POLLITT VETOES AMENDED COUNTY LABOR CODE

For Immediate Release

January 9, 2008

Salisbury, MD

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., has exercised his veto power for the first time, rejecting the amended Bill Number 2007-3. Initially submitted by Mr. Pollitt, the legislation would have established a labor code for Wicomico County. The Bill was inspired by the 2006 Referendum in which voters granted Sheriff’s Deputies the right to collective bargaining. Mr. Pollitt said that he could not agree with the amendment attached by the County Council which removed that body from the binding arbitration stipulation in the code as proposed by Pollitt. The County Executive is bound to binding arbitration in the Bill.

Mr. Pollitt said: “I asked the County Attorney to draft a bill that implemented the will of the voters but stressed that it be within the checks and balances and budgetary responsibilities provided by the Charter. He assured me our bill was anchored on solid legal ground. While I have no doubt the County Council shares my commitment to our deputies, the bill as adopted does not guarantee that binding arbitration will be the end result, thus effectively overturning the referendum.”

The vetoed bill now goes back to the Council. They have the option of overriding it with a 5-2 majority. If the Council fails to override or, if they choose to take no action, the bill is “dead” and new legislation is required.