Residents press council on housing strategy and water-board appointments during public comment
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Summary
During public comment, Steve Glass criticized city housing interventions and a motel renovation plan, while Dan Holman urged clearer purpose and selection criteria for the Municipal Water & Sewer Service board ahead of multiple upcoming vacancies.
Two residents used the Nov. 24 public-comment period to press the council on housing and water governance.
Steve Glass criticized the Office of Affordable Housing’s role, said government involvement can reduce housing supply and questioned demolition decisions tied to a county justice-building project. “I can't believe government would want people to be homeless,” Glass said, but argued purchasing and renovating a motel will not make housing more affordable and urged the council to allow housing supply to expand through market activity.
Dan Holman, introduced as a Georgetown resident, addressed the Municipal Water & Sewer Service (GMWSS) board ahead of four upcoming vacancies. He said the board looks “fairly political” and noted several nominees’ professional backgrounds (including a lobbyist, a Toyota executive and a D.C. think-tank employee). Holman asked the mayor to provide written criteria for appointments and suggested quarterly water workshops where board members could present insights to the council and public.
Council members acknowledged the concerns. The mayor said the appointments are mayoral recommendations subject to council approval and the body later voted to require more background materials before future appointments.