Initial meeting for new mayor raises concern in Sykesville by Howard Saslow, Sykesville
Letter to the editor posted in www.explorecarroll.com on 5/31/09
On May 27, I attended my first Sykesville Town Council meeting since losing my bid for a council seat and since the new administration took office.
Though Jonathan Herman, my choice for mayor, was narrowly defeated by Mike Miller, I was, and still am, willing to give our new mayor a chance.
However, first impressions are that the town's residents are in for a rude awakening. The most telling change was Mr. Miller's refusal to take public comment during discussion of the planned purchase and installation of the emergency generator slated for the police station and town house.
First, let's remember that the generator was approved by the previous council. Second, funding for the generator is included in the current year's fiscal budget. Third, the project was already awarded to a contractor, Bangs Generator Systems, and finally, it sets a dangerous precedent that puts many past, current and future projects in jeopardy.
One of the things I have always valued as a citizen of the town has been accessibility to town officials and the ability to affect town decisions through public comment at town meetings.
Certainly if the mayor wishes to eliminate the generator, something that may have tremendous impact on the health, safety and welfare of residents, he should be willing to entertain comments from the community that he serves.
Mr. Miller's position is a slap in the face to every citizen whose past participation at council meetings has made Sykesville a better place to live.
Had he made it a point to attend Town Council meetings prior to taking office, he would be aware of the public/council dynamics that have worked so well for the town during past administrations.
Howard Saslow
Sykesville
http://explorecarroll.com/news/2953/ce0531Saslowletter/
20090531 Initial meeting for new Sykesville mayor raises concern by Saslow
Letter to the editor posted in www.explorecarroll.com on 5/31/09
On May 27, I attended my first Sykesville Town Council meeting since losing my bid for a council seat and since the new administration took office.
Though Jonathan Herman, my choice for mayor, was narrowly defeated by Mike Miller, I was, and still am, willing to give our new mayor a chance.
However, first impressions are that the town's residents are in for a rude awakening. The most telling change was Mr. Miller's refusal to take public comment during discussion of the planned purchase and installation of the emergency generator slated for the police station and town house.
First, let's remember that the generator was approved by the previous council. Second, funding for the generator is included in the current year's fiscal budget. Third, the project was already awarded to a contractor, Bangs Generator Systems, and finally, it sets a dangerous precedent that puts many past, current and future projects in jeopardy.
One of the things I have always valued as a citizen of the town has been accessibility to town officials and the ability to affect town decisions through public comment at town meetings.
Certainly if the mayor wishes to eliminate the generator, something that may have tremendous impact on the health, safety and welfare of residents, he should be willing to entertain comments from the community that he serves.
Mr. Miller's position is a slap in the face to every citizen whose past participation at council meetings has made Sykesville a better place to live.
Had he made it a point to attend Town Council meetings prior to taking office, he would be aware of the public/council dynamics that have worked so well for the town during past administrations.
Howard Saslow
Sykesville
http://explorecarroll.com/news/2953/ce0531Saslowletter/
20090531 Initial meeting for new Sykesville mayor raises concern by Saslow
For more information please see:
New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-sykesville-mayor-objects-but.html
Charles Schelle’s article in www.explorecarroll.com may be found here:
Resident takes issue with mayor not taking public comment on matter - New mayor objects, but council OKs generator
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Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics by John Culleton http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/05/hermans-loss-in-sykesville-is-blow-to.html
Mr. Culleton’s column may be found in www.explorecarroll.com here: Culleton on Carroll - By John Culleton Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 5/18/09 Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics
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Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle on “Soundtrack.”
Charles Schelle’s article may found here: Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle
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The election results may be found here: Sykesville, Carroll County Maryland May 5 2009 municipal election results
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoffart.com Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: www.westgov.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835
