I am disturbed to see that the nomination of Savage community activist Susan Garber to the Planning Board is controversial and apparently there is actually a possibility that she will not be confirmed.
Susan Garber is just the sort of person we need on the Planning Board to curtail the ill-managed growth and development that have been destroying our quality of life in Howard County, especially in our older neighborhoods.
The apparent basis for the opposition makes no sense. The idea that she should not be appointed because she opposed pay raises for teachers is just a red herring; everyone knows the Planning Board doesn't affect teacher salaries.
The reason there is opposition to her appointment is exactly the reason why we need her on the Planning Board — she is vocal and will not simply go along with a bad idea.To the County Council I ask — which would you really prefer, a board member who will stand up for good land use, even if she ruffles a few feathers from time to time, or a member who is a rubber stamp for whatever proposal the developers put before the board, as long as they call it "vibrant and exciting"?
Angie Boyter
Ellicott City