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Affordable Housing Legislation
ORAL TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND
BILL 6-23: An Ordinance concerning Subdivision and Development – Zoning - Accessory Dwelling Units
POSITION: Support
BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters Anne Arundel County
Date: February 21, 2023
Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County.
The League supports Bill 6-23.
This bill would make it easier for property owners to have Accessory Dwelling Units on their property.
In 1992 the League adopted an Affordable Housing position which supports: “meeting the housing and human services needs of special populations and increasing housing opportunities for people of low or moderate income.” In 2021, we reaffirmed that position with additional research.
ADUs are one way to meet the challenge of the rising costs of housing throughout the county.
- They can be more affordable for low- and moderately low-income residents.
- They can decrease isolation and depression in older adults and disabled persons by allowing them to remain in their community, close to family and friends.
- ADUs also can be a housing solution to empty nesters or young adults just entering the
- They would provide new housing options while maintaining the character of the community.
The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 6-23. Thank you.
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Nonpartisan Policy
The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County is a nonpartisan organization.
The League takes positions on issues but does not support or oppose political candidates or parties.
Members may participate in the political party of their choice as long as the individual does not represent the League publicly, as President or spokesperson. That would usually mean the Voters Guide chair, Candidate Forum chair and Action chair.
The President of the League should not display publicly his/her party affiliation.
In any voter service activity, or candidate forum, the League members involved may not indicate their party affiliation by what they say or by any insignia.
Serving as a campaign manager or treasurer for a political party or hosting a fundraiser for a candidate should not be done by a member of the Board or any highly visible representative of the League.
The LWVAAC Board shall review and readopt this policy annually.
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Diversity Equity & Inclusion Policy
The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
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Forum Videos
Click on link to view video or visit YouTube@League of Women Voters AAC
Anne Arundel County Board of Education Candidate Forum
October 10, 2024 at the Village Commons Community Center at Waugh Chapel, Gambrills, MD. Candidates from Districts 6 and 7. Moderated by Dr. Tanya Millner, Provost and VP of Learning at Anne Arundel Community College. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County in partnership with AAUW-AAC Branch, Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., North Arundel County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP-Anne Arundel County, National Coalition of 100 Black Women-AAC Chapter, Maryland Alliance of Black School Educators, Greater Crofton Council, Junior League of Annapolis and the Village Commons Community Center.
Maryland 3rd Congressional District Forum
September 24, 2024 at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. Candidates Sarah Elfreth (DEM), Rob Steinberger (REP) and Miguel Barajas (LIB). Moderated by Shelley Brown, Executive Director of MyLaw. Cosponsored by the Leagues of Women Voters of Carroll, Howard and Anne Arundel Counties in partnership with AAUW-Anne Arundel County, Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., North Arundel County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NAACP of Anne Arundel & Carroll Counties, National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Anne Arundel Chapter and Maryland Alliance of Black School Educators.
County Executive and County Council District 6 Candidate Forum
August 29, 2022 at Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, MD. Co-sponsored by LWVAAC and the Civic Association of Heritage Harbour Homeowners. Moderated by Mary Gunther.
2021 Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forum October 19, 2021 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, MD. Moderated by Josh Kurtz.
Legislative District 32 Candidate Forum October 17, 2018 at Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church in Odenton, MD. Moderated by Josh Kurtz.
Legislative District 33 Candidate Forum
October 11, 2018 at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD. Moderated by Terence Smith.
Legislative District 30 Candidate Forum
October 10, 2018 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, MD. Moderated by Christopher Nelson.
2017 Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forum
September 13, 2017 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis. Moderated by Susan Kopen Katcef.
https://youtu.be/DmdwKFNEYU4
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Report or request a community event
Click here to submit information about an upcoming LWVAAC activity or to request LWVAAC participation in a community event. Questions? Contact [email protected].
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The Voter Blog
LWVAAC Reusable Tote Bags
See all posts
Posted by Amanda SubbaRao · September 20, 2023 12:38 PM
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Candidate Forum Policy
Eligibility Criteria for Participation in LWVAAC Candidate Forums & Debates:
It is the policy of the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County that candidate debates and forums should be inclusive of all candidates who have qualified to be on the ballot, including all candidates of state recognized political parties, independent candidates and writein candidates. To be invited to participate, a candidate must meet the following criteria:
- be legally qualified, if elected, to hold the office under federal and state law; AND
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have filed and met all requirements to be on the ballot according to Maryland’s election laws ten (10) weeks prior to any election.
Adopted 2018
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Niecy Chambers published Becoming an Election Judge Has Its Rewards in Take Action 2022-02-08 11:09:47 -0500
Becoming an Election Judge Has Its Rewards
By Vera Herath, LWVAAC Voter Services co-chair and Board director
What’s an Election Judge? Well, I’m happy to tell you because I’ve been an Election Judge for nearly 10 years and truly enjoy doing my part to help people vote.
Election Judges are the friendly, helpful people you see working at your polling place when you vote in person. They ensure that qualified registered voters cast their votes privately, safely, and securely. They check in voters and issue Voter Authority Cards and ballots. They guide voters to the voting booths and answer any questions about filling in the ballot. They also help voters scan their ballots so that they are tabulated and counted. Election Judges help provisional voters when necessary. Finally, they have the pleasure of giving each voter a coveted “I voted” sticker to wear proudly.
[Already convinced? Visit the Board of Elections website or read on...]
Read more
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Niecy Chambers published Event Photos and YWCA Collection in Upcoming Events 2019-12-31 11:38:08 -0500
2019 Holiday Open House and YWCA Collection
LWVAAC members rock! Please click on the image of the letter to view the PDF.
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Calendar of Events
Please see pages in dropdown menu.
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Taking Action Politically
The League of Women Voters only advocates on an issue after members have studied all sides and reached consensus. This consensus process occurs at the local, state and national level. The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County has adopted the following positions through study and consensus:
Click on the title below to read recent LWVAAC public testimony and advocacy.
Letter to the Editor of The Capital on Resolution 1-22 Public Campaign Financing (1/30/22 edition)
Anne Arundel County Charter Revision Commission (1/24/22 hearing)
Anne Arundel County Resolution 30-18 Recognizing and Declaring the Humanity of Preborn Children
General Assembly HB 716 Anne Arundel County - Board of Education - Selection of Members (2017)
Annapolis Ordinance O-1-17 Non-discrimination of Foreign Born Residents
General Assembly SB 214 Anne Arundel County - Watershed Protection and Restoration Program - Exemption (Anne Arundel County Rain Tax Exemption Act of 2014)
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Voters' Guides
The League of Women Voters has a long history of publishing impartial voters’ guides which provide each candidate equal opportunity to voice their positions in their own words.
The Anne Arundel County Voters' Guide for the 2024 Presidential Election is now available. Read it online or download and print as a booklet.* *Print double-sided, flip on short edge.
LWVAAC will distribute printed copies of the Voters' Guide to county public libraries the week of October 7. To request a print copy, please email [email protected] and include your mailing address.
For candidate photos, updated responses and election information, visit
Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY VOTERS' GUIDE ARCHIVES
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Video Library
Click on link to view video or visit us on YouTube@League of Women Voters AAC
Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forum October 19, 2021 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, MD. Moderated by Josh Kurtz.
Climate Change: Global to Local
April 27, 2021 live streamed via Zoom. Presentation by Elvia Thompson, co-founder and president of Annapolis Green.
A Conversation with Two Daughters: The Fight for Social Justice
August 6, 2020 live streamed via Zoom, featuring author Charlene Butts Ligon and Mary Sue Welcome, Esq. Moderated by Yolande Dickerson
Legislative District 32 Candidate Forum October 17, 2018 at Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church in Odenton, MD. Moderated by Josh Kurtz.
Legislative District 33 Candidate Forum
October 11, 2018 at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD. Moderated by Terence Smith.
Legislative District 30 Candidate Forum
October 10, 2018 at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, MD. Moderated by Christopher Nelson.
Protecting Our Elections: Security of the Systems, Integrity of the Results
May 15, 2018 panel presentation featuring Joe Torres, Nikki Charlson and John T. Willis. Video courtesy of Anne Arundel Community College Instructional Design Team.
2017 Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forum
https://youtu.be/DmdwKFNEYU4
Conversation with County Executive Schuh 9-12-2015
https://youtu.be/lLXB8fvPofI
Rising Seas, Rising Concern: How will climate change affect Anne Arundel County?
http://youtu.be/hPXboDS9620
Improving Criminal Justice & Corrections in Maryland
http://youtu.be/CKcrP-7pIXU
Regional Transit Initiativehttp://youtu.be/DkncSjMmCww
Law Making and Civic Participationhttp://youtu.be/8hZ_VnKMur8
Voting in a Digital Agehttp://youtu.be/TGbc3MrvCLM
Niecy Chambers
Niecy Chambers
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