Councilman Smith Explains His Reasons for Overriding Stormwater Veto

The deciding vote in the override of the county executive's veto of the stormwater bill Wednesday came from Anne Arundel County Councilman Pete Smith (D-1^st District), of Severn.

Before lending his vote to override the executive veto, Smith had the following words for the audience and his fellow councilmen.

"Over the last few weeks, I have had discussions will various individuals and groups about my opinion of this storm water management process. As I’ve stated before, bill 2-13 has no wrong answer.

My initial disagreement with the bill was not the purpose of the bill but the impact on the residential and commercial communities who would have to pay for it. For the record, the science and data that describes the condition of the bay is real.  It is a fact that the water quality has deteriorated over the last few decades. It is a fact that storm water is one of the contributing factors that has lead to the increase in nitrogen and other pollutants that compromises this critical asset. It is also a fact that we have an obligation, not just legally because it is mandated by the state, but morally because the bay plays a significant role in the identity of Anne Arundel County.

However, this doesn’t mean that we ignore the stake holders or citizens who are concerned about the implementation of the process due to years of broken promises by elected leaders. Nor should we ignore the fact that fiscally, is this the ideal time to leverage more burdens on those who call Anne Arundel County home? 

But leadership is not for the light hearted. Decisions need to be made that are in the best interest of this county. My vote represents a compromise on what should be done, versus what can be done. To that end I will vote to override this veto, but do so with the intent to modify the implementation of the fees with a bill that will be submitted today to make it easier for the communities to absorb but still address a much needed problem.  

My decision is not about politics, but about action; as I could not consciously support an effort to punt the ball to another generation, or create a fiscal burden that hinders this one."