The citizens lost. The developers won. Again. | COMMENTARY
Matt Minahan, chair of the Growth Action Network, writes in the Capital Gazette about the County Council’s 5-2 vote to kill Bill 23-26, which would have limited developer campaign contributions.
“The county council voted down by 5-2 a bill that would limit the size and require disclosure of campaign contributions by any developer who has any business with the county.”
“Up to 40% of some campaigns in this county are funded by construction and development interests, including their law firms and family members. It tilts the playing field heavily in their direction and reduces the average citizen trying to petition the government.”
Minahan notes that Councilwoman Lisa Rodvien sponsored the bill and only Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler joined her in voting yes. Five council members voted no, including two who are running for County Executive and have amassed over $500,000 each since the last election.
“In the 2026 campaign, James Kitchin is the only candidate for county executive using the public financing option. We wish there were many more, but to the best of our knowledge, none of the other candidates running for county office use the public financing option.”
“If we want better government that we can trust, then we all must do our part to get money out of politics and to return our democracy to individual citizens who can petition their government on an equal footing with every other citizen, without our voices being drowned out by big donors with big money and business before the county.”