There are four candidates running for three Board of Director vacancies; the terms of office are two years for all vacancies. The candidates for the Harper’s Choice Village Board are Ralph M. Paez, Lauren Ellse Avant, Brynn Runkle Conover, and Joel B. Hurewitz.
There will be a Candidates’ Night on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Kahler Hall, where you can meet the candidates and hear what they have to say about serving your community.
Election Day is Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Kahler Hall. If you will be unable to vote in person, absentee ballots will be mailed to you in the next Harper’s Choice Voice newsletter. You will also be able to take advantage of our new ONLINE VOTING option. For more information about this and instructions for voting online, please refer to the newsletter.
Be sure to join us for our ELECTION FESTIVAL on Saturday, April 27 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm in Joseph Square. Click HERE for more information.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
RALPH M. PAEZ
I am running for a position on the Board because I get great pleasure in giving back to my community and advocating for people. I have lived in Columbia for 14 years and still appreciate the unique nature of our community and all the services provided. I served for six years on the Howard County Mental Health Authority Board, two as President. Previously I volunteered for Special Olympics, Little League, PTA, school and church boards. I want to learn from you. I want to understand your needs and ideas about how we can improve Columbia in general and Harpers Choice specifically. I firmly believe that the culture developed by James Rouse and early residents can still be used to problem solve in our Village in a civil manner. If I’m elected, communicating with you and supporting community enhancements will be my priority.
LAUREN ELLSE AVANT
I am running for the Harper’s Choice Board of Directors because I am passionate about the past, present, and future of our community and I want to take a more active role in making this a great place to live for all our neighbors. I have lived in Harper’s Choice for close to six years – two years as a renter and almost four years as a home owner. In that time, I have seen our village and the surrounding areas go through many changes. With even more large changes on the horizon for Harper’s Choice, I think it is important for us to have a board that is engaged and ready to represent the diverse interests of our village. I would love the opportunity to be part of that board and represent my neighbors in all the matters handled by the board, big and small.
BRYNN RUNKLE CONOVER
We have resided in Harpers Choice for 14 years, and have two daughters that have attended the local schools. I am interested in serving as I strongly believe in the role the Village Center plays in creating and sustaining our community. I want to play a part in helping shape its future.
JOEL B. HUREWITZ
I am a ten-year resident of Harper’s Choice and have lived in Columbia since 2003. As a member of Neighbors for a Vibrant Harper’s Choice I helped organize the Village Election Festivals and a dunk tank and FIRN fundraiser at National Night Out. I regularly attend CA, county, and community meetings. Recently, I completed DPZ’s PlanHoward Academy. I will advocate to address concerns of the proposed fire station, especially the fueling facility which is contrary to the Fueling Station Task Force’s recommendation for a 500-foot setback from a park. I have suggested the HCPSS Central Office frontage on 108 as an alternative site. I will advocate for the rights of Harper’s Choice when CA acts contrary to our governing documents and fails to communicate as they did with the proposed village signs, closing neighborhood centers, the community benefit association legislation, and restrictions on Council members serving on the CA Board.
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