Ethics Complaint Against Hagen Dismissed

George Wenschhof

The Maryland Gazette has reported that an ethics complaint filed recently against former County Commissioner Kai Hagen has been dismissed and would not be investigated any further.

The Frederick County Ethics Committee, after reviewing the complaint filed by Walter Mills, informed Mills of its decision in a letter.

But this episode is the latest reflection of the bitter feelings that two distinct Frederick County political groups have toward one another.

While, Capitol Hill is experiencing gridlock due to partisan politics, a mirror image is taking place in Frederick County. However, the gridlock a result of differences on growth issues rather than partisan politics.

Blaine Young was the top vote getter in last year's county commissioner election, carrying with him, three other commissioner candidates who shared similar beliefs on growth issues.

Kai Hagen, and the bipartisan slate he campaigned with, was sounded defeated in the 2010 election, with David Gray the lone exception.

This twenty plus year debate has been commonly characterized as "growth" versus "no-growth", with the two groups differing on the best approach to manage future growth.

Hagen is now Executive Director of Envision Frederick County, a newly formed organization concerned with future growth issues of Frederick County. In addition, Hagen has taken Young to task for his efforts to privatize county services and supported a petition drive for a special election for members of a newly appointed charter writing board.

On top of being president of the Board of County Commissioners, Young also hosts a three hour daily talk show. Questions were raised when Young decided to run for commissioner if he should be able to continue to host the show.

The radio station announced that when Young filed for office until the election, he would not be able to be on the air. However, it was permissible for Young to host a radio show after winning election.

It is this constant presence on the radio by Young that has many questioning whether this is right or fair.

Setting up what promises to be a ongoing, lively and public exchange of the viewpoints of each group.

Stay tuned....

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