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Expanding the Property Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Homes

New legislation shows that sound environmental policies can be good for taxpayers. We should be doing all we can to encourage the construction of energy-efficient homes that consumers will buy.

This past weekend, we marked the observance of Earth Day. I joined volunteers at a tree planting and community clean-up in the Ridgeleigh neighborhood off Loch Raven Boulevard, and I salute the volunteers throughout the Fifth District who helped at other events, from Towson to Perry Hall.

The Baltimore County Council elected in 2010 has passed many measures to help improve the environment. The first legislation I sponsored, Bill 2-11, created a Baltimore County Pedestrian and Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee to help expand our trail network and increase bicycling. Bill 7-12 established the first-ever zoning category for open space. Other bills have strengthened the role of

NeighborSpace of Baltimore County, which preserves undeveloped land.

In 2010, the previous County Council passed legislation that provides a property tax credit for three years for either a new home that exceeds the Home Energy Rating System by 40 percent or for an existing home whose energy performance is increased by 40 percent. I have introduced Bill 23-12, which also qualifies homes that meet the International Code Council’s National Green Building Standard. The new standard judges not just the unit, but site development plans and other factors.

The new legislation shows that sound environmental policies can be good for taxpayers as well. We should be doing all we can to encourage the construction of energy-efficient homes that consumers will buy.

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Ron Burgundy April 22, 2012 at 11:21 am
This is all great stuff Councilman,now please answer the question that has been raised now for over a week.
DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT COMMIT TO VOTING FOR THE PENSION MEASURE AND DID YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AT THE LAST MOMENT WITH THE OTHER 4 COUNCILPEOPLE? It's a simple question that will shed light on your complaint about the CE treating you unfairly. Since you and the other Councilpeople went public airing your complaint it's a very fair question for your constituents to hear directly from you. Did you give your word and then back out, yes or no.
Dottie Cordwell April 22, 2012 at 01:49 pm
I am a REALTOR and have a GREEN designation from the National Association of Realtors. This is the first time I have heard of the legislation giving homeowners a 3 year tax credit for increasing their homes energy performance by 40%. How does this work? Does an assessment have to be made before and after the improvements and if so, who is required to do the assessment?
Please give us more deails. It is one thing to pass legislation but another to inform homeowners so they can benefit from the passing. Thank you.
David Marks April 22, 2012 at 02:06 pm
Dottie, here is the page on the Baltimore County Web Site that describes the program.
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/environment/sustainability/residents.html Thank you for your interest, and for responding to the article (and unlike the other commenter, using your real name).
Ron Burgundy April 22, 2012 at 06:28 pm
This is how you answer the question? It's a simple yes or no answer. Why can't your constituents learn a little more about their Councilman, and core beliefs? Who, by the way, does an excellent job. Did you or did you not pledge your vote then change? Yes or no. It won't go away until you answer.
Bart April 22, 2012 at 07:12 pm
Ron (Don) , I prefer that my councilman look at all the details as they become clear, then make a decision accordingly. I am delighted that our Councilperson, Mr. Marks, isn't a rubber stamp for Kamenetz. Perhaps this marks an end to the Good 'ole Boy network that has been Baltimore County Politics for decades. We, the voters are glad he made the decision he did. And we, the voters can vote him back into office. More than I can say for your boss.
Ron Burgundy April 23, 2012 at 01:47 am
Bart, it has nothing to do about a rubber stamp , this whole issue centers around 4 Councilpeople, that gave their word, reversed their decision then went to the press to cry foul. Why is it that those 4 can't answer a simple question. Why has Mr. Marks avoided answering the question for over a week. What is he afraid of. He had the courage to change his vote, the courage to go to the press but now NOT the courage to explain his change of heart.
Ron Burgundy April 23, 2012 at 01:48 am
As an aside, isn't the old line, you're only as good as your word! What's Mr. Marks word worth these days?
Bart April 23, 2012 at 01:06 pm
Don: Again, as Kamenetz tripped all over the facts of the issue, the council rethought their votes. People who THINK and REASON are far more productive than those who won't change their minds no matter the facts. And, now that we're on the value of their "word", Kamenetz has so far tripped over his own ego in stonewalling everyone who dares to disagree with him. Not fair to the voters. At the latest Democratic Club meeting I attended, nobody was happy with KK's actions. If his own party's staunchest supporters aren't for him, who will be? He can't rely on the West Side alone.
Kevin Smart April 23, 2012 at 04:53 pm
The councilman's response about the green issue could not be answered with a yes or no response.What pledge was not honored?
Ron Burgundy April 23, 2012 at 08:56 pm
Bart, regardless of the issue, forget it's the pension bill, people do have every right to think and reason, you are correct. Here's the issue, there were agreements, much thought and reason behind a commitment to vote a certain way, which changed very late in the game. Then there's the very public expression that these 4 Councilpeople weren't being treated fairly. My point all along is and was, don't commit, don't agree to back certain legislation. But when you do then stick by your commitment. That didn't happen and then the "foul" cry. I think the learning for these 4 moving forward will be and should be no commitment if there's any hesitation or doubt. Otherwise you have blips like this. It's not good for anyone involved and not good for the citizens.
K Blue April 23, 2012 at 09:53 pm
Ron, what makes you so sure there were agreements? Were you present when they were made? I have been reading your point of view and it is all premised on your assertion that agreements/commitments were made by certain councilmembers, but you dont say how you know this. I have not read any such thing anywhere except from your posts. If you were there, what is the date that the agreements were made?
Ron Burgundy April 23, 2012 at 10:23 pm
K Blue, re-read Bryans report, I merely put 2 and 2 together. They didn't vote the measure and then claimed retaliation. Why would they make that claim? It ,in fact hasn't been denied on this string or other strings. They've had plenty of opportunity. No, I have no concrete facts. I've been around enough in Annapolis and DC to understand the process when it comes to reading between the lines. Let them deny it and I'll move on. It was clear to me from the article what happened. But to your point I have no eyewitness proof.
K Blue April 23, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Ron, thanks for your clarification. I just re-read all of Bryan Sears' articles on the local pension bill, including the one about the night the bill was tabled. You appear far more seasoned than I on these matters and may have reason to trust your hunch, but I dont infer what you infer. The 4 who voted to table the bill "peppered" the administration with questions according to an article, and as far as Councilman Oliver is concerned, I am at a loss how you inferred that he switched his vote/committed to support it when reportedly he was being courted to switch his vote to vote in favor which implies that he never committed in the first place. But, as I said before, you seem to be much more seasoned in these matters. Perhaps if you called the councilmembers' directly, you might get the answers you seek. I, too, will call tomorrow.
Ron Burgundy April 24, 2012 at 02:12 am
I agree on the Oliver front. It does appear, having not been there,that his vote was never promised. As far as being "courted", it's been my experience this is all part of the "game". You want federal funding for highways, then your speed limit is 55.I understand that part, case in point the debacle in Annapolis 2 weeks ago. I don't say it makes good government but there are times compromise or "deals" are made. Even Rick Santorum admitted to that, "sometimes you vote a certain way to go along". It is our system. It's when you back away from that commitment and then cry to the press that gets my goat. I have no stomach for folks that have no integrity. I saw it that way and that's why I have been vocal on the subject.
Ron Burgundy April 24, 2012 at 02:15 am
PS. I still don't understand why Mr. Marks refuses to comment. Either confirm or deny the allegation. Did you/he commit his vote and then back off. It's a simple yes or no answer. Again, by his/their silence I'm more confident then ever it's as I thought.And truthfully, I'm disappointed in my Councilman, I thought he was more than he's showing at the present time.
K Blue April 24, 2012 at 02:31 am
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you and I read things differently on this one. I am not totally naive, but doubt that people who were going along to get along/get something would ask so many questions and ask for further clarification on figures and method. I am glad you agree about Councilman Oliver. Thats one less call I have to make tomorrow.
K Blue April 24, 2012 at 02:44 am
Its easier to make a phone call. Since he is your councilman, you should feel comfortable contacting his office directly. Perhaps if you left a number for him, he could call you directly. This issue is obviously important to you. Message boards can be so impersonal. I have seen many demands or allegations aimed at elected officials on these comment boards go unanswered. I wouldnt infer anything from it. If they spent even a small portion of their time responding via forums, I doubt they could get much done.
charles richardson April 24, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Ron certainly seems to be a huge supporter of this administration. One can only guess whether he or she would have been as supportive of Joe Bartenfelter or Ken Holt but most of the posts I've read on Patch seem to go against the grain of the administration. Any outside observer would say there seems to be a an organized effort to discredit this administration. Dirty politics has been with us since the birth of the nation, it isn't going away. I would prefer to look at the situations and not see red,blue,white or black. Patch has given a voice to individuals but most of the blogs are like talk radio, heavily skewed against the current administration and certainly more "right" leaning than left. That's unfortunate. While Ron may have an agenda the points raised seem to be fair. As does the charge that this administration based investments on support of bills. Somewhere in the middle is the truth.The Councilman knows full well his votes have consequences at the same time decisions should be based for the good of all Baltimore County citizens. Hopefully,for the benefit of all the situation gets resolved as no one wins and we all lose.
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Kathleen Williams June 9, 2013 at 02:46 pm
How did YOU GUYS get to be the plural of YOU. I guess the same way NO PROBLEM replaced YOU'RERead More WELCOME.
Sanchez June 10, 2013 at 04:13 pm
It's "yuz guys" hon. Like "see yuz guys at the bowin ally."
Ruth Schaefer May 17, 2013 at 08:14 pm
This 30-foot, 7-ton holly tree was removed to make room for the extension and will be replanted toRead More live on in the yard of a happy Towson family.