Representatives from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) met with the Calvert County Commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 17 to briefly discuss potentially hot issues during the 2014 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Representing MACo at the meeting were Executive Director Michael Sanderson and the organization’s current president, Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt [D].
The officials also met with the St. Mary’s County Commissioners later in the day.
Sanderson indicated the fact 2014 is an election year could determine whether or not certain issues are discussed, the direction the issues will take and whether any action will be taken on them.
“Transportation funding is so obvious,” said Sanderson, noting that state allocations to jurisdictions for road repairs and maintenance, along with capital projects funding have been drastically reduced because of Maryland’s ongoing fiscal crisis.
Sanderson predicted there could be additional debate on “land issues,” which remain provocative following the implementation of Plan Maryland and passage of the measure known as The Septic Bill.
“I don’t think this debate is over,” said Sanderson.
Other issues include the ongoing shift of funding responsibilities for jurisdictions regarding teacher’s pensions, budgeting for other post employee’s benefits and the potential consolidation of police radio systems.
Commissioners Susan Shaw [R] and Evan k. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R] routinely attend MACo meetings in Annapolis.
Shaw noted that “costly mandates” from the state to the counties make MACo members work “to make as much impact as we can.”
Slaughenhoupt called MACo a “positive” organization and commended its leadership for its training and education programs.
Commissioner Steven R. Weems [R] wished Sanderson “good luck in reading the tea leaves in this session.”
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