My Thoughts on the Five-Commissioner form of government by
Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff
Proposed Five Commissioner Form of Government
September 4th, 2004 / October 31st, 2004
Kevin Dayhoff, Westminster mayor
Five regionally elected Commissioners makes government
closer to the people. Increased
representation increases the collective experience and intellectual abilities
of the Board working for us.
The services and additional representation required of well
managed growth and progressive government will cost more money. Additional representation will give us
valuable return for our money that will justify the expense.
Ultimately, I will respect the judgment and wishes of
Carroll Countians on November 2nd, 2004.
_________________________________________
I see no substantive downside to Five Commissioners, only
benefits. A regionally elected Five
Member Board of Commissioners makes government closer to the people.
It is a reality that the county has grown, and recognizing
that reality there is an appropriate need for additional representation. Increased representation increases the
collective experience and intellectual abilities of the Board working for
us.
The services and additional representation required of well
managed growth and progressive government will cost more money. Hopefully, it is not the additional money we
spend, it is the additional return for our money that will justify the
expense.
No one wants to see government cost more but everyone wants
the additional services and there has been a consistent clamor for additional
representation for many years.
Our current form of government of three commissioners was
essentially formulated in 1851. In 1851,
the population of Carroll County was less than 16,000 (and less than 1,400 in
Westminster.
Westminster also had a Commissioner and Burgess form of
government until 1856.) Today, it is
more than ten times that number. There
were no public schools in Carroll County in 1851. There were only 9 election districts in Carroll
County. The County budget was less than
$20,000. (As a point of comparison to
today’s budget: The 1853 budget for Carroll County was $19,019.57. That figure included: $3,062 for supervisors
of roads; $1,052.07 for county commissioners; $254 election expenses; $166.86
for sheriff; $56 for wood; $343.78 for jail expenses and $1,530.30 for roads
and bridges among numerous other miscellaneous items.)
Ultimately, I will respect the vote of Carroll Countians on
November 2nd, 2004. I trust and respect
the voters judgment and wishes.
20040904 My thoughts re Proposed Five Commissioners
Labels: Carroll
Co 5 Commissioner Dist plan, Carroll
Co Delegation to Annapolis, MD
Gen Assembly 2008 425, Police
Carroll Co Police Dept
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