To: Director of Planning and Growth Management Peter Aluotto
& Director of Planning Steve Ball

From: Port Tobacco Resident Debra Zimmerman Murphey

Dear Gentlemen: Happy Holidays!

I am writing with some observations and questions regarding various issues concerning Charles County’s ongoing planning initiatives. For the record, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from George Mason University, a Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Journalism from American University, and have spent more than 25 years in the journalism, public relations and communications fields. Thus, when I share my perspectives, you can be sure they are based on credible research and well-vetted facts.

1. It appears that long before the 2012 comprehensive plan merged scenario was unveiled to the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Commission, certain members’ political will and stakeholder interests were already evident. We realize that certain constituents’ opinions hold significant sway.

I underscore this because I think it is imperative to note that the perception that smart growth is “anti-business” persists, and I believe it is incumbent on those of you leading this updated comprehensive-plan process to educate and inform the public and decision-makers (including myself) when false notions and misconceptions persist.

I think it is critical to understand certain realities (broached below) before we, as a county, use any decision-maker’s myopic analysis to embark on a flawed course for the future.

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