Election Day and Early Election

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WHEN: Friday, April 25 from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Claret Hall (in the village center).  Absentee ballots are available at Claret Hall through April 25.  Proof of person, age, and residence is required.  An absentee ballot may only be cast if no other member of the residence will cast a ballot at the polling place.  All absentee ballots must be returned to Claret Hall by midnight on April 25.

 FOR WHOM TO VOTE: Three candidates are seeking election to two year terms on the Village Board.  There is one open position.  Candidate Statements are below at the end of this article.

Liyan Zhang
Esti Schabelman
Dipper Wettstein

WHO MAY VOTE: All residents 18 years or older are eligible and encouraged to vote.  Residents who have a property that has been accepted by the Columbia Association’s Architectural Resource Committee are unable to vote for Village Board Members.

All voters must bring proof of person, age, and residency to the poll.  A Maryland driver’s license, Howard County voter registration card, passport, and/or birth certificate may be used.  Newly settled residents may present a deed, lease, or a utility bill addressed to the individual at their River Hill address. 

WHY VOTE: This is a great opportunity to fulfill your civic duties, meet other residents, and become more engaged in the community.  In addition, we need to reach a quorum to validate the elections.

ELECTION DAY ACTIVITES:  The Opening Reception for the Resident Art Show will be held on Friday, April 25, 6 – 8 p.m. at Claret Hall. Residents are invited to stop in to vote early, meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments.  The Art Show will run throughout the voting period on Saturday, April 26. 

VILLAGE BOARD CANDIDATES: Three candidates for four seats. 

The Village Board will fill the remaining position by appointment.  Residents interested in serving on the Board of Directors must submit a letter of interest by May 2 to manager@villageofriverhill.org or to the River Hill Village Board, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Liyan Zhang
I, Liyan Zhang, have served on the Board of River Hill Community Association (RHCA) for the past 2 years, and am willing to serve another term. My family and I have been River Hill residents since 2001. Both my son and daughter have attended local schools and grown up here. I know many River Hill residents, as colleagues, or private friends, or neighbors. I have benefited greatly from the excellent service of RHCA, and would like to give back to my community. Also, as a senior level professional in network engineering, I have the knowledge and experience to serve my community. I have been living in English environment for 24 years with fluent English and Chinese. With a deep understanding of American society and culture, plus an international viewpoint, I believe I have been and will continue to be a very valuable board member of RHCA.

Esti Schabelman
I am interested in serving on River Hill Community Association Board of Directors to help address many of the issues that will face us as a community in the upcoming months such as the building of a funeral home nearby and the development of nearby land. I am methodical and always respond to emails/concerns promptly. I have experience with contract negotiations and with team organization. If you would like to ask me any specific questions, please email feel free to email me at estischabelman@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Dipper Wettstein
I have served on the Village of River Hill Board of Directors for the past three years and would like to apply for a third term. I am an active member of the Board and enjoy serving the community. I feel that I’ve made valuable contributions during my past terms.

I also serve on the Garden Center Advisory Committee (chair) and the Columbia Association Watershed & Aquatics Advisory Committees. I am also the founder and current member of the River Hill Watershed Committee. These memberships broaden my knowledge base about local affairs and enable me to better serve River Hill. I was born and raised in Columbia and believe that we are all very lucky to be living in the best City in one of the top Counties in the Country. I will always do my best to keep it that way.