Mayoral, council candidates face off at forum By ANNETTE ESTERHELD Staff Writer
Mayoral candidates Mayor Fred Robinson and City Councilman Michael Lyles shook hands cordially as they arrived on stage at Tuesday night's candidate forum at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. Then both candidates were off and running for votes - Robinson for another term, and Lyles to shift from his District 4 seat to the incumbent mayor's job in the Nov. 6 election.
"We need bold action for Bowie's future," Lyles said at the public event sponsored by the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. "You need to elect someone who has government experience."
Lyles spoke before an audience of approximately 120 that included candidates, their supporters, chamber members and Bowie area residents.
"I think our community is on the right track," Robinson said. "I hope you conclude that my actions represent yours."
He briefly pointed out achievements during his terms as Bowie's mayor, including the establishment of Bowie's own police force, a referendum question in Bowie's election two years ago and now an existing entity with over 20 officers on the streets.
Establishing the department is one issue that once divided the two mayoral candidates. Lyles at first did not support its formation. "I initially thought we could save money with county services. I was concerned with taxing," he said. "Now, I am committed to making it the best in the state. Our chief is responsive and our officers are gaining respect."
He also pointed out that his successful actions to end the contract with police officers from Prince George's County saved the city $2 million this year, which has been used for officers and equipment.
Robinson said there's a "significant difference" between him and Lyles regarding the police department.
"I took it to referendum, and Lyles opposed it," said Robinson. "I think we're off to a good start. The community identifies me as getting it off the ground."
Fifteen of the 16 candidates were present at the forum. Only Henri Gardner, who had a family emergency, was unable to attend. The sparsely attended event was moderated by Denise McKenney and former chamber president Benjamin Woolery, who alternated asking the candidates a series of questions. Some questions were specific to the four districts and were only asked of candidates in those respective races. But several questions reappeared with the questioning of each group of candidates.
All office-seekers were asked whether the city should have its own zoning or land-use authority. Everyone responded affirmatively.
Councilman Jimmy Marcos, who is running for re-election in District 1, said zoning authority will help Bowie "craft our future better and produce a more productive community."
"I'd like to see the power, but not necessarily the work it would be," said Katie Costello, who is one of four candidates running for the District 2 seat, which has been held for over 23 years by Councilman Jack Jenkins, who decided early on not to run again. The other three are At-large Councilman Kevin Conroy and challengers James Golato and Diane Polangin.
Calling it an "apple pie question," incumbent Councilman Todd Turner, District 3, said he "fully supports the city having zoning." He said since the authority comes from the state that the city needs to actively lobby for that power.
"It would protect existing residents," said Troy Stewart, who along with Dr. Isaac Trouth is running for the District 4 seat now held by Lyles.
"The City Council has fought to get zoning," said Councilman At-large Dennis Brady, whose race includes two newcomers, Leon Buck and Geraldine Valentino-Smith. "We need to get the county on board. It's really important because Bowie is pretty well built out. We need zoning (authority) as we look to redevelopment of aging parts of the city."
Buck was critical of Brady and other incumbents in his answer: "The city needs this, but some have served 10 or 12 years and there's no zoning (authority)." He also suggested the incumbents ask themselves what they have done and what meetings have they attended to get zoning power for the city.
Picking up on Buck's comment, Lyles implied Robinson had "failed to achieve zoning in 15 years on the council." He said getting zoning may require a change, such as appropriate staff with the skills that are needed.
"Clearly I support zoning," Robinson said. "It affects all we do. It's simple support it or not. I support it."
Valentino-Smith said she supports zoning power. "It has to be done legislatively, and I have that experience," she said. She also said covenants, or agreements between developers and the city, need to be applied.
The question of covenants came up during the evening, specifically as they relate to the large Melford property, located at the intersection of Belair Drive and routes 50/3/301.
As the candidates from District 1 and 2 began to make their closing remarks, Chamber Executive Director Kelly Pierce came on stage. After a brief conversation with her, Woolery said he needed to back up and ask the District 2 candidates a question about Melford.
The question: The County Council recently ruled that the development proposal for a residential component at Melford should not be allowed because the plan was inconsistent with Bowie's Master Plan. Do you support pursuing the set-aside of the covenants between the city and the property owner and the development of a residential component at Melford?
"It's the only development Bowie has authority over," said Golato. "I want to see the prime property responsibly developed."
"I'm not for any development at Melford," said Conroy. "It's a unique piece of property. The covenants and zoning authority will make sure jobs are developed for myself and my children."
Polangin said she favors mixed use there, and Costello said she would not support residential development at Melford.
Later in the forum, the at-large candidates also responded to the Melford question. This time, former chamber president Mark Melvin interrupted the flow of questions to make sure the at-large candidates addressed the issue.
"The County Council made the decision no residential because it's not consistent with the Master Plan," said Valentino-Smith. "The covenants are in place and need to amend with full resident involvement." She also said that if there's any residential development, it should be only for active seniors.
"I support limited mixed use," said Buck. "We need the expanded office and retail for economic development."
Brady said the city needs to "stand by the covenants" and that there should be no residential development at Melford. He said the property is half developed and that to consider residential now would be like using a "shoe horn."
Picking up on Valentino-Smith's preference for an active senior community, Brady said the property is "isolated and not good for seniors."
"No. No. No," Robinson said to residential development at the site. "It needs to be developed as an economic powerhouse. There are over 2,000 high-paying jobs there now. I think that's moving in the right direction. I support the covenants."
Robinson said this is a major policy difference he has with Lyles. Lyles responded that he voted in support of litigation to protect the covenants. He added that what he did not support was the fact that the property has been standing around for 25 years. "I advocate that the city buy the property if they know how to develop it," Lyles said.
When the District 2 candidates were asked to discuss their ideas for development at the Marketplace, an aging Route 450 shopping center in that district, Polangin stated that she "totally did not want residential" at that center.
Golato's goal would be to revitalize the center to "complement Free State."
"I don't want to add housing there or at Melford," Conroy said. "I want it developed in an economic manner with dining and high-end retail."
Costello, last to speak, said she would "encourage" the developer to "stick with retail," that it was her first choice. She then said if that were not possible, she would only want "owner-occupied, age-restricted" housing.
Two participants, Pauletta Handy, a candidate for District 1, and Valentino-Smith had quite different ideas for the proposed new city hall/police department combined building.
Handy supported the combination and said the city should actively seek grants in all areas. "They should rent unused space in the building to a business that would make it a tourist attraction and be a market to outsiders."
Valentino-Smith said she supported a police building, but not a combined building. "We need to improve the current City Hall," she said.
Throughout the night, particularly in the 90-second introductions each candidate was allowed, many of the comments and responses to the chamber's questions were read and seemed rehearsed.
At last Thursday's Gov. Oden Bowie Democratic Club's forum held at Old Bowie Town Grille, many of the same comments were made as candidates spoke to members of the club and others present.
