Two environmental panel members have resigned after Carroll commissioners voted to move forward with plans for a waste-to-energy incinerator.
Sher Horosko and Jim Johnson, commissioner-appointed members of the Environmental Advisory Council, e-mailed their resignations to commissioners after commissioners voted to move forward with the incinerator.
The council unanimously opposed the incinerator, recommending instead to increase the county?s recycling rate, which isamong the lowest in the state, before deciding whether to partner with Frederick County on the incinerator.
“It is very important to me to devote the considerable energy and commitment I have to both people and issues in ways that can make the most difference,” Horosko wrote.
“Given the direction of the Board of Commissioners, I do not feel that my service on the council is in the best use of my gifts.”
Commissioner Michael Zimmer, who, with Commissioner Dean Minnich, voted for the incinerator, said he respected the council members? decision.
“I think this is a time-honored method of speech: to resign in protest over a decision,” Zimmer said.
Minnich and Commissioner Julia Gouge, who voted against the incinerator, did not return a call for comment. The incinerator has been projected to cost about $320 million, but construction costs may have changed, officials said. Commissioners have not yet voted to build the incinerator.
The commissioners will appoint two new members from among residents with an interest in the environment, said Cindy Parr, head of the county?s administrative services and liaison to the council.
She said she hoped commissioners would appoint new members within the next few weeks.
