have been aggressively working with the state on new SWM requirements for all new construction. Second is erosion, and we are seeing this effect in all of our waterways. Once again we  have been working with the state using grants and county contributions to repair and restore shorelines as best as we can. 

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population  grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the  three southern MD counties. Is this good news to you or bad…and why? 

We currently do not have the proper infrastructure in place to  handle any growth. 

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be  included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize  stormwater runoff and soil erosion? If no, why not? 

Yes I agree it  should be included.  

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of  impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking  lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town  Center will not exceed 25%? If not, why not? 

Yes.  

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with  a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the  Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters? If  elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on  environmental topics that come to your attention? 

Absolutely, I value  these boards and welcome their input. 

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and  respond to their issues of concern?

We’re in the process now of engaging our residents through a stronger social media presence utilizing avenues such as Facebook and YouTube.

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them?

The state of our watershed (river, creeks, and the Bay itself) and the preservation of our old growth forests. To accomplish this, I propose utilizing them in the best way possible as a tourist attraction, and with those funds raised through tourism to further protect those lands and allow the county to purchase more woodlands, wetlands, and beach front for public enjoyment. With minimal additions such as walking/ biking trails, amenities such as trash cans, benches, restrooms, and emergency call boxes, we can become a county known for its natural beauty that is protected and maintained for future generations to enjoy. We are home to beautiful and rare flora and fauna that needs to be protected and maintained so it can thrive in the future. 

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties. Is this good news to you or bad…and why?

This is great news for Calvert County for many reasons. First, our current water/sewer system cannot handle an increase in population. By maintaining low growth, we can repair and maintain what we have and improve it for the current generations of residents here. Calvert County has the potential to be a great tourist destination centered around our natural beauty that will allow tourists to come in, stay a weekend and spend money at our local businesses and then most importantly: LEAVE. 

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion? If no, why not?

Completely agree. Soil erosion and storm runoff impacts our watershed to a huge degree and if we want to keep our waters clean from the Bay to the rivers, to our creeks and marshlands, we need to account for and mitigate these issues. 

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%? If not, why not?

I cannot agree with a specific number at this time as I need to research just what that 25% would look like in terms of our current growth rate and population needs, but I do agree that some number needs to be reached to mitigate the impact of runoff and erosion to our watershed. If that number does end up being 25% however, I would happily agree with it in order to protect our waters. 

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters? If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention?

Yes, absolutely. In any matter where I cannot consider myself comfortable with offering my own expert opinion (and there are only a few areas where I am, I am not afraid to admit), I always utilize expert opinions and research to form my ideas and opinions. The use of data and facts to inform policy and decision making always leads to better outcomes, particularly in reference to our environment. 

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern?

What I currently do now is take time every day to answer any questions that come to my inbox (and I get many these days) to the best of my ability. When I do not have all the answers, I find them for people. I like to personally make sure that people have the information they need to make the best possible informed decisions on any topic. If I am stopped out and about I do my best to speak with a person as much as I can and if I cannot (usually just because I have one of my children with me), I happily offer my email and will always respond to any request for information.

What is Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them? 

Too much building and too much traffic which affects our Bay and River.   

Part of my palm card reads:

As years have gone by our Jewel has started to tarnish with high-density growth, an overabundance of traffic, a polluted Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay…

I will work to make sure that we bring building to a crawl.  

When we have a spill, it won’t be swept under the rug.  I will bring it front and center to determine what we have to do to prevent them from happening in the future. 

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three Southern MD counties.  Is this good news or bad…and why?

This is great news.  Also, a good argument as to why we shouldn’t continue with high-density housing.

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion?  If no, why not?

Yes!

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%?  If not, why not?

Yes!  They do this in North Carolina developments.  People complain, and then they learn to find ways that don’t compromise the environment.  We can do this as well.  

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters? If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention?

Yes!

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern? 

I think citizens should be listened to and heard.  I will be representing you and only YOU.  I would put out a monthly newsletter (per email) to anyone who wants to be on the mailing list.  I think our citizens should be informed about the decisions we make and also to offer their opinions.  I will be accessible to you.

Catherine Grasso

Board of County Commissioner Candidate

District 3

Integrity Matters

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them?

The number of lots in Calvert County that have holding tanks for their sewerage is a significant concern, particularly the homes that are in beachfront and/or waterfront communities. We must ensure septic systems do not pollute the Chesapeake Bay, the Patuxent River and their tributaries. Solutions to this problem need to be explored and studies must be done to determine the proper course of action. 

The Patuxent River and the creeks that feed the Patuxent River are full of invasive species that are destroying the ecosystem. The blue catfish and snakeheads are here in uncontrollable numbers and are eating our rockfish, perch, and crabs to mention a few. We must work with state officials to ensure we do our part to protect the valuable resources in these bodies of water. 

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties.  Is this good news to you or bad…and why?

This is good news to me. Calvert County roadways were not built to handle the number of vehicles that travel them daily. Our infrastructure needs to be evaluated to ensure our growth does not further outgrow it. Growth costs money. 

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion?  If no, why not?

I believe there should be an environmental impact study done for all projects within the Prince Frederick Town Center. 

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%?  If not, why not?

I will have to research this topic further to be able to answer this question definitively. I am aware of and have seen firsthand where impervious surfaces have been restricted, but not in a town center out of a critical area.  

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters?   If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention?

Absolutely

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern?

I plan on putting together citizen groups in different areas of Calvert County to meet with and to hear their concerns. These contacts will be made up of representatives from various organizations throughout Calvert County. I want to work with the citizens who put me in office and make important decisions for the betterment of Calvert County.

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them?

Calvert has been facing the issue of growth for decades. This brings more than just 2 critical issues to the forefront: impervious surfaces that create unchecked water runoff, pollution of chemicals, oils, fertilizers, CO2, nighttime light and unreal traffic. I have already taken steps to severely limit high density development in Calvert and will continue to hold my ground against irresponsible development. 

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties.  Is this good news to you or bad…and why?

From 1970 to 2020 Calvert saw a 357.2% increase in population (20,358 to 93,072) while the state of Maryland only saw an increase of 56.6%. This has had disastrous effects on our local natural resources. While the last decade has shown a significant reduction in growth, we need to prioritize all protections we can to save further damage to our peninsula. The more important question we should be looking at is how many more residents can we safely bring into the county while correcting past natural resource damages.

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion?  If no, why not?

Yes, as mentioned in previous answers, we need to have an “all hands on deck” approach to ensure we not only stop further damage from occurring, but also focus on repairing past damage.

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%?  If not, why not?

Yes, permeable land cover is the best natural filter available.

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters?   If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention?

I always look forward to hearing from and implementing ideas and concerns from the county’s commissions, as they consistently bring new concepts to light and are educational to me, allowing for better decision making

What steps will you take to engage more of the county residents and respond to their issues of concern?

We have been utilizing our community relations team to bring more public input to decision making on many levels. The team is encouraged to expand their methods and advertising means. I read and listen to all comments and input as well as ask questions prior to making any decisions.

What are Calvert County’s two most critical environmental issues and what will you do to address them? 

Our Bay and River (I consider as one as we are totally surrounded by water) along with Calvert’s interior 126 square miles of watersheds which filter the runoff into the Chesapeake and Patuxent.  As a point of fact, the Chesapeake comprises 64,000 square miles in 7 states (counting D.C.).  Senator Bernie Fowler, known throughout the Chesapeake Bay Region as the Environmental Legislator, is famously known for his skillful prowess  getting Congress, and the State to pass laws protecting the Bay and its tributaries. Sen. Bernie Fowler stated throughout his career that the Bay is the largest estuary in the world, and as such, the Bay’s fish and seafood could feed “the world’s population” if it were properly protected. That would alleviate us purchasing from China.

As the Founder of Calvert Citizens United, Senator Fowler agreed to be our Senior Advisor. He deftly guided the Board, introduced CCU to his numerous state and federal contacts. As a business entrepreneur for 40 years, I will dedicate myself to carry on Bernie’s VISION. Bernie gave Calvert citizens his last 2½ years of strength, immense knowledge, his heartfelt love of Calvert and its people as well as his mighty legislative power.  Bernie declared, “Never, Never Never Quit”.  AS Founder of CCU, I submit Calvert citizens will not QUIT!

The 2020 U.S. Census reported that Calvert County’s population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, the lowest growth rate of the three southern MD counties.  Is this good news to you or bad…and why? 

Some of the Candidates state we grew by only a half of a percent.  I think we grew by a tad more than 3.8%.  This is good for Calvert!  Remember, we are the smallest. county in the state.  We are a 38 mile-long peninsula, 9 miles at the widest and 4 ½ miles at the narrowest.  To accommodate local builders/developers the BOCC approved a disastrous 20-Year Comprehensive Plan by a vote of 3/2 on August 5, 2019.  CCU has analyzed the “backroom meeting minutes” of SBIG (the Small Business Interest Group) obtained through a Freedom of Information Request.  CCU was told over and over by Economic Development that no Minutes were taken.  The major players of this self-proclaimed COALITION were 4 local builder/developers, 2 engineers, 1 local attorney and 1 County Commissioner who is seeking reelection in the third district.  Roughly fifteen Administration department heads and staffers assembled behind closed doors, every other month, to memorialize the demands of the 4 builders/developers. Mark Willis was the head honcho and Mary Beth Cook was second in command. At the time, they ran Planning & Zoning.  Mark Willis is now County Administrator making over $150,000/ yr. Rei Sharma, Director of Public Works was removed from his position.  He refused to buckle under by caving in.  As taxpayers we cannot afford the massive, unrestricted growth the Comp Plan and Master Plans demand.  We cannot afford a new Sewer Treatment Facility built to today’s stringent environmental standards.  The BOCC keeps discussing the possibility of adequate facilities becoming a reality.  Mark Willis, Administrator, stated to the BOCC/citizens last month that the Maryland Department of Environment wanted Calvert to have a new treatment facility and they were prepared to give Calvert $40 million dollars.  I personally spoke with the two department heads at DOE and they laughed when I asked them to confirm. They don’t have $40 million, they aren’t a Wall Street bank.  But, the biggest takeaway from my conversations was that Calvert would be in violation of its own 20 Year Comp Plan.  Here is my beef, some of the Administration believes the taxpayers are too lazy and self-absorbed to be concerned about taxes and the quality of life in Calvert.  As we drive down Rt. 4 and see the Welcome to Calvert sign and we breathe easier and say “I’m home” fondly remember Senator C. Bernie Fowler and stand together and be counted.

Sorry for the volume of this answer, however, I’m certain you want FACTS.

Do you agree that Environmental Site Design (ESD) features must be included throughout the Prince Frederick Town Center to minimize stormwater runoff and soil erosion?  If no, why not?

ABSOLUTELY!! Consistent with designs, regulations, ordinances and the like, the State Department of Environment must also enforce Maryland laws impacting the environment. State agencies do a poor job of enforcement.  Senator Fowler identified many such instances.  Calvert BOCC must work with Tri-County Agencies to strengthen enforcement and mandate policy guidelines.

Would you support an ordinance to ensure that the percentage of impervious land cover (i.e., non-absorbing hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, streets, and roof tops) in the Prince Frederick Town Center will not exceed 25%?  If not, why not? 

If the massive, unrestricted buildout adopted by the 20 Year Comp Plan and if Mark Willis, the Planning Commission, Planning and Zoning continue to maximize the buildout to benefit local builder/developers (SBIG) who will try to acquire large acreage tracts utilizing Letters of Intents only to turn around and FLIP the Letters of Intent to the sought after NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPER, our county will be destroyed along with polluting the Bay and River.  Peterson Company (Developer of National Harbor) was the most sought after developer.  Prior to the approval of the 20 Year Comp Plan, some of the commissioners from the last BOCC as well as some of the current BOCC commissioners interviewed Peterson Company about being “Calvert’s one and only developer” for commercial, high-rise mid-rise and townhouse development.  When I spoke with John Peterson’s office sources, they indicated the reasons Peterson Company backed out were too numerous to mention. “County staff had no idea of the regulations, funding source guarantees or adequate infrastructure required to begin such a buildout”. Peterson to BOCC “thanks but no thanks”.   Calvert was spared; however, some of the Administration is still seeking ways to make the buildout work.  The question they are dangling in meetings “how do we bring our Adequate Public Facilities up to date”? This means funding for Sewer/Water, StormWater Management, Parks and Recreation, Schools, Public Safety, our Transportation System and the like.  Add to the equation,the DOMINION PILOT has ended and we will be giving DOMINION a credit over the next three years!  Citizen taxes will be increased, there will be no way around it if 7 Master Plans are adopted the way the Comprehensive Plan was adopted by ignoring taxpaying homeowners.

Do you know that the County has an Environmental Commission with a goal to advise the BOCC, the Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning & Zoning on environmental matters?   If elected, will you ask the Environmental Commission for advice on environmental topics that come to your attention? 

Privately, individuals tell me that the Environmental Commission has been gutted. I have attended many Planning Commission meetings where environmental topics are not even discussed, evaluated or long term consequences probed.  Most voting is automatic and no discussion is held, no questions are asked.  The Planning Commission is the baseline for the BOCC.  The Planning Commission needs new blood.  Two of the members must recuse themselves regarding many issues up for vote.  Needless to say, environmental topics and the massive, unrestricted proposed buildout should be opposing sides of the discussion.  Prior to the 20 Year Comp Plan’s approval, no valid Environmental Assessment was conducted by Planning and Zoning.  This is unacceptable.  When the Comp Plan is remanded to the BOCC, the citizens/taxpayers will need to re-engage once again with the BOCC and Planning & Zoning.  Following Senator Bernie Fowler’s wishes, we should NEVER, NEVER, NEVER QUIT.

Respectfully submitted,

Myra Gowans, Candidate,

Commissioner at Large