Freshmen Legislators Offer Fresh Perspective

Councilwoman Cathy Bevins said recently that since her election in November, she is constantly asked what her priorities are on the job.

Her answer is simple: “Your priorities are my priorities. When you tell me your priorities then I can tell you what my priorities are.”

Bevins’ remarks came at a recent luncheon atRiverwatch Restaurant in Essex. The event was co-sponsored by the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce and the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County.

Bevins was one featured speaker, along with fellow freshmen Councilmen David Marks and Todd Huff.

Bevins, who represents the Sixth District, used the opportunity to further explain her support for several pieces of legislation, including the expansion of and harsher penalties for, the latter of which she co-sponsored with Marks.

“I’ve gotten hundreds of e-mails asking me to slow speeds down in school zones,” said Bevins, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Essex, along with Middle River, Rosedale, White Marsh and Parkville. “That’s what I’m going to do.”

Marks took the opportunity to stress that his top priorities in office are reforming county government, improving residents' quality of life and planning for the future.

The Republican, whose district includes Perry Hall and Towson, said he is especially concerned about upgrading the county’s transportation system and upgrading school buildings, the majority of which were built before 1970.

Marks added that with improvements like the expansion of Route 43, eastern Baltimore County is primed for growth.

“This is a prime spot for development,” Marks said. “That’s why we must plan for the future.”

Huff, a Republican that represents the Third District, said he voted against the speed camera bill because it didn’t make good business sense. He added he believes his background in helping run his family’s business, Brooks-Huff Tire and Auto, will provide the council with a small business perspective that it hasn’t always had in the past.

He also promised to reach across party lines in order to meet the needs of his constituents.

“I’m going to work with the County Council to bring new ideas to the council,” Huff said. “That’s the way it should be.”