It appears that the county council race in District 4 this year will look at lot like it did four years ago. Four years ago Town Center redevelopment was a hot issue. Four years later, though the physical appearance of Columbia’s downtown is pretty much the same, the groundwork has been finally laid for its extreme makeover.
Four years ago Tom D’Asto faced off against Mary Kay Sigaty for the seat being vacated by Ken Ulman. Four years ago, Tom campaigned against increased density in Town Center, believed that lakefront should be preserved as it is, and argued for a protective easement of Symphony Woods. After winning the seat Mary Kay sponsored the legislation that will increase the density, preserve the watershed, renovate and improve Merriweather Post Pavilion, create an innovative multi million dollar housing fund for full spectrum housing, and create a walkable downtown.
Now it looks like Tom is going to take another run at it. Presumably he will reprise his old Town Center development platform and attempt to pander to those who are against it.
To be fair, Tom hasn’t made an official announcement but he has registered a web domain. If he does decide to run he will first need to get by former Democrat now Republican Jeff Underwood. Jeff was around four years too when Mary Kay had to get by Jeff and Josh Feldmark in the Democratic primary.
It’s déjà vu all over again.
