Illegal Act by the commissioners and the county attorney?
The article on “Donations Rile Rezoning Foes” in the MD Independent 2/20/09 ends with the following 2 paragraphs:
According to Cooper, he has asked the county attorney to wrap up negotiations with Chaney’s legal counsel and present a proposal to the board for a vote as soon as possible.
“I have asked for closure to be brought to it,” Cooper said, adding that the issue has been dormant too long.”
This brings up a couple of questions which need to be answered. Why is the county attorney in negotiations with Chaney's attorney? The original application has been submitted and there should be no new negotiation without public input. The Frank Chaney "Dream Letter" or the various proffers submitted by Chaney should have absolutely nothing to do with the original application as with the proposal being negotiated. Anything less should require another public hearing.
What proposal will be submitted to the board for a vote? If it is anything other than the original application I would say it is an illegal act by the commissioners and the county attorney.
I spoke with all of you at a recent hearing and voiced my dismay at the lack of openness in the workings of the county. All of you to a man suggested that you felt you were more than open and had no idea what I meant. This scenario, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly the lack of openness to which I was referring.
Awaiting your reply in a timely manner.
Donna M. Cave
Hughesville, MD
"Negotiate - try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with others."
If the Commissioners want to "hold negotiations" it should be done with members of BOTH parties, i.e. Preserve Hughesville representatives and Chaney representatives.
Otherwise, any "agreement" reached PRIOR TO A VOTE ON A PENDING CASE would not only be illegal but UNETHICAL & UNENFORCEABLE as well.
This sure doesn't say much for the County Attorney!!
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Donna your right about this and it would be nice to re-post the original application for all to read up on again. I do agree with Commissioner Cooper about one thing it has taken way to much time to decide this. What is the old saying OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND. Slip it in the middle of the night while everyone asleep.
Hughesville needs to keep the heat on. We have to issues going on over on this side of the County a firing range and Nanjemoy Clinic to close down. I hope the Commissioner's know that 2010 isn't that far away. July 6,2009 starts the run for County Commissioner's seats. I will be seeking District 2 seat.
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Donna is right on the mark! Thanks for being vigilant, and bold. Please, Donna. Run for Commissioner.
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