The candidates’ forum held on Thursday, April 9 is now available for on-demand viewing! To watch, visit 2026 Wilde Lake Candidates’ Forum (YouTube link).

Get to know the candidates for the Wilde Lake Village Board! Click the plus sign next to a candidate’s name to read that candidate’s statement.

Video Introduction

I have served the Wilde Lake community in several capacities: three terms on the Wilde Lake Village Board, multiple years on the Residential Architectural Committee, and most recently as Co-Chair of the Village Election Committee. I have also volunteered in many events that make our village a vibrant and connected place to live.

The year ahead must be a year of rebuilding – of trust, transparency, and collaboration. Residents deserve to know their voices matter. Our staff at Slayton House deserve to know their hard work is valued and supported. Our commitment to the schools, organizations, and businesses that make Wilde Lake strong must be visible and consistent.

As your representative, I will work to ensure decisions are made openly, thoughtfully, and with resident input. I believe the best solutions begin with respect-listening to all stakeholders, valuing different perspectives, and staying focused on constructive outcomes that benefit the entire community.

Video Introduction

I am eager to bring my eight years of experience on the Faulkner Station Community Association Board of Directors to the Wilde Lake Village Board. My experience interpreting governing documents will be a valuable asset for managing our village’s business and legal responsibilities.

If elected, I will foster an environment built on collaboration and promote decision-making that is well-vetted and informed by all perspectives. I believe in continuous engagement with residents, schools, Columbia Association, Howard County, and local partners and will strive to be responsive to the diverse needs of our community.

I will bring my enthusiasm for environmental stewardship with my work with Wilde Lake CARES to the Village Board. I am passionate about native plantings, removing invasive vegetation, and natural resource preservation-initiatives essential to our shared goal of protecting our open space.

I would be honored to serve and respectfully ask for your vote.

I, Felisa Garrett, am running for the Wilde Lake Village Board because I believe deeply in education, equity, diversity, and meaningful community engagement. Having lived in Howard County for 34 years, I have seen firsthand how strong, inclusive communities can uplift every resident. I am committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and that our village continues to be a place where everyone feels valued and supported.

Inspired by the vision of James Rouse, I will work to uphold the founding principles of Wilde Lake—fostering connection, opportunity, and respect across all backgrounds. My goal is to strengthen partnerships with schools, support inclusive programs, and encourage civic participation.

Together, we can preserve the character of our community while building a more equitable and vibrant future for all residents.

Video Introduction

I have been a proud resident of the Wilde Lake community since June 2018 and have been serving in the military for the last 18 years. My experiences during my time have strengthened my commitment to leadership, teamwork, and contributing to causes larger than myself. I plan to remain in the area for the next 10-15 years and am eager to become more actively involved in our community. Serving on the Wilde Lake Board of Directors would allow me to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents, promote community engagement, and ensure that our neighborhood continues to thrive. I am enthusiastic about bringing my dedication, organizational skills, and long-term commitment to the board to help shape a positive feo Introductionuture for Wilde Lake.

Video Introduction

If elected, I pledge to serve the community interests, listen to residents, work with staff and other board members and use our financial resources wisely and effectively.

We are the stewards of our beautiful neighborhood facilities, the voice to Columbia Association leadership and government, and a service organization to residents.

“It all started here” means that what we do in Wilde Lake has an impact on our larger community. “From many one” is our national motto and can locally guide our diverse community towards civic engagement and unified action which is vital to our democracy.

As past chair during the controversial village center redevelopment, I understand the importance of hearing diverse points of views and moving forward.

A collaborative relationship with staff is essential to most effectively use our resources. We have already demonstrated the power of the people in Wilde Lake. I look forward to serving you.

Video Introduction

I believe communities need forums where citizens can discuss programs and policies affecting their neighborhoods. As a candidate for the Wilde Lake Village Board, I bring a diverse background of experience and public service well-suited for this role.

From my perspective, key issues for Wilde Lake include:

  • Enhancing quality of life and preserving the village’s character;
  • Promoting sustainable, inclusive growth aligned with our founding principles; and
  • Implementing policies that reflect the community’s diverse voices.

I am running for the board because leadership requires high ethics and active engagement. I will foster respect and fairness for all residents. And, I will make sure the budget and activities align with our community’s values.

My qualifications, open-mindedness, and dedication to service would benefit both the board and residents. I humbly ask for your support for the 2026-2027 Wilde Lake Village Board. I would like you to get to know me. Please send a message to [email protected] to have a virtual conversation.

Video Introduction

I moved to Wilde Lake in 2014 and have served on the Residential Architectural Committee (RAC) and as neighborhood representative ever since. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with generous and caring Wilde Lake residents, and have learned a great deal on the principles and values that promote a verdant and attractive environment exhibited by Wilde Lake. In addition, I have served as co-chair of the Village Election Committee and participated in many green-space improvement activities coordinated by Wilde lake CARES.

I would like to expand my involvement with the community by serving on the Wilde Lake Village Board while maintaining my engagement with the RAC in the capacity of Architectural Committee Liaison. I am also interested in facilitating programs and events relating to education. If elected, I intend to work openly and respectfully with residents and other Board members toward the wellness of our community.

 

William “Bill” Santos ran unopposed for Wilde Lake’s seat on the Columbia Council (Columbia Association Board of Directors) and has been deemed elected to the seat. We include his statement below as well.

I’m asking for your vote so I can continue putting residents first in every decision about CA programs, services, and amenities. The Columbia Association exists to serve the people of Columbia, and the CA Board’s role is to ensure staff have the resources and direction needed to enhance residents’ quality of life. That means setting responsible budgets, adopting sound policies, planning effectively, and-most importantly-listening to community feedback.

CA must balance fiscal restraint while delivering high-quality services. Over the past four years, I’ve worked to secure investments in Wilde Lake paths, playgrounds, and pools. When splash pads were proposed, I actively sought input from Wilde Lake residents and made sure your voices were heard by the Board and staff.

I would be honored to continue advocating responsibly and transparently for Wilde Lake residents on the CA Board.