Calvert County Commissioner Barbara Stinnett’s Letter to Editor, June 20th (Calvert Independent) about the Chesapeake Church Food Bank and enforcement of zoning regulations by county Planning & Zoning Staff causes concern.
I’m disappointed to conclude she does not support the county staff when they enforce the regulations that the Board of County Commissioners put in place. This issue is critical. If not enforced, then anyone can purchase a house and change it to another use without going through the established process.
Nobody would want to stop the good works of any church, but are obligated to enforce regulations to protect the health, safety and welfare of all residents. Occupying buildings without inspections can put the public at risk. Creating an extra commercial access on MD 4 can put the public at risk.
Clearly, there is only one set of regulations. However, some might conclude that there is a set for their friends and contributors and a different set for everyone else. I strongly support the regulations and when a change is needed, then it goes to the public for understanding and comments.
My question is, could Commissioner Stinnett please clarify her position stated in that letter in a way that does not give the impression of non-support of staff enforcing established law? Otherwise, her letter comes across as written by an opportunist politican pandering for votes from the less fortunate.