Howard County Executive

Chris Merdon has the credentials to lead the county.

THE RACE FOR Howard County executive is about preserving a suburban way of life with top-notch schools and comfortable neighborhoods in the face of continued growth but declining resources. It is a spirited contest featuring three able candidates with proven records of public service. County Council Chairman Christopher J. Merdon (R) is our choice over council member Ken Ulman (D) and independent candidate C. Stephen Wallis.

Mr. Merdon is best equipped to tackle the challenges of change, by virtue of experience, temperament and outlook. In his two terms on the council, he has demonstrated an ability to work across party lines on issues, and it is a testament to those skills that he was elected chairman when Republicans are in the minority.

Managing growth and modernizing government are Mr. Merdon's top priorities, and he brings a nuanced philosophy to both. He recognizes that past battles over growth, including a rezoning that he opposed, has made residents distrustful of government, and he has some good ideas on how to restore public confidence. He is equally reasonable when it comes to taxes, having supported an excise tax to support the schools but opposing an increase in the county income tax.

Education is always a key issue in Howard, and while Mr. Wallis, a highly regarded school principal, has the edge in experience, Mr. Merdon has advanced initiatives for technology and middle school sports programs. His campaign is noteworthy for the level of detail he is providing to voters about what he would do if elected Nov. 7.