Five Things on Odenton, Severn's Christmas List

More Retail—There are vacant storefronts in town, most notably  Developers say they want to build new restaurants and stores, but that  Meanwhile, residents are clamoring for different places to eat and shop. Can Santa bring us some signed retail leases?

Apartment Tenants—There are  in town. Let’s hope they fill up quickly so the new workers at Fort Meade and other places nearby aren’t clogging the roads with their long commutes.

Certainty in Government Spending—This area is filled with federal employees and businesses that rely heavily on government spending. Perhaps Kris Kringle could deliver a comprehensive deal on taxation and spending that will, at the very least,  It’s no fun wondering if you’re going to be furloughed next week, and it’s tough to do business when you have no idea what’s around the corner.

Money for Roads—Thousands of new workers moved into Fort Meade in 2011, and there is more planned expansion at NSA and U.S. Cyber Command. And yet, most of the , let alone started. Are there any transportation funds deep in Santa’s sack?

Reliable Electricity—Hundreds of people in the area  when a utility pole snapped. And thousands were without electricity in Piney Orchard, Maple Ridge and Four Seasons  Maybe we’re just unlucky but it’d be nice if Santa found a way to keep the lights from going out any time there’s a stiff breeze.

What would you like to see Odenton and Severn get for Christmas?