20041007 Looking at a change in our county government by Mike Zimmer

Looking at a change in our county government

Oct. 7, 2004 Michael Zimmer

Are five heads better than three? Delegate Don Elliott sure thinks so. He spoke forcefully and passionately in favor of the ballot initiative to change our form of county government at the September meeting of the South Carroll Republican Club.

The Elliott plan would both expand the number of Carroll Commissioners from three to five and also change our current at-large voting system to running and voting by district. Both the pro and con sides of the argument are starting to gear up for the debate of this question. I have started seeing vote 5 signs around the county in support of the initiative. Maybe the con side will sport signs saying, "Three is enough!"

I can see good points and negative points on both sides of the question.

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I can see some advantages in adding two Commissioners.

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On the con side, I'm concerned with the district system. I don't object necessarily to running by district but voting by district worries me a little. In some counties you run for a district seat but the whole county votes for you. This forces candidates to focus on the good of the whole county not merely look to their own area.

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I wonder if Delegate Elliott or his colleagues gave any thought to a blend between countywide and district? For example, we could have four Commissioners elected by district. We have two single member delegate districts, which could each have a Commissioner. Delegate District 5A has two seats and could have two commissioners. This would solve the difficult challenge of drawing district lines. The fifth Commissioner would be elected at large. This person would be uniquely charged with looking out for the big picture and would serve as President to the Board. Well if this year's plan goes down in flames, maybe my suggestion will be the next alternative we will consider some years down the road.

Read the entire column here: Looking at a change in our county government