A state delegate asked commissioners Tuesday to consider allowing voters to decide in the upcoming election whether Carroll County should change from a commissioner to home rule government based on state code.
“I?m not here to micromanage you,” Del. Susan Krebs, R-Carroll County, told commissioners. “There are enough state issues for me to deal with. I don?t know how anyone could be against greater local control, efficiency and accountability.”
Under code home rule, commissioners would be able to pass legislation dealing with local issues without legislative approval.
The General Assembly would retain taxing power.
Giving commissioners greater authority to pass laws could have prevented the current court case of the five-commissioner-district map, said Krebs and Ross Dangel, spokesman for the Freedom Area Citizens? Council.
“Today, all Carroll municipalities enjoy an independent form of government which actually gives them more local control over town affairs than is afforded our county, which is disappointing,” said Dangel, who expects the FAC council to approve a resolution supporting home rule.
Commissioners Dean Minnich and Perry Jones questioned whether there is enough time to educate the public about the difference between the current and proposed form of governance in time for a referendum in November.
“I?m not saying I?m opposed to home rule or charter for the future, but for now, let?s resolve what we have on the table” with the contested district map court ruling, said Del. Donald Elliott, R-Carroll and Frederick counties.
Sen. Larry Haines, R-Carroll and Baltimore counties, said he had no comment.
Commissioners must resolve by two-thirds that the question go to referendum.
Krebs said the code form of home rule would be easier than creating a charter ? which calls for a county executive and council. Carroll voters rejected that. State code already defines commissioners? powers under home rule and doesn?t require drafting a charter.
This would also encourage increased citizen participation, she said. Residents could testify on legislation locally instead of in the state capital.
Six counties operate under code home rule, eight have commissioner governments and nine counties, along with Baltimore City, are charter governments, according to the Maryland Association of Counties.
Who?s the boss?
Commissioner counties:
» Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary?s, Somerset, Washington
Home rule counties:
» Allegany, Caroline, Charles, Kent, Queen Anne?s, Worcester
Charter counties:
Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Dorchester, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George?s, Talbot, Wicomico
Source: Maryland Association of Counties
