Letter: PHIA Urges Fairness in County Budget

The is calling for fairness and equal treatment in Baltimore County's 2013 budget, specifically related to funding for schools and parks in Perry Hall.

Dennis M. Robinson Jr., PHIA president, sent a letter to Councilman David Marks and Councilwoman Cathy Bevins on Tuesday, detailing the group's requests and concerns.

The letter in PDF form can be found in the media gallery of this article.

Robinson also released the following statement to Patch:

The letter we sent to Councilman Marks and Councilwoman Bevins was not intended to indicate that we believe Perry Hall was treated unfairly in connection with the proposed budget. In fact, I think County Executive Kamenetz and the County Council have done an excellent job managing the county's finances, especially given the current economic conditions. While other jurisdictions are laying off employees, increasing taxes and/or significantly cutting government services, Baltimore County remains financially sound and has avoided these types of measures. That is not by accident or luck.

The letter sent to the councilmembers, prefaced by a message to local residents, is as follows:

Dear Neighbors:

Here is a link to a letter the PHIA sent to Perry Hall’s representatives on the Baltimore County Council. It is our understanding that the PHIA was the only community organization in Baltimore County to formally weigh in on the Baltimore County budget for fiscal year 2013. Although we recognize that our “wish list” needs to be adjusted because of the economy, we feel strongly that Perry Hall should be treated equitably with respect to the allocation of funds.

May 1, 2012

BY E-MAIL
Councilman David Marks
400 Washington Ave. Towson, MD 21204

BY E-MAIL
Councilwoman Cathy Bevins
400 Washington Ave. Towson, MD 21204
Re: Baltimore County Budget – Fiscal Year 2013

Dear Councilman Marks & Councilwoman Bevins:

Consistent with the Perry Hall Improvement Association’s (PHIA) longstanding history of advocating in the best interest of the Perry Hall community, I am writing on behalf of the PHIA to provide you with our input regarding Baltimore County’s budget for fiscal year 2013. This letter serves as a substitute for our oral testimony at the Baltimore County Council’s public hearing regarding Baltimore County’s budget for fiscal year 2013.

First, we recognize that you and County Executive Kamenetz are working hard in this challenging economy to manage Baltimore County in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining the level of essential services that residents of Baltimore County expect; however, we want to ensure that Perry Hall is treated fairly and equitably in the upcoming fiscal year 2013 budget and beyond.

Second, the budget for fiscal year 2013 does provide for significant improvements to schools in Perry Hall. Although we recognize that the County Council can make reductions to the proposed budget, but cannot make increases, we ask that you continue to advocate for capital improvements to our Perry Hall schools. These improvements include, but are not limited to, renovations, air conditioning and school construction.

Third, it is our understanding that certain budget line items, such as road improvements, are not specifically allocated in the budget because they are directed towards prioritized projects throughout the year. We ask that you continue to advocate for the equitable treatment of Perry Hall with respect to the allocation of those funds. By way of example, Chapel Road is in need of resurfacing.

Finally, we ask that you continue to advocate for the completion of public parks in Perry Hall, including Asbury Park, Gough Park, Indian Rock Park, and the Joppa Trail Park. These are the types of projects that continue to maintain and enhance the quality of life in Perry Hall.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure that residents continue to be proud to call Perry Hall “home.” Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss these issues in more detail.

Very truly yours,

Dennis M. Robinson, Jr.
Dennis M. Robinson, Jr.
President, Perry Hall Improvement Association

Is Perry Hall treated fairly when it comes to funding in Baltimore County? Tell us in the comments.