Author: Chao Wu

Chao Wu Maryland State Delegate, D9 ( Howard and Montgomery Counties)

I want to vote for President Clinton’s wife

Do you know which party should I register?

This was a question we heard during CAPA’s voter registration drive. The bad news is that the lady really has very limited information about the politics at all. The good news is that she wants to vote and she believes her vote counts somehow. It is this believe we organized BOE candidate forum and want to help our parents be an informed and active voter.

I am looking forward to seeing what is Scott E’s score board after the primary voting ends.

#HoCoPolitics

sign in front of my house

After CAPA BOE forum, I put three signs in front of my yard.I believe they are the only signs around one mile.

Since many people drop off their kids at River Hill High through my street, maybe I can promote them to several hundred voters..

#HoCoPolitics

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partial HoCo BOE poll result and early voting today

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Early voting starts today. New Maryland law “same day registration” took effect this year: if you did not register to vote in the primary, you can still register at the poll site and vote. If you missed the deadline to register to vote in the primary, you can register at the early voting centers. State elections officials say you must bring a document proving your residency. Once you are registered you can then vote on the same day. Ref http://www.wbal.com/article/156498/2/early-voting-starts-today-in-maryland

It is unbelievable I could not get this information on the State Election WEbsite: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/.

From April 14 through 21, between 10am and 8pm, there are three early voting locations:

  1. The Florence Bain Center in Columbia,
  2. The Miller Branch Library in Ellicott City,
  3. The Ridgely’s Run Community Center in Jessup.

It seems we should have more locations for early voting.

Did you vote today? Did you participate in our poll and use it as a reference ? If so, would you mind leaving a message below. You don’t need register to leave a message.

Poll: 2016 HoCo BOE Candidate Survey

After our BOE candidate forum held the Chinese School of Columbia on Sunday April 10, 2016, I created this survey to help us get a better sense in the community.

Under each candidate name, I highlighted their talking points. Several general points were shared by all: more budget oversight, more diversity, more Asian American History in the class.

Please select six. Each IP can only vote once. So please pick up to six candidates to vote. You will not be able to vote twice.

Note in the election, you can only vote for three candidates. We can vote top three or choose three from top six candidates (around 50% cut off) to vote.

Closing statement for 2016 CAPA BOE Candidate Forum

Closing statement for 2016 CAPA BOE Candidate Forum
Dr. Chao Wu
Sunday, April 10, 2016
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Thank all BOE candidates. Thank the Chinese School at Columbia for providing the facility. Thank all volunteers who make our first BOE candidate forum a agreat success. Thank you, many parents, our participation sets a good example for our kids.

Our community engagement will help our kids’ grow, not only in the school academics, but also in public service and community volunteering. This is a historical moment for Asian Americans in our county. We have learned many lessons and we are no more silent. We are a significant stakeholder in the school system and we should try our best to make our school better.

I really appreciate all BOE candidates who are here and interacting with many parents in our community. We understand you better when you share your experiences and visions for our school system. BOE plays a critical role in our kids’ education outside our families.

From our top 5 questions voted by around 100 CAPA members, the majority of us are really concerned with our children’s education in two aspects:
1) How can we help our kids to achieve their full potential with support from family and school?
2) How can we help our kids to be proud and confident, who value their heritage, culture, and uniqueness?

With a diverse student body in our schools, we see some achievement gap among various groups. However, our county has the same best schools and teachers, BOE should think how to encourage each student to maximize their potential. The school can’t do it alone. It should think how to better engage with families in need.

I strongly believe the importance of education. As Chinese Americans here, we have our faith, our race and our culture which identify ourselves. Even our faith and family social-economic conditions are quite different from each other; our pursuit of the best education never dims away. We are looking for equality, respect and progress in our education system. Nothing else should prevail besides the pursuit of the best education.

What makes each individual stronger is always ourselves. We need study hard, work hard and be the best of ourselves. Nothing stands in the middle, not our race, not our social-economic status, nothing else. We don’t want to be treated differently. So we should stand on our ground and strive for success. I wish our schools will teach these important and critical points to our students.

So what should we do after today?
1) Please register as a voter first if you have not done so. You can finish it online in 3 minutes. Tell your friends, friends of friends to register. CAPA has been doing this for two months. Even voter registration for the primary passed, please continue register for the general election in November.
2) Please share your thoughts on the current candidates and share them with our community.
3) Please vote on April 26 or do early voting, or cast an absentee vote.

Together we have our voice heard and together we will make a difference in HCPSS.

Thank you. Today’s BOE candidate forum is closed.

April 2016 Update on New Developments around Clarksville

There is a very important meeting to amend Plan Howard 2030 to revise the Growth Tiers designations. All Tier IV properties not currently preserved through Howard County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program or in C or RR zoning districts will be designated as Tier III. Planning Board will make recommendation to County Council. Meeting date: 4/7/16
Time: 7:00
Location: 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD

My previous post is located at https://chaowu2016.com/2015/12/06/eight-new-developments-around-river-hill/, about new residential and commercial developments. Thanks to CA staff, I got some update.

The numbers are the application numbers you can use to find more information on the county website , https://opendata.howardcountymd.gov/Planning-and-Zoning/Residential-Site-Development-Plans/uw3g-gz3x

Development around Village of River Hill
Project Submission Project Village Zoning Status
F-16-066 11/13/2015 Public water adn utility easements to new commercial building location for the expansion of Conscious Corner in Claksville Near River Hill B-2 Voided-March
F-15-110 10/29/2015, 2/4/16 Final Plan for Phase I of the Enclave at Tiernery Farm development located east of Route 108 and west of Guilford Road. Phase I includes 50 single-family homes Near River Hill R-ED Submit revised
S-15-007 7/3/2015, 4/1/16 Sketch plan for 103 single-family homes, 19 single-family attached Moderate Income Housing Unites and 62 single-family attached housing unites proposed north of Grace Drive and east of Quiet NightRide Near River Hill CEF-R Under Review
F-16-078 2/19/2016 Resubdivision plan to consolidate parcels and an easement for water utilities where three retail stores are proposed (Chick-Fil-A, Mr. Tire and a drug store) north of Ten Oaks Road at the intersection of Route 108 Near River Hill B-2 Submit revised
ECP-16-047 3/31/2016 Environmental Concept Plan for nine single-family detached homes north of Tall Timber Drive and west of Trotter Road Near River Hill R-20 New Proposal
F-15-110 10/29/2015 Final Plan for Phase I of the Enclave at Tierney Farm development located east of Route 108 and west of Guilford Road. Phase I includes 50 single-family homes. Near River Hill R-ED Under Review
ECP-15-080 10/13/2015 Environmental Concept Plan for Simpson Oaks development east of Quiet Night Ride on Grace Drive for 103 single-family detached and 81 single-family attached homes. Near River Hill CEF-R Under Review
WP-16-046 9/25/2015 Developer is seeking a waiver petition from regulations governing on-site forest retention including leaving state champion trees, trees 75% of diameter of state champion trees, trees larger than 30 inches in diameter and providing recreational open space. Near River Hill R-12 Approved – November
WP-16-038 9/17/2015 Developer is seeking a waiver petition from regulations governing on-site forest retention including leaving state champion trees, trees 75% of diameter of state champion trees, trees larger than 30 inches in diameter and specimen trees in an undisturbed state. Near River Hill CEF-R Decision Deferred November
F-16-033 8/29/2015 Proposal to add a new automobile dealership “Antwerpen Hyundai “south of Auto Drive and north of Route 32. Near River Hill B-2 Under Review
ECP-13-073 6/17/2013, 8/21/13 River Hill Garden Center redevelopment. Near River Hill B-1 Submit Revised

Van Hollen endorsed by 80-20 DC PAC

It is election season again.

80-20 DC Chapter Endorses Chris Van Hollen for the US Senate

http://weidb.com/p43202&g=999&tag=latest&page=1

80-20 Initiative DC Area Chapter is endorsing Chris Van Hollen for the United States Senate, call Asian, especially Chinese Americans in Maryland to vote in the democratic primary on April 26, 2016.
 
Why should the Chinese American community support Chris Van Hollen as the Democratic Party candidate for the open Senate seat?  First Chris Van Hollen has worked for many years for the Chinese American community.  We know he is one politician that has always been willing to help Chinese Americans.  Secondly, Chris Van Hollen in Congress has always been sympathetic to policies that we supported.  He has always listened to our views and will continue to do so in the future.  Thirdly, Chris Van Hollen has been a supporter of research and NIH.  The Chinese American vote may play a decisive role in this election, this primary in particular.  Chris Van Hollen’s opponent is Donna Edwards.
 
The primary election will be a very close one .  Every vote weights a lot. In 2014, only 23% eligible voters voted in Maryland’s primary.  
 
What do you need to do?  First, you need to register as a Democrat before April 5. Only through the political parties will your vote count. And the registration can be done online at Maryland’s Online Voter Registration System (OLVR).  Second, vote for Chris Van Hollen on April 26 at your polling station.  In a democracy, like ours, your voice will only be heard if you participate in the political process.

Percentage of Chinese-Korean American students in Clarksville

A friend created a figure to show the percentage of Chinese/Korean American student population in the Pointers Run Elementary School. Then I counted my daughter’s Clarksville Elementary School too. The data was taken from 2015 School Year Book.

Here is the data and plot.

 

2015 Chinese-Korean American Student Percentage in Clarksville Two Schools

So I will keep updating these numbers and figures each year and see how our community is changing.

 

 

 

Proposed New Membership Structure (The Villager 2016-3)

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CA Considers New Membership Structure

(This article will be published in The Villager, March 2016.)

CA Staff Proposed New Membership Structure

Columbia Association (CA) is working to improve our fitness membership services and increase community participation. The current Package Plan membership structure is very complex. Therefore, CA staff recently recommended a six-category membership structure based on the study by consultant Club Intel:

  • Fitness membership:
    • one fitness club (all equipment and group fitness classes); One guest pass for use each month.
  • Recreation membership:
    • All outdoor pools; Swim Center with SplashDown; Sports Park; SkatePark; Ice Rink; All outdoor and indoor tennis courts; One guest pass for use each month.
  • AquaFit membership:
    • Recreation Membership; All three fitness clubs and everything in them; Discounted green fees; Two guest passes for use each month.
  • Weekday Golf Membership:
    • Eight-day advance reservations; unlimited green fees on weekdays; both courses; Handicap fees.
  • Seven-Day Golf Membership:
    • Eight-day advance reservations; Unlimited green fees on all seven days, both courses; Handicap fees.
  • Golf-Fit Membership:
    • AquaFit Membership; Seven-Day Golf Membership; KidSpace free; Two guest passes for use each month.
  • Haven on the Lake and Hobbit Glen Golf Course memberships would continue to have separate membership pricing.

The key success indicator for a new fitness membership structure is an affordable price with great customer service. Currently CA has approximately 20,000 memberships (6000 of them are non-CA residents) and Columbia has around 100,000 residents. We want to serve as many residents as possible and still maintain quality service. I believe CA’s fitness program, pathway and open space are an integral and enjoyable part of our resident’s daily life.

My primary thought on the membership rate is that we should provide a relatively low rate to residents (they already pay the Annual Charge fee) and a market competitive rate (a little lower than other commercial facilities in our community) to non-residents.

 Membership Without Price

Without a price tag for the membership structure proposed by CA staff, it is difficult to make a decision. If the price is really low then the facilities may become overcrowded. If the price is too high, many residents will not be able to afford memberships. We have to strike a balance between these two factors. At the same time, CA needs to have a healthy fiscal condition too. I am expecting the CA Board will soon receive more details from staff on the projected membership numbers and projected revenue.

  My Proposed Membership Structure

Instead of bundling many facilities and services together, I prefer a more flexible membership structure which gives more freedom to our members.  It is obvious that for elderly families and families with young kids, their needs are quite different. For example, I seldom see elderly people swimming in the outdoor pools.

I prefer to exclude group lessons and classes from the membership structure. They offer added-on value such that they should be purchased separately.

1: Basic Membership

  • Members have freedom to adjust the structure twice a year.
  • Members may choose only one from the following facilities:
    • (1) Columbia Athletic Club;
    • (2) Columbia Gym,
    • (3) Supreme Sports Club,
    • (4) Outdoor pools,
    • (5) Columbia Swim Center,
    • (6) Skate Arena, Ice Rink, Sports Park;
    • (7) Fairway Hills Golf Club, and
    • (8) Tennis Facilities

2: Advanced Membership

Choose three of the facilities from the list above.

3: Full Membership:

Have access to all the facilities from the list above.

4: Luxury Membership

Include Haven on the Lake or Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course or both. These two facilities are expensive and premier If customers have the basic or advanced membership, they will get a discount on Haven on the Lake or Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course memberships.

5. Guest membership

  • For every membership type, members should receive one free membership in any other facilities for themselves. I believe this will expose them to different facilities, especially Haven on the Lake or Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course and hope they will use other facilities later.
  • For every membership, members should receive one or two guest passes

 6. Different Price Scheme

CA resident and non-CA residence price; Low-income price; Family and non-family price; Short-term visitor price.

By providing such a structure, I believe it will be easier for members to participate in programs and services that better match their needs.  I would really appreciate your input on the CA staff proposed membership structure and on my concept. Please email me at superbwu@gmail.com or the whole CA Board atboard.members@columbiaassociation.org.  We really need to hear from you.

Chao Wu, Ph.D.

River Hill Representative to Columbia Council

Columbia Association Board of Directors

Email: superbwu@gmail.com  Tel: 240-481-9637  Website: http://chaowu2016.com

Disclaimer: This letter only represents Dr. Chao Wu’s personal opinion. It does not represent River Hill Board of Directors nor Columbia Association’s Board.

 

 

2007-2016 CA sport and fitness financial summary

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Got some information from CA staff to share.  In all CA facilities, only three fitness clubs can earn some money.

The Sport & Fitness Department in total generally operates at a loss, meaning that the annual charge does subsidize the department’s operations. Looking back to FY 2007 (data that was quickly available), the annual charge has subsidized the Sport & Fitness Department every year. Not surprisingly, the Outdoor Pools/Swim Center require the greatest average annual subsidy.

 However, the three fitness clubs have not been directly subsidized by the annual charge over that period. From 2007 through the 2016 estimate, they have contributed an average of $1,451,000 each year to offset the annual charge subsidy needed for other programs and administrative costs. This is quite impressive, really, when we consider that they operate with some rates that are significantly below market; i.e., income-qualified discounts, resident membership rates and the CA Points program. Generally speaking, CA’s costs to operate the clubs are not below market, and in fact, are very likely higher, given our philosophy as an employer, our community service mission, etc.

So, the annual charge does subsidize the Sport & Fitness Department, but not the three fitness clubs. The attached spreadsheet shows the breakdown by facility, before the Administrative Services allocation. 

2007-2016 CA Sport and Fitness financial status

 

 

currently proposed CA membership structure by CA staff

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Many people asked me questions on the new membership structure. Currently proposed membership structure by CA staff is as following.

What I proposed, see link https://chaowu2016.com/2016/03/10/my-proposal-for-new-ca-membership-structure/, to give residents more options, more flexible choices, instead of bundled packages. Many people do not like bundled package, just like Comcast or Verizon are doing. They want tailored package to fit their needs.

If you have concerns or recommendations on the CA membership structure, please share it with me.

CA staff proposed membership structure.JPG

Besides, the Haven On the Lake is in another plan.

 

the really slow moving train

I was driving today on Randolph road and stopped for a train to pass. There were hundreds of cars waiting from both directions. More that ten years ago when I stopped there to wait for a train to pass for the first time, it was fun and I was excited to see a train in such a short distance. Now while waiting for the train to pass really slowly, I was wondering how many hours have been wasted for so many people for so many years. Why no bridge has ever been built?

The train of USA needs to move forward a little faster or at least not stop here, wasting people’ time. Hope the bullet train is coming to us in Maryland in my life time.

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CA’s KidsDay on June 11

Columbia Association hosting annual KidsDay party at Columbia SportsPark on June 11

KidsDay, the fun, annual welcome-to-summer event for kids hosted by Columbia Association (CA), returns on Saturday, June 11, with a party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia SportsPark.

KidsDay is open to the public; there’s no need to sign up. Just show up and enjoy a day of super-fun activities at Columbia SportsPark, 5453 Harpers Farm Road toward the back of the Harper’s Choice Village Center.

Mini-golf and all-you-can-hit batting cages will be free for all kids ages 13 and younger; those 14 and older can pay $5 for one activity or $7 total for both. There will also be numerous other fun options available and free to all, including arts and crafts, a moon bounce, face painting, animal balloons, dance music, and a variety of games and structured activities. While you and your family are having fun, learn more about CA’s great youth programs, classes, camps and special offers.

Concessions will be available for purchase, including food, beverages, snacks and ice cream. Door prizes will also be held during KidsDay.

Through April 1 , CA is accepting applications from kid-related vendors. Interested vendors should call 410-423-1891 or email Erin.McPhail@ColumbiaAssociation.org for an application.

About Columbia Association

Columbia Association (CA) is a nonprofit community services corporation that manages Columbia, Maryland, a planned community that is home to approximately 100,000 people and several thousand businesses. Additional information about CA is available at ColumbiaAssociation.org.

My proposal for new CA membership structure

4 Comments

Welcome your feedback. 

Note:

1) The opinion does not represent the opinion of the Board of Columbia Association.This is only my proposal and has not been taken into consideration by the board yet. If you support this approach, please email CA board and let them know at Board.Members@columbiaassociation.org 

2) This membership structure is different from the structure in the board meeting package of 3-10-2016.  This one offers more flexible options for our members and you know what exactly in the package.

 

CA_new_membership_structure_p1

 

CA_new_membership_structure_p2

CA_new_membership_structure_p3

CA_new_membership_structure_p4

 

 

 

Invitation for opinion on CA membership structure

Dear CA members or future members,

The Columbia Association is considering a change to the current membership structure and rate to simplify the membership structure, offer great service with affordable price.

Starting this Thursday, the CA board will begin to look at the new membership structure proposed by CA staff. You can have a look at the presentation ( page 2 to page 25) in the attachment.  The link at CA website is http://www.columbiaassociation.com/Home/Components/MeetingsManager/MeetingAgenda/ShowDocumentPacket/?agendaID=821&isPub=True&includeTrash=False

As your Council Representative on CA board, I want to hear your opinion on this. Please email me your thoughts to superbwu@gmail.com.

Thanks.

Chao Wu
River Hill Representative and Board of Director to Columbia Association

Website; http://www.chaowu2016.com
Email: superbwu@gmail.com
Tel: 240-481-9637.

My Article on CA Monthly

My latest article on Columbia Association’s Monthly magazine.

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River Hill is the newest of Columbia’s 10 villages, dating back to 1991. It had been around for nearly two decades by the time I moved here in 2010. Like those who were drawn to elsewhere in Columbia, there was much we found attractive about living in River Hill — the trails and pathways, the village center, the great schools and accessibility.

And as with Columbia, there’s much about River Hill that continues to change. While the village is still relatively new, there are many developments that have been completed, are going on now or are coming soon both in and around the area.

River Hill Garden Center has expanded and Clarksville Commons is being built. There’s a proposal for the auto park to expand as well. New retail stores may be added. New homes could soon be constructed. The U.S. Postal Service wants to open a new post office in the area after the previous one closed some five years ago. And the state and county governments recently announced that Route 32 would be widened from north of Clarksville up into Carroll County. All of this taken together is a sign of how the village and general area are growing.

There’s also plenty already here. I’m glad to see that River Hill Village Center is doing well. Our family enjoys going to River Hill Pool, which recently received an honorable mention in Howard Magazine’s annual awards as one of the best pools for kids. We like Columbia Gym, Columbia Association’s fitness club in the village center. That’s usually where we start our walks around the village. Besides CA’s pathways, there’s the system of trails in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, a 1,021-acre natural preserve.

River Hill is home as well to a couple of annual events. This will be the fifth year of the River Hill Health Fair, which is hosted by the River Hill Community Association and Coalition Halting Obesity in Children Everywhere, or CHOICE, a nonprofit founded by River Hill High School students. And every 4th of July brings the River Hill Independence Day Parade, which includes the fun and popular Precision Lawn Chair Marching Dads, who are better seen live since no description will do them justice.

This is a great community. I am calling upon our residents to participate in our meetings and share their perspectives to help make this an even better place to be.

Chao Wu

Online version is located at Columbia Association’s website:

http://www.columbiaassociation.com/Home/Components/News/News/962/343