On Oct. 8, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the first meeting on the Perry Hall Community Plan.

The meeting at the Perry Hall library meeting room was packed. During the meeting we brainstormed about the future.

All too often, government makes decisions without listening to those it supposedly represents. That's why I found the Community Plan meeting so heartening. Here was a "town hall meeting" where ordinary citizens talked about the strengths, weaknesses, needs and desires of their community. I was encouraged by the great ideas our neighbors were suggesting.

As a resident of the densely populated neighborhoods west of Belair Road, I particularly agreed with those who advocated more resources for this neglected part of Perry Hall. Those of us who live near Seven Courts Drive have little open space, except for Gunpowder Falls State Park and near Seven Oaks Elementary School.

As others have pointed out, Gov. Martin O'Malley canceled plans for a new regional park at the Hickey School site that would have added more than 200 acres of open space to our area.

If I had one disappointment, it's that of our three District 8 delegates, only Republican Joe Boteler demonstrated any interest in this event. Del. J.B. Jennings, who represents District 7, was there.

Personally, I am tired of having to chase after elected officials to voice my opinion. Having proactive legislators may save us some future headaches rather than applying fixes after we have a problem.

As the 2010 election approaches, perhaps Eric Bromwell and Todd Schuler will start appearing at meetings to learn how the community feels about its future.

Rani Merryman

Perry Hall

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user comments (2)

user ericbromwell says...

Ms. Merryman is correct. I was unable to attend the meeting in early October. But there are a few pieces of information missing here. First, there is no mention that Ms. Merryman is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in the 8th District. I would also add that over the past seven years, I have been a very accessible Delegate, and have attended every possible community meeting. But I would warn Ms. Merryman that the office for which she is running requires a great deal of balance. I have been the General Manager of a restaurant since April. Since Maryland has a part-time legislature, we are expected to go back to our careers when we leave Annapolis. Unfortunately on that particular night, I was working. I hope to be able to attend the next meeting, as I have scaled back my hours now that the busiest season has ended at the restaurant. I would also add that I have sponsored legislation that would close the Hickey School, as well as move the property to the Gunpowder Falls State Park. I have also led a bi-partisan effort every year to close the chool, by stripping money for the school from Maryland's Budget. That effort has been supported by both Delegates Boteler and Schuler. I am a lifelong resident of Perry Hall and District 8. It is a great honor to represent my community in Annapolis, and one that I take very seriously. As always, I look forward to hearing from the thousands of constituents with whom I keep in contact on at the very least, a bi-weekly basis. -Del. Eric Bromwell

Posted 12:58 PM, 10.28.09

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user josemontoya says...

Yet our "Baltimore County delegation chairman" was so successful in his efforts that he eventually couldn't stop the Hickey School detention center from moving forward...just like he couldn't get Jim Smith to help us with a new high school! Results matter, not "I sponsored this" or "I sponsored that." Oh, and by the way, Mr. Bromwell endorsed Martin O'Malley for a second term.

Posted 8:46 AM, 10.31.09

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