Published: July 03, 2008 09:29 am         

Municipalities network in Ocean City

CUMBERLAND - If you don't go, there's no way to take advantage of the opportunities available.

That's how Cumberland Councilman Butch Hendershot views attending the Maryland Municipal League's annual summer convention held last week in Ocean City.

"It's one of two times each year we have the opportunity to network not only with other municipal officials, but state officials as well," he said.

Gov. Martin O'Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown attend the event with many department secretaries holding a Cabinet Secretaries Roundtable. It gives local staff and officials a chance to mingle with the department heads to not only thank them for their efforts, but also to keep their towns in the forefront.

Cumberland also was represented by Councilmen Ed Hedrick and Pete Elliott, both long-time attendees, as well as City Administrator Jeff Repp, Jeff Rhodes, director of administrative services, Po-lice Chief Charles Hinnant, Margie Eirich, city clerk, and Terri Bennett, acting economic development coordinator.

One thing that caught Hedrick's eye this year was the benches along Ocean City's boardwalk, many of which have a plaque in memory of someone. He sees it as a way for people to give back and thinks it's something that just might work in the city.

Warren Foote, a Lonaconing councilman for 22 years, has participated in the convention for about seven years. This year he was joined by Town Administrator John Winner.

"For small towns like the town of Lonaconing, you get to meet face-to-face with a lot of funding agencies," he said.

Susan Keller, Frostburg's public works commissioner, was the only member of that council to attend because of budget constraints. She was able to attend because she serves as district vice president on the league's board of directors.

"There's just so many benefits," Keller, who also serves as president of the Allegany-Garrett County Chapter of the league, said. "The league really represents all 157 municipal governments. It really provides an avenue to strengthen the role of municipal governments."

She said the city has relied on the league's expertise for a number of issues including last year's dog ordinance discussions and most recently on wind turbines.

Keller said the opportunities are endless and she hopes eventually Frostburg will be able to send more people. The cost is about $1,500 per person.

"The opportunity for training is invaluable," she said. "I think our participation really helps put us ... on the map. Oftentimes we're forgotten about in this part of the state."

In Cumberland, the cost to attend the conference was included in the fiscal 2008 budget.

One thing officials mentioned was the Academy for Excellence in Local Government. Hedrick has been named a fellow for his work and Hendershot said he only has three more credits to earn, which he expects to get this fall.

Keller said the academy consists of nine core courses and five electives, all of which she completed as soon as she could.

Contact Maria Smith at msmith@times-news.com.