eNews: Happy Thanksgiving, the Environment, and Our Economy
November 2017, Issue #4
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!
As Thanksgiving approaches, I offer my sincere gratitude for your partnership. Together we are working to make Howard County the best it can be. Whether it's our work on public education, equity, healthcare — including behavioral healthcare — jobs, the environment, transportation, or other challenges, our participation in our democracy makes a difference to our community. In particular this year, I am grateful that Main Street Ellicott City is thriving as shop owners prepare for a prosperous holiday season. I hope you'll join us on Main Street on Small Business Saturday® (November 25) and Midnight Madness (December 1). Richard and I, along with our children Elizabeth, Patrick, and Jack, send our very best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Why Courtney?
Endorsement of the Week: Mi Schill Kim
Mi Schill Kim has owned and operated Oriental Art Collection on Main Street in Ellicott City for many years. The shop carries some exquisite Korean painted pottery, wonderful Japanese wooden dolls, and a variety of Asian art.
Mi Schill lives and works in District 9B. She is well known for her advocacy work in the Korean American Community in Howard County and in Washington, D.C., and it's an honor to have her endorsement. Mi Schill, in her own words:
"When Courtney Watson was on the county council she had a lot of friends but she never forget about me as a second language person. She stopped in and saw me often and she listened to me so that she understood problems and then helped solved them. We love her. She listens, then acts, and we need her to be our state delegate in Annapolis so she can do more for us."
Issue Spotlight
Environment and Economy. We can improve both our economy and environment by providing a pathway to new jobs to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable, environment. Did you know Maryland has more than 170 solar companies that provide more than 5,400 jobs? Maryland's wind industry has invested $380 million in our economy. Helping clean energy industries will create more jobs, reduce green house gases, and reduce water and air pollution. Economy and environment should always be thought of as a partnership to create a win-win for our families and our planet. That is why I support increasing Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Learn more about this initiative.
Celebrating Veterans
Katie Hester Courtney Watson Veterans Day Parade 2017 Veterans Day was celebrated on Main Street with an old-fashioned parade, now in its third year. Senate candidate Katie Hester and I had the job of carrying the banner for the sponsor of the Mt. Hebron High School Marching band. It was great to march to the beat of the uplifting music. Thank you to everyone who serves or has served in the military and thank you to the families who support them.
Join Me!
*Small Business Saturday®. Support local businesses on November 25 on Main Street, Ellicott City. #shoplocal
*Coffee In November. Join me every Thursday this November (except Thanksgiving Day!), 10am at Cafe EZ, 3290 N. Ridge Road, Ellicott City. It's your chance to ask me questions and let me know what's on your mind as we approach the 2018 election. Just stop by, no reservations necessary. I look forward to seeing you!
* Midnight Madness. See the lighting of the Holiday Tree (6 pm), enjoy music, and do some shopping until midnight on Main Street, Ellicott City.
* Meeting Your Neighbors. One thing I really enjoy is talking with people at a house party. This format allows for extended discussion about the issues important to you and your neighbors. If you'd like me to meet your neighbors by hosting a house party, contact Jenn Cavey to schedule.
* Walking for Watson. Join us one weekend as we canvass. We'll be knocking on doors for several hours during most Saturdays and Sundays. Contact Jenn Cavey for more information and to donate your time - thank you!
