A New Conservative Leadership setting the Tone!

Please read the basic tenets of the New Conservative Carroll County Commissioners A new day for Carroll County! From: Richard Rothschild, District 4 CommissionerDecember 8, 2010 Re: Press Release from Board of County Commissioners as reported in Explore Carroll To my friends and constituents, I hope and pray the following announcement from your new Board of County Commissioner will serve as one of the best possible Christmas presents you could hope for this year. Merry Christmas! Richard RothschildDistrict 4 Commissioner==================Term limits, property rights and prayer before meetings are among new board's 10 philosophies Carroll County commissioners open term with 'framework from which to govern'By Jim Joyner, jjoyner@patuxent.comSmaller government, term limits, lower property taxes and a resistance of unfunded mandates from state and federal government — these are a few of "10 Governing Philosophies" unveiled Wednesday by the newly-elected Board of County Commissioners at a press conference in Westminster. Also on the list: prayer before each board meeting, no more county cars for commissioners and promise to converse with constituents in "plain English." “It is important for us to set a direction, and we have worked collectively on this," said Commissioner Doug Howard, who represents the 5th Commissioner District in Sykesville and Eldersburg. Howard said the commissioner board — which has no incumbents and is the first-ever in Carroll County with five members elected by district — wanted to express its philosophies to set a tone for the new term. The board was sworn into office Monday. "These philosophies will serve as a framework from which to govern," said Howard, "(and are) the product of our collective understanding of the will and the desire of the citizens." As such, the philosophies call for less intrusive government and support for small business, as well a pledge for an "industrial-strength review" of county capital projects, and a protection of individual property rights — which the commissioners said means opposing "rezoning of privately owned property against the wishes of its owner." The commissioners also said they believe property taxes in the county are too high, and "will make every effort to lower taxes by reducing spending, and making government operate in a more restrained and efficient manner." They also pledged to promote more dialogue with citizens by scheduling key county hearings on evenings or weekends. At Wednesday's event, each of the five commissioners took a turn announcing two of the principles. In addition to Howard, those taking part were Robin Frazier (1st District-Manchester/Taneytown), Haven Shoemaker (2nd-Hampstead/Finksburg), Dave Roush (3rd-Westminster) and Richard Rothschild (4th-Mount Airy/New Windsor). All are Republicans. But it was Howard who spoke for the group, and quoted Abraham Lincoln in suggesting that the county is facing tough times ahead: "The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise to the occasion," he said. "As our case is new, we must think anew, and act anew." He said the list of 10 items won't the commissioners' only focus, but will serve as a guide for other decisions in an effort to make county government, "more than a source of decisions and projects, but an efficient and effective organization working to improve Carroll County and serve the will of the people." The full list of "10 Governing Philosophies" presented at Wednesday's press conference: 1. Smaller, Constitutional Government: As a matter of principle, this Board of County Commissioners believes our citizens want smaller, less intrusive government; will restructure it accordingly; and encourage private sector solutions and/or partnerships to fulfill community needs whenever possible. 2. Mandates: This Board of County Commissioners will work with our State Delegation and the local cities and towns to resist unfunded mandates; excessive regulation; and the passing on of additional expenses from the federal or state government. 3. Term Limits: This Board of County Commissioners believes it is in the public interest to have fresh governance from time to time, and will petition the Maryland Delegation to limit County Commissioners, and appointed board and commission members to a maximum of two consecutive terms. Additionally, it is our intention to elect Board of Commissioner officers on an annual basis. 4. Property Taxes: This Board of County Commissioners believes property taxes are too high, and will make every effort to lower taxes by reducing spending, and making government operate in a more restrained and efficient manner. 5. Economic development: This Board of County Commissioners will support small business development consistent with the rural and suburban fabric of our communities. This Board will streamline approval processes; eliminate unnecessary regulation; and promote a business friendly climate for small and locally owned businesses. 6. Affirmation of Our Values: This Board of County Commissioners will open its meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer. 7. Protection of Individual Property Rights: This Board believes our citizens have an unalienable right to be secure in their homes, farms and businesses; and will oppose rezoning of privately owned property against the wishes of its owner(s). Protection of property rights will be a goal of this Board in County planning and lawmaking. 8. Capital Expenditures: This Board will require industrial strength financial reviews on all future capital expenditures, including close scrutiny of all assumptions; rigorous life cycle cost projections; and early evaluation of feasible alternatives. 9. Straight Talk and Citizen Participation: This Board of County Commissioners will avoid the use of acronyms, and will converse with our constituents in plain English. Additionally, this Board will promote better communication with citizens by scheduling key hearings on evenings or weekends, and provide increased opportunity for two-way dialogue at our public hearings. 10. Servant Leadership: This Board of County Commissioners will lead by example, and discontinue the practice of accepting per diem payments; cars; and other such perks. We will restructure the Commissioners office appropriately as well. Bonita LeGoullon912 Carroll County MDTo be removed from this mailing list, just reply with REMOVE in the subject line

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