By Chris Wells
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
County Councilman David Marks said in an interview recently that he is happy serving at the local level and has no plans to seek higher office in the near future.
“I’m happy where I am,” the Perry Hall Republican said. “Honestly, I’m happy as a councilman. If I serve a third term, I’ve always said it will probably be my last. The job is very tough and demanding. You should work as hard as you can and then move on.”
Marks said he is particularly proud of his work to preserve open space in his Fifth District’s urban centers, such as Towson.
“I’m an Eagle’s Scout,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in conservation, and if you look at what we’ve been able to do over the two terms we are on track to have seven parks by the end of my second term: Four in Perry Hall, one in Lock Raven and two in Towson. I’m very happy with that.”
His latest project is in Perry Hall, where the future Angel Park is set to be built. The park is inspired by a local family that lost a child, and is it will be designed to give residents a place where they can go to remember lost loved ones.
“He is committed to increasing the amount of open space and parks,” said Paul Hartman, the vice president of Greater Towson Council of Community Associations. “Late last year he got a resolution passed by the council that increased fees developers in Towson are required to pay that will go towards purchasing and improving open space in the area. Prior to this resolution, developers paid very little and many times it was zero.”
Hartman said that when Marks was first elected, some people were afraid that he would be biased towards Perry Hall at the expense of Towson. That has not been the case, Hartman said.
“At first the thought was, ‘He’s from Perry Hall, he doesn’t care much about Towson.’ But that turned out not to be the case at all,” Hartman said. “He spends a great deal of time working on Towson-specific issues.”
Marks’ job is to oversee District 5, which runs from Charles Street to Hartford County.
Marks said he loves the hands-on aspect of his job. Communicating and working in direct contact with the citizens can be overwhelming, but he wouldn’t change it, Marks said.
“My favorite part is getting things done to improve communities,” Marks said. “When you’re on a local level you can really see tangible results of things you’ve done. You can see a park dedicated or a bridge or highway being built or a school renovated. It’s probably the most hands-on political office you can run for.”
Marks said he has built working relationships with numerous people striving for the same goal: to make Baltimore County a better place to live.
“He is an exceptional public servant and tireless advocate for community issues,” said Stuart Sirota, an assistant secretary of planning in the Maryland state government. “He is very thoughtful in his approach to finding solutions to problems. He is a role model for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community through public service.”