Current two-year terms of office for three Harper’s Choice Village Board seats expire on April 30, 2025. A total of five Board of Director nomination petitions were received from Brooke Blain, Sonia Watts, Joel Hurewitz,Whitney Lupton, and Joycelyn Jones. The terms of office for the successful candidates will be May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2027. There will be a Meet the Candidates night on April 16, 2025, at Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, Maryland 21044 from 7 pm - 9 pm. Please email Village Manager Steve Ingley at manager@harperschoice.org if you plan on participating in Meet the Candidates’ night.
An Annual Meeting and Election will be held on April 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, Maryland 21044. In establishing a 10% quorum for the holding of the Annual Meeting, if the number of members represented in person or by proxy is insufficient, another meeting may be called as authorized by Section 11B-111(6) of the Maryland Homeowners Association Act. By a majority vote, the members present, either in person or represented by proxy, may call an additional meeting which shall occur not less than fifteen days after the Annual Meeting by giving ten (10) days’ notice of the time, place, and purpose of the Continued Annual Meeting. Notice shall be by posting on the homepage of the Association’s website. Additionally, the Association shall provide notice by electronic mail to those who have signed up to receive electronic communications. At the Continued Annual Meeting, the members present, either in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum and may complete the election of Board Members and may approve or authorize any action which could have been taken had a sufficient number of members been present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. Candidates may continue to campaign. Any valid absentee ballots which arrive by midnight on the day before the continued meeting and the votes of any members who have not previously voted, who appear in person at the continued meeting shall be counted. Pursuant to Section 11B-111(6)(v), any amendments to the Association’s Bylaws shall only be effective if the 10% quorum in person or by proxy is achieved at the Annual Meeting. Should there be the need for a Continued Annual Meeting, it will be held at Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, Maryland 21044 (hybrid method) at 7:00 pm on the 13th day of May, 2025, followed by the Board – Organizational Meeting.
For those wishing to attend the Annual and/or Board - Organizational Meeting virtually, see the instructions below:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 115-678-293
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
WHO MAY VOTE
Owners or renters in good standing with property in Harper’s Choice may vote. Residents with an outstanding covenant violation are prohibited from voting. Check with the Covenant Advisor to make sure your property is in compliance with the Harper’s Choice Covenants. Only one vote is permitted for each property. In the case of a rental property, both owner and tenant may cast a ballot (tenants must have a lease on file with the Association in order to vote).
WAYS TO VOTE
ELECTRONIC ABSENTEE BALLOTS: You will see a code in the upper right corner of the enclosed absentee ballot. Go to https://elections.intelliscanvotes.com/s3/HCCA2025 before 5:00 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025, enter your code, and vote.
MAIL-IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Complete the absentee ballot and return it in the postage paid envelope, both of which will be found herein. Mail-in ballots are valid only if completely filled out, including all information on the back of the envelope, and are delivered to Kahler Hall by 11:59 p.m. on April 25, 2025.
IN-PERSON: Vote at Kahler Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on April 26, 2025. Bring your driver’s license, BG&E bill, or something else to verify your Harper’s Choice address.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
BROOKE BLAIN
It has been an honor to serve on the HCCA Board over the past term, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue contributing to our dynamic and forward-thinking team. During my time on the board, I have worked hard to address community concerns, collaborate on key initiatives, and ensure our neighborhood remains a great place to live.
I am eager to build on the progress we've made and tackle the important issues that lie ahead. My commitment remains steadfast in advocating for our residents, fostering open communication, and finding practical solutions that benefit our community. I would be grateful for your support as we work together to keep HCCA strong and thriving.
SONIA WATTS
I am running for Board member because I believe in the power of community-driven change. As a dedicated organizer and founder of our local board, I have seen how uniting our voices leads to real solutions.
What began as a response to poor housing conditions has grown into a movement. We have held forums, engaged stakeholders, and ensured residents are heard. Through partnerships and advocacy, I’ve worked to bring resources and accountability to our community.
As a Board member, I will fight for transparency, equitable resources, and stronger partnerships. Leadership should be about action, not just words. I am committed to ensuring every resident has a seat at the decision-making table.
I ask for your support so we can continue building a stronger, more united community—one where every voice matters.
JOEL HUREWITZ
While serving three terms on the Harper’s Choice (“HCCA”) Board, I have advocated to CA, Howard County, Councilmember Deb Jung, and the State Delegation for issues including: CA’s proposal to takeover the village’s buildings, a better location for the North Columbia Fire Station at the HCPSS campus, tot lots, pools, budgets, stream restoration, bike lanes, e-scooters, and safer pedestrian crossings and speeding on Eliots Oak. With CA’s cooperation, I facilitated the installation of a Blossoms of Hope grove in Swansfield Park.
I am working to update our election procedures which includes following the provisions in our governing documents. We have reviewed when to treat tenant residents as “members” of HCCA and provisions that exclude CA from voting in village elections. I am also striving to improve HCCA’s procedures for meetings and minutes.
I moved to Columbia in 2002 and Harper’s Choice in 2008. Please support my reelection.
WHITNEY LUPTON
I am Whitney Lupton, dedicated wife, mother, and social worker with over 15 years of experience empowering families and communities. Throughout my career, I have facilitated parent cafés, supported families in crisis, and organized programs fostering connection and growth. I have also led impactful initiatives, such as founding a giving circle to support minority-owned businesses and leading racial equity workshops.
My commitment to inclusivity, equity, and collaboration drives everything I do. I believe these values make me an ideal candidate for the Harper’s Choice Board. As both a wife and mother, I understand the importance of creating a community that supports all families. I am passionate about bringing people together, listening to diverse perspectives, and finding innovative solutions for the greater good.
I am ready to serve with empathy, vision, and dedication, ensuring every voice in our village is heard. Together, we can make Harper’s Choice a thriving, inclusive community.
JOCELYN JONES
My name is Joycelyn Jones, and I’m currently a tenant at Fall’s River Terrace. I’ve lived in Harper’s Choice for 8 years, with my 3 children who attend Longfellow Elementary School, Harpers Choice Middle and Wilde Lake.
I’m running for Village Board because I have concerns around the ongoing renovations by Enterprise Community Homes at Fall’s River Terrace and other locations in Harper’s Choice. As a tenant, I want to make sure that those most affected have a seat at the table when it comes to major decisions like these which will have a huge impact on people’s lives, including forcing them to have to temporarily relocate indefinitely, or greatly changing their rent amount or property value. So far, I do not feel that tenants nor surrounding homeowners have had adequate input in this process, and I want to make sure that the interests of ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS are represented.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR YOUR
APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER CONTAINING YOUR BALLOT!
Comments