In This Months Business Monthly

The Columbia Council is the red headed step child of loco politics. Even though the elected council members serve as the board of directors of a corporation with an annual operating budget of $60 million and 1,300 employees, very few people pay much attention to its governance.

The system itself is at least partially to blame. Election rules and procedures are inconsistent among the 10 Columbia villages and not all who pay the CA lien are even eligible to vote, including the majority of the commercial property owners.

Voter apathy is also to blame. Even seemingly contentious citywide issues such as the future of Symphony Woods park barely register a blip on most Columbia residents radar. On the other hand, try and take away a neighborhood tot lot or swimming pool and suddenly people start to pay attention, though by that time it may already be too late.

It’s not too late now. If you live in Columbia please get informed and vote on April 20^th or, at the very least, get your hands on an absentee ballot. If you know someone who lives in Columbia, particularly the villages of River Hill, Oakland Mills, Wilde Lake and Long Reach, please encourage them to pay attention and participate. 

A healthy and forward looking Columbia is in the best interests of everyone who lives in HoCo.

You can find this month’s column here.