As a college student with limited resources, I fully understand Gov.-elect Larry Hogan's need for a balanced budget and economic growth, but at the same time, I think his approach might be misguided. I want to thank Natalie Sherman for her article, "Review of smart-growth strategies anticipated under Hogan administration" (Jan. 9) because it brings in to question Mr. Hogan's potential policy for the upcoming term.
Residents of Maryland have generally supported smart growth strategies over the years because they mean reinvesting in developed areas rather than investing in undeveloped areas. This is economically as well as environmentally beneficial and is even proven to lead to higher quality of life for residents. Yet despite this, Mr. Hogan plans to spend $646 million expanding Indian Head Highway, Route 210, when he could be improving public transportation.
I am not sure if Mr. Hogan knows this, but the driving boom is over. For years, the number of annual vehicle miles driven has decreased as people have instead increasingly chosen alternative public transportation. What is the point of spending millions on a project which would increase sprawl when the citizens have already proved they favor smart growth? Anyone living on a college budget knows that this does not make sense, so why doesn't Mr. Hogan?
Jess Carney, Baltimore