As a longtime resident of Baltimore County, I appreciate the diversity of viewpoints and opinions in our communities, and I welcome The Examiner as a new voice in the marketplace of ideas.
However, I was troubled by a May 4 editorial titled “Suburban government sprawl.” Efficient government is a goal to which Baltimore County strives every day, and a look at the numbers shows just how efficient Baltimore County really is.
In 1991, Baltimore County had 4,578 general government employees. Today, that number is 3,686, a decrease of 19.5 percent. During the same period, our county welcomed 107,000 new residents. In 15 years, Baltimore County has found a way to protect drinking water for more people, operate more senior centers and community centers, run expanded recreation programs and maintain a larger infrastructure for our growing population, and we are doing it more efficiently than ever.
It is true that Baltimore County government has expanded in three areas ? public safety, state mandated agencies and education. Growth in all three is vital to our communities.
Since 1995, Baltimore County added nearly 500 police officers and civilian police personnel. Today, the crime rate in Baltimore County has dropped to its lowest level since 1981. Does anyone believe we would benefit from fewer police officers on the street?
Over the same time, in our state-mandated agencies, we have added some 30 prosecutors and 17 deputy sheriffs. Would The Examiner?s editors really like to see an overburdened State?s Attorney?s office?
Also since 1995 to today, the number of people working in Baltimore County?s school system has grown by 3,300 positions as enrollment has grown. Baltimore County has the third-largest school system in Maryland, serving 107,386 students in 163 schools. Surely no one believes our students would be better off with fewer teachers and other school personnel.
I agree with The Examiner that county residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are spent. Every year, our budget is printed, bound and made available to any citizen who wants to see it ? Examiner reporters took several copies. A simple glance at the numbers shows that every dollar makes Baltimore County a safer, healthier and stronger community.
Our county employees are good people who provide efficient, effective public services. Suggesting otherwise is just plain wrong.
Fred Homan is director of the Baltimore County Office of Budget and Finance. He can be reached at [email protected].
