Published: October 20, 2009 08:38 pm      

This is political maneuvering, rather than effective legislating

I’ve been reading with interest the several reports of email exchanges among the Allegany County delegation (and apparently numerous other individuals) regarding potential legislation to enable a petition for referendum on the Sheriff/Bureau of Police issue.

I’ve read both the bill introduced by Del. Kelly as well as the Carroll County bill he continues to compare it to. Even a casual reading makes clear that there is no comparison between the two bills or situations. Saying something over and over does not make it so.

Over a month ago, I prepared and sent the delegation (and this newspaper) bill language that would, in a very simple manner, enable a petition for referendum to proceed just as if we were still within the 40 day time limit set forth by the General Assembly.

My bill language would focus this legislation solely on this time limit without attempting to take sides, force a particular outcome, or supersede the authority of a Code county. It simply opens the door for referendum supporters to demonstrate the strength of their position by crafting a petition and gathering the requisite number of signatures. The time limit is the only thing preventing this from occurring.

Even if there is a referendum that repeals the local law establishing the BOP, the next board of county commissioners will have to determine the next course of action.

Of course, if there is a referendum, all potential candidates will be able to pledge to “follow the will of the people” and abide by the results. This would make candidates’ positions clear during the campaign and allow appropriate attention to the many other issues facing us. We cannot afford for this to be a one-issue campaign.

Del. Kelly’s continued insistence on badgering the delegation into accepting his fatally flawed bill from last year, as opposed to crafting a better one, as well as his continued misrepresentation of the issue by comparing it to Carroll County, appears to be more political maneuvering than effective legislating.

After 20 years in office, perhaps one can no longer tell the difference?

Mark Fisher

Cumberland