(4/2020) Certainly, much has changed since the last article I wrote. We are now in a very different environment with different social norms, a different economy, and different worries. I had written in the past about things like banning plastic bags and whether the changing climate constitutes an emergency crisis. Well, we are now being confronted with seeing what an actual
emergency crisis looks like.
The Covid-19 virus has already upended the lives of our entire country and much of the world. Frederick County has not been exempted from the effects of the virus. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Frederick County residents and their families who have been affected by the virus. As I write, over 3 million people have filed for unemployment which is an order of magnitude higher than the
record number of filers of the past. Washington is reacting with economic changes that we hope will meet the challenges that we face. I also especially want to thank and pray for those on the front lines of this crisis we face: health care workers, emergency personnel, store clerks, truck drivers, and many more who are knowingly taking personal risks but whose work is essential to overcoming this
emergency.
Schools have been closed for more than a month, businesses face forced closure until further notice, libraries and senior centers are now dark, and we can’t even spend time together in any type of group. These are challenging times and I hope and pray that these rigorous measures will have the effect of protecting Frederick County residents.
We are fortunate to have the leadership of Governor Hogan who recognized the severity of this threat early on and continues to take decisive action to keep Maryland residents safe. We can trust that his decisions are being made to save the lives of Marylanders, and spare our state the worst of what has happened in other places in this country and around the world.
The County Council passed one act in the midst of this; a recordation tax increase dedicated to agricultural preservation. I feel that raising taxes, especially in this time of economic uncertainty, is not a wise move. Certainly few will dispute that preserving agriculture is a worthy cause. However, raising taxes to increase the amount of agricultural land that can be bought by the county is
not the only or best way of preservation. Current state laws, county zoning, and limits on growth achieve the same goals of restricting development as this tax increase will.
The County Council has now taken the unprecedented step of cancelling the hearings and workshops until April. Once we commence, we will do so virtually with a method of public participation that is also virtual. Please continue to check the County Council webpage for further details if you are interested in watching or participating in an upcoming meeting or workshop.
This crisis will come to a close. It will end and we will be stronger and healthier for having gone through this. Our state, country, and the world will bounce back from this. The uncertainty of when can be unsettling. Take this time to connect to your family, friends, and neighbors. I will enjoy being quarantined in my home with my family, knowing that my actions are the best contribution I
can make to my community. In the meantime, we will enjoy our old fashioned family time with board games, old movies, popcorn, and good books.
