originally published Thursday, October 25, 2012
Charter questions
On Nov. 6, one question presented to Frederick County voters on the ballot will read: “Do you approve the adoption of the Charter of Frederick County by the Frederick County Charter Board?”
No additional information will be provided on the ballot and it’s the political axiom — “the devil is in the details” — that should determine whether voters believe the proposed form of charter government is right for Frederick County.
It is these details, in spite of educational efforts, which will be largely unknown to voters, when they cast their ballot.
The Maryland Constitution makes the change in form of government deliberately hard. This is why when voters choose to change it, they should make every effort to get it right the first time, as subsequent changes are also difficult.
Serious consideration is needed by county voters of the noteworthy options that exist for many of the significant components that make up charter government.
Perhaps most important, the proposed charter provides for a strong elected executive and a hybrid part-time council — a form, commonly adopted initially, by other counties in Maryland.
The prevalent West Coast model for charter, which is well received by the communities they serve, is a contrast to what is being proposed in Frederick County. They elect a council primarily by districts, and the council hires a strong executive.
The executive is hired based on his or her qualifications, is paid well and is clearly the one in charge to implement the vision of the council. But an executive may be dismissed by the council, for cause.
The qualification for the proposed elected Frederick County executive is they must meet a residency threshold.
In Maryland, there is no recall provision for elected officials. So, if the executive in Frederick County turned out to be incompetent, there is no way to replace him or her.
This is an important difference voters should weigh as they make their decision.
Representation on the council is another significant component of the charter. Again, options exist, and the charter board decided on a hybrid council comprised of seven members with equal authority. Five council members would be elected by district and two at-large.
The hybrid council is a compromise attempt to placate those who support districts and those who support at-large. However, this will actually create problems, rather then solve them.
The cost to run a countywide campaign will be considerably higher than the cost of running a district campaign, leading one to wonder who would run for the at-large positions knowing they would have equal clout to a district-elected council member.
Possible resulting scenarios include candidates supported by business or political action committees.
The checks and balance relationship between the executive and the council in regard to the budget is another critical facet of charter government.
The proposed county charter limits the council to being able to decrease the budget total proposed by the county executive.
These are a few of the details of the proposed charter voters should be aware of before they mark their ballot.
What people want more than ever is government that reflects the entire community they represent, provides a reasonable sustainable vision, is accountable, demonstrates a cooperative nature and, perhaps most importantly, is effective.
The proposed charter will not advance this desire.
On Nov. 6, make sure you weigh in.
George Wenschhof
The writer is publisher/editor of www.FrederickPolitics.com
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