Todd Talks

There are thousands of reasons why living in Northern Baltimore County is so rewarding - from the people you see every day to the businesses that you patronize to the beautiful surroundings - we're truly blessed.

One of the areas that require constant managing and monitoring is the wildlife. This includes the beautiful Loch Raven Reservoir, the rolling hills of horse country and the wooded acreage that surrounds most of our neighborhoods.

As the population of certain species continues to grow, we're faced with some difficult questions and challenges. Specifically, what's the humane answer to a burgeoning deer population that causes millions of dollars of damage every year to residents and county property?

If you read this blog, you'll know that I recently posted a question about managed deer hunts in county parks. We're still gathering the results, but I wanted to take some time to discuss this initiative.

I'm sure you know someone who unfortunately ran into a deer, you might have experienced this first hand. What was once a problem that existed in less densely populated areas is now commonplace on busy thoroughfares like York Road!

It's an undeniable fact of life where we live that the deer population continues to grow, and impacts everyone - from the cost of repairing an automobile to fixing plants, trees and shrubs damaged by hungry deer.

Allowing managed hunts in county parks would benefit everyone involved, including the wildlife. Here are a few points to consider:

·         Reduced deer population means less auto accidents and injury.

·         Less deer also mean a reduction of deer ticks that carry Lyme Disease.

·         A controlled population reduces the threat of deer starving to death in the winter.

·         Money used to repair county property could be used elsewhere.

I'll continue to investigate this option of allowing managed hunting in our county parks. As always, I urge you to contact me about this, or any other matter, through email or my Facebook page.

Hello there! I'm hoping that this entry finds you well, and like me, you're anxiously awaiting spring and saying goodbye to winter.

I wanted to let you know that I introduced a bill on February 28 to the Baltimore County Council that would increase the fines for panhandling without a permit. The bill was passed on March 7th 2011.

This bill would amend a county law passed in 2006 and expand on the definition of the practice, which was described by a state law in 2009.

The purpose of this bill is to require anyone who is soliciting funds - for an organization or themselves - to have a permit if they're going to be panhandling on state roads. Currently the law states they only need permits if they're panhandling on county roads.

I feel strongly about this bill because it would help the police enforce the new law, and provide safety for car and truck drivers, pedestrians and the panhandlers.

Hopefully this bill clears up any questions that individuals and organizations may have about permits, and encourage them to request the correct permits. In addition, our law enforcement officials will have an easier time enforcing the law, due to the bill's wording.

There's a lot of work ahead of us in the coming year, and taking care of issues like these improve our community - and help the government and county officials who are charged with enforcing the laws.

As always, if there is an issue or recommendation that you would like to make, please contact me via email or through my Facebook page - I'm here to help!

It's been three months since my victory, and it feels like three weeks!

Over the past 90 days as Councilman of Baltimore County's Third District I've been on the receiving end of a flood of information - and every day I learn more.

This time has given me the opportunity to work with my colleagues and review policies, strategies and tactics. More importantly, we've mapped action plans and committed to making sure they're followed.

Besides learning the job and its demands, I've also met with many of my constituents, gathering information on the topics that impact them the most. As a representative of the people, I need to know what's working, and what needs fixing.

I'm a true believer in communication, and as I make the daily rounds of my office, I'll be publishing information via this blog, Facebook/toddhuff, Twitter/toddhuff5, and my www.toddhuff.com

I want you to remember that communication is a two-way street, so if you have any questions, comments or ideas - please use the comment tools on the social media applications or send an email to todd@toddhuff.com to my attention.

Stay tuned for regular updates - and as always, thanks for your support and feedback!

I have to say that November 2 was one of the longest, most memorable days of my life!

When I wasn't out talking to voters on their way to the polls, I spent the day surrounded by friends and family.

After all the votes were tallied, hearing that I had won took my breath away!

I'd like to acknowledge my opponent, Ben Sutley for running a fair campaign. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, all of the volunteers who selflessly gave their time, and all of the people and organizations who endorsed and supported me.

Now that the campaign is over, it's time to set our sights on the issues that are challenging every resident of the Third District. Hard work, determination and vision are going to be the hallmarks of my time in office.

I look forward to working with all of my constituents!

Tomorrow is Election Day and if you want to get out and vote but don't have a way to get there, you can use the phone numbers below.

Countywide Rides:

Dave Walcher 410-428-3279

Carolyn Class 410-769-9509

Frank Sliwka 410-592-6425  

East Side Rides:

Jordan Hadfield:  443-928-4107

Don't forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 2!

Casting your vote in an election is one of the most precious rights we have as Americans and Thomas Jefferson may have said it best: "The rational and peacable instrument of reform, the suffrage of the people."

All the information you need about how to vote, including how to vote via an absentee ballot, are located here:  http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/index.html.

If  you don't know where your polling place is, visit this site: https://www.mdelections.umd.edu/.

Remember, polling places are open on November 2 from 7 am to 8 pm, and anyone in line by 8 pm will be allowed to vote.

There's no doubt that the economy has been a "challenge" to everyone in the Third District, and as we continue to cope with troubling economic news and wait for the next upswing, I'm in favor of revitalizing existing strip malls and shopping centers.

How does this work?

Revitalization takes the form of outfitting existing strip malls and shopping centers with new storefronts, professional paint jobs and freshly paved parking lots. Simple actions like power washing windows and sidewalks give older venues a cleaner, brighter look.

If a shopping center looks clean and appealing, people are more likely to shop there - and help the local economy! Plus, revitalized shopping centers and strip malls have higher tenant occupancy rates, which help build our tax base. Finally, service providers like power washing and painting companies also benefit from the increase work.

Stimulating growth in the commercial area is key in turning around the effects of the recession, and revitalization is an inexpensive, but proven, method. There are plenty of places in the Third District that would immediately benefit from this plan.

Remember, election day is next Tuesday, November 2 - don't forget to vote!