‘A lot is at stake’ for county in special election

Of the four announced candidates on the Democratic ballot, Nancy Navarro, at first glance is a logical choice. She would add ethnic diversity to the council and brings experience and leadership gained from her position as school board president. She is also a strong advocate for the poor and underserved. In addition, she has a large list of supporters, including unions, community activists and elected progressive officials.

Don Praisner, on the other hand, is not a politician, but wants to finish out his wife’s term and ensure that her legacy is fulfilled. Praisner is a long-time civic leader in this community, and former president of the board of CHI, an organization that serves the severely disabled. Praisner, like his wife, is in favor of controlled growth, is a fiscal conservative and is against massive road building like the Intercounty Connector, preferring instead a rational transportation policy that does not harm our environment. He is a strong advocate for seniors, for our children and county schools. He displays the values that Marilyn Praisner shared with District 4 residents. The county executive, four council members and numerous civic activists number among his supporters. He will not accept contributions from developer and land use attorneys.

The problem that many have with this election is the quiet support of the fast, uncontrolled growth activists for Navarro. She openly accepts contributions from developers, PACs, special interests and land use attorneys. She is not willing to place limits on those contributions.

My belief is that this could lead to a conflict of interest any elected politician making decisions regarding land use issues.

The fear of many of us is that if Navarro is elected, the faster, uncontrolled growth advocates will have a majority on the council once again. Furthermore, a Navarro victory might enable a more developer and business-friendly majority on the council to fill the two vacant positions on the Park and Planning Board.

It’s important that District 4 voters attend some of the upcoming election debates and check out the Web sites of all the candidates. They need to make an informed decision and come out and vote on April 15. A lot is at stake for the whole county.

Michael Tabor, Takoma Park

The writer is a farmer and community activist. He and three other Progressive Neighbors members interviewed Nancy Navarro, Don Praisner and Patrick Ryan on March 18-20. The questions and answers are posted on www. progressiveneighborsmd.org⁄ These opinions are his and don’t necessarily reflect those of the organization.