Who Lives where?
I read with interest that the upcoming ballot vote may change the current requirement that the Talbot County Department Head of Planning and Zoning, Public Works and the County Attorney will longer need to be a Talbot County citizens. Mr. Pack said in a news article he did not know why the County required the heads of these departments must be Talbot citizens? Really, it should be very clear why; these positions are charged with the interpretation and enforcement of Talbot County’s laws. Why would County residents want Department Heads not to be a part of our County. In researching I found the present law allows a time frame for new hires to relocate, this was the case with four P&Z Department heads prior to the current one.
We all know Talbot is a special place to live, who wouldn’t want to live here. Maybe the cost of living in Talbot County has climbed so high affordable housing can not be found, if this is the case the Council should consider increasing the salary offered.
I think what is needed is district representation by the County Council, presently all our Council Members live in the Town of Easton which has its own government including Zoning, Public Works and a Police Force, areas like Bay Hundred, Cordova, and Trappe deserve the type of representation that can be given when one lives in the community. Same can be said for Department Heads.
Robert Haase
St. Michaels
Hugh (Jock) Beebe says
Mr. Haase clearly frames the argument in favor of rejecting amendment of the County charter to allow influential Talbot County department heads and its attorney to live elsewhere. Living within the county provides important personal experience for those in government without which their understanding of issues may become abstract and less meaningful.
Watson says
Agree with Mssrs. Haase and Beebe completely. It has nothing to do with the two individuals affected at present by this legislation (for which problem other solutions are easy), but the important principle of the thing. The Council should never have ignored the Charter requirement in the past, and then wouldn’t have to be trying to change it now to clean up after themselves.
Charles Barranco says
I believe Mr Haase’s suggestion of District Representation has merit since it’s oblivious that the people making the rules have a vested interest in their Communities and what’s best for them.
Unlike the County Council who all live in Easton, but make decisions for the rest of the County without regard for the consequences for the residents.
A case in point is Short Term Rentals, (STRs). The residents outside of Easton have fought long and hard for restrictions on the number of STRs in a given community. However under current law there is no restriction on the number or how far apart an STR must be distanced from another! A Bed and Breakfast Must be at least 500 feet from another. But, an STR can be next door to a B and B.
The properties have identical uses, but different rules for operation and placement.
Maybe if the County Council members lived outside of Easton in an area affected by a commercial enterprise/business, in a residential neighborhood, the Council vote may not be 4-1 in favor STRs.
So, should Department Heads and the County Attorney live in the Talbot County? Absolutely!