The State-mandated review and updating of Talbot County’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan will be voted on in the next few weeks. This process, which took well over a year, needs one final adjustment. Throughout the Plan there are many instances where the word “should” is used. A stronger, more precise and resolute word would be “shall”.
Councilman Dirck Bartlett has proposed an amendment to change “should” to “shall” throughout the Plan. I understand there have been 52 letters to the County Council, 48 of them supportive of “shall, not “should”, and only four of which are in opposition.
Because the Comprehensive Plan is a document intended to reflect the will of the citizens, it would seem appropriate for the Council to vote for “shall”, not “should”. Should the vote go otherwise, one would have to wonder why some members of the Council would ignore the wishes of his/her constituents.
Richard Gnospelius
Easton
Nancy McNary Smith says
It is encouraging to hear from someone who takes communication seriously, understands that words carry precise meaning, and respects concise writing. I applaud Richard Gnospelius
Willard Engelskirchen says
I strongly support Councilman Bartlett’s amendment. Without it the Council can do anything it wants at any time it wants to do it. Three of the Council probably want it that way.
My suggestion would be for those of us who would like our wishes acknowledged, we find and elect representatives who want to maintain our County and limit development to that which is sensible.