First, I do not think it is possible to overstate the importance of a recent state vote that allowed expansion of Interstate 270 from the Beltway to Frederick. This is a major win for all of us in Frederick County and once completed will likely represent the largest infrastructure project in generations. Most importantly, is what it will mean to Frederick County residents. It will mean moving more cars more quickly on the interstate, and allow for mobility during those peak travel volume times that are growing longer and longer.

These new toll lanes will be privately financed, meaning at no cost to taxpayes and optional for roadway users. It is important to note that all users will benefit, even the non-toll drivers in what are now the existing lanes. As a commuter for a decade, I can tell you that I can notice the dramatic improvement in traffic flow on days when the federal government is closed and during the summer when school is out. The noticeable improved traffic flow during these times amounts to a small reduction in the number of vehicles on the roadways during peak times. This is how the toll lanes will make mobility easier for all County residents. The relatively smaller number of drivers using the toll lanes will take enough vehicles off the existing lanes to make them all run more efficiently.

Skeptics make arguments that roads bring traffic and that we need more transit options in Frederick. While I agree that we can use more transit options and that transit expansion should be part of the conversation, the reality is that for the vast majority of Frederick County residents, trips are made in personal vehicles. People are sitting in traffic today and in my view it is the government’s responsibility to provide solutions to this decades long project. Our state is doing so with this proposed traffic relief project.

As you can tell, I am very excited about the prospect of traffic relief in Frederick County. It is one of the biggest quality of life issues that we face as a County.

The second topic the Council has been hearing about is banning the use of plastic bags or other single use plastics. A workgroup is being formed to analyze the issue. I should say that I remain skeptical about the effectiveness and utility of such a ban. In my view, plastic bags are a practical item that efficiently transport goods. They can have a second life to help with pet waste, diapers, garbage can liners, lunch bags, and thousands of other household uses. The real issue that ban supporters have is improperly disposed of plastic bags. I think there are more effective solutions to litter than just banning a product that may end up as litter.

I support people being given the choice to make decisions that are in their own best interest. If a person or a family is concerned about the use of plastic bags, they are free to make a different choice for themselves and not use the free plastic bags offered by most retail and food establishments. What I don’t support is the idea that the government should make that decision for businesses and people in our County in all cases. I am hopeful that we can address the problems caused by litter in ways that do not include banning products.