I observed an interesting contrast between two pieces in the Oct. 20 edition of this paper. One is a news article about a question relating to campaign contributions that appears on the ballot in November's election. The other is an opinion piece by my friend, Pat Kennedy, on the use of tax increment financing (TIF) and affordable housing for Downtown Columbia.First, the TIF. I know a bit about this subject, having sat as the elected state delegate for West Columbia, including downtown, on the legislative committee that reviewed the provisions in Maryland law for this financing method. By definition, TIF's are designed to facilitate development in areas which are too depressed to foster successful projects without substantial government financial aid. They originated in California and have since been prohibited there by law, although other states, including ours, have adopted them. To anyone driving or walking through downtown Columbia today, it is quite apparent that not only is the area not depressed, it is thriving or we could say booming. New development, both residential and commercial, is clearly evident no matter which way one turns. I don't blame the developer, Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC), for asking, but it is clear that the proposed $100,000,000 TIF, or any TIF, is not needed to keep this development moving forward. All Howard County taxpayers, not simply those of us living in Columbia, will pay for this huge gift to HHC. Many other developers in our county have stepped forward in opposition to this TIF, explaining that their companies have had to pay for the infrastructure — parking, roads, etc. — required by their development. This is a clear economic justice issue. Why should HHC, one of our nation's largest development companies, have the taxpayers foot the bill for them?Now for affordable housing, another clear economic justice issue and one of the strongest principles upon which Jim Rouse based the founding of Columbia. Mr. Kennedy writes "… I believe that Columbia should provide housing choices for people of all incomes." I agree, and I believe that Councilwoman Jen Terrasa's proposal is more just, equitable, and simpler to implement than the administration's proposal.And now, the ballot question about campaign finance reform. During my years in the legislature, I sponsored numerous bills to reign in the influence of big money in Maryland elections. A few of them were adopted into law. During the past months, my husband and I held two gatherings at our home during which Congressman John Sarbanes spoke in favor of this ballot question. I want to do everything I can to see that it passes in November, and yet we need to realize it is a first step of many needed to get big money out of politics in our county. If it is approved on election day, candidates can continue to run under the current system. How does this ballot question relate to Downtown Columbia development? I cannot even begin to understand why any of our county council members could support and strongly promote this ballot question while at the same time considering granting HHC a $100,000,000 gift from Howard County taxpayers.Both of these matters come up for a vote in early November.We must tell our county council members to vote against the TIF. HHC will make a handsome profit on its development in Downtown Columbia, and county taxpayers don't want to pick up the tab for the infrastructure improvements necessary for them to reap an even bigger profit. Please vote for campaign finance reform - Ballot Question A.Liz Bob is a former Howard County executive and state delegate.