My First County Council Meeting

I went to my first County Council meeting this past week and it was a real learning experience. My intent was to just sit in as an observer and learn. About 10 individuals addressed the Council. County Executive, Charles Dooley, was also present. The subjects discussed focused on three areas – real estate assessments, touch screen voting machines and the trash hauling program.

Most all presented their arguments quite well. But as I sat there and watched, there was little to no reaction from council members. I was wondering if the pleas of the citizens were going in one ear and out the other. Mr. Dooley finally spoke up after being clobbered by a couple of previous speakers. I don’t know if the council members were permitted to ask questions or discuss their own views but I can only assume not.

Some of the people were appealing direct to the Council or the County Executive after fruitless efforts in dealing with other agencies of the County. I got the impression it was full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes. Maybe most of the council members are deaf – but they all responded when it came time to vote on some issues so I guess not.

The only issue that has a direct impact on subdivision trustees and subdivision residents is the trash program. While costs are expected to go up, a 30% to 50% increase may not be acceptable. One speaker said her subdivision kicked out Allied Waste for poor performance and is fearful this hauler may be back in. She claimed Dooley has ties with Allied Waste. Interesting.

Unfortunately, County officials are not garnering the trust of county residents. It’s going to be interesting when election time rolls around.

Will I attend another meeting? Well, I have a lot more learning to do before I go back. My list of questions is growing and I need to get some help. I’ll have to think about it. Sure am glad I didn’t go into politics. Have you ever attended a County Council meeting? You need to. After all, these people here are your employees and you should find out what they're doing every now and then.

. . . . Mike Roberts