Joan Pontius for Howard County Council - District 5


Joan Pontius for Howard County Council—District 5

Joan Pontius and her husband Filip settled in Howard County 23 years ago. They love the county's location and open spaces, which allowed Joan to combine her high-tech career as a data analyst and project manager at the National Institute of Health with weekends spent horseback riding and visiting family in Maryland.

Now, after her 30 year career in scientific research, teaching, and data management, and voluntary work in community activism, Joan wants to represent the public’s concerns regarding the future direction of the county.

Joan's priorities:

  • Providing a voice for our county residents. County projects and policies that provide short term economic benefits to profit-driven interests should not overshadow the need to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Howard County. Joan Pontius will provide a voice for the county residents in the decision making process.
  • Land Use and Sustainability. Joan believes we can meet the economic needs of the county without compromising social and environmental considerations. The conversion of our open spaces to residential and commercial use is irreversible. We have watched changes provide economic benefit to special interests, while eroding the quality of life of the county's residents.
  • Taxes and Spending County tax rates have changed over 23 years from the lowest in the state (2.41% in 1999) to the highest in the state (3.2%). The larger tax base from new housing and businesses has not led to a reduction in our property tax rates. Joan will work with the county towards sustainability and fiscal responsibility .

    • I'm a proud participant in the No Developer/No Dark Money pledge. I am dedicated to serve the people instead of special interests. For more about the pledge and its candidates see www.hocopledge.com

    Friday, April 15, 2022

    DONATIONS

    It's official! All the papers filed for my candidacy for Howard County Council - District 5, and we have a bank account open for FRIENDS OF JOAN PONTIUS.

    My campaign is being run as a public funded campaign. This means that unlike my opponent David Yungmann, I will not take donations from corporations. Donations from any one individual must not exceed $250. This new option for running a campaign in Howard County helps the county move away from "pay to play" politics.

    The public funded campaign has a benefit of the county providing matching funds to campaign donations. However, to qualify for these matching funds, a candidate needs donations from 125 Howard County residents, and the total has to reach $10,000. Furthermore, the current deadline for qualification is June 4 ! Whether or not we reach this goal, I am dedicated to representing the residents of Howard County.

    This is an exciting and important race and we will need to work together to make this win! Check back on joanpontius.com for updates.

    For monetary donations use the DonorBox below or send a check made out to FRIENDS OF JOAN PONTIUS to: 4879 Manor Lane, Ellicott City MD 2104 2.

    • If your check is from a joint account, the donation will be assigned to the signer of the check.
    • The total donations from any one individual must not exceed $250.
    • Anonymous donations are not allowed.
    • Each donor must be a citizen of USA.
    • The donation must include the donor's name and address.

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