Countywide police department may go up for referendum vote

Carroll?s state delegation is expected to vote this week on whether to strip commissioners of the authority to create a county force by sending the decision to referendum.

At a public hearing with the state delegation Saturday, about 30 residents all spoke out against creating the countywide force.

“From what I heard, it sounds like the people want it to go to referendum, so normally I vote the way my constituents want me to vote,” said Delegate Tanya Shewell, R-District 5A.

She said she?s keeping an open mind, but has received dozens of e-mails and phone calls from constituents, nearly all urging a referendum.

“People are upset that it?s been happening so rapidly and they feel it?s been happening secretly,” Shewell said.

Commissioners did not hold a public hearing before voting in October to create the police department, which would reduce the sheriff?s office and eliminate the state?s only Resident Trooper Program, in which the county pays for state troopers to patrol.

The transition could begin July 1, said Vivian Laxton, county spokeswoman.

But Sen. Larry Haines, R-District 5, chairman of the delegation, said he is drafting legislation for a referendum.

“The commissioners have taken a position to rush it through and haven?t given it time, with no public input, no public hearings whatsoever,” Haines said. “I?m 100 percent for requiring it to be submitted to a local referendum.”

Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4, said he too would vote for a referendum.
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“It seems to me the biggest fear is who the next sheriff might be,” Brinkley said. “They want to control who?s at the helm.”

Others, such as Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9B, wanted to give commissioners a chance to improve communication with residents. She would not say which way she is voting.

“We?re trying to say, ?Slow down, give them the information, and if you don?t we?ll have to go to a referendum,? ” Krebs said.

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