County Executive Pollitt's Letter To The Editor Today

Mr. Pollitt recognized Salisbury News as part of the MSM and apologized for not delivering it here as well. Thanks Rick, Joe

"EDITOR OF THE TIMES:

I’d like to compliment you on Monday’s editorial entitled “Liquor Board’s fate undecided”. You addressed two issues, one involving transparency in government and the other the future of the dispensary system in Wicomico County. On the first, I could not agree with you more. Any agency responsible to or regulated by the government that refuses to operate in the sunlight of full disclosure, particularly in the area of finances, will not inspire confidence from the people it serves. On the contrary, it will serve only to increase suspicion and attract unnecessary attention to what should be a relatively routine enterprise.

In fact, at my first meeting with department heads upon assuming the office of county executive I made a commitment to a “glass house” approach to governing. I told my staff that there should never be a need for a Freedom of Information Act request from the county government. If something is a matter of public record, then it shall be shared without hesitation and without formality. If the information requested by the county council of the Liquor Control Board is, in fact, public information, it should be provided fully and immediately. Why add to a climate of acrimony and mistrust by stubbornly clinging to a no-win position?

On the larger question of the continued relevance of the dispensary system, it is no secret that I do not believe the government should be in the business of selling alcohol. It’s just not what we’re here for. Apparently, many agree as Wicomico is one of only four Maryland counties that continue to operate in such a manner. On the other hand, we have a system that has been in place since the repeal of Prohibition and we should not rashly alter or abolish it until we are confident we can replace it with something better. I attended the recent county council meeting where it was decided to organize a study commission to consider the question. I informed the council that I have already begun such an effort and would be happy to share what information I develop with them.

We will be contacting those counties that have most recently made the transition from dispensaries to private enterprise to learn from their experiences. We want to know the fiscal impact of the change as well as how the community addressed the social concerns. I acknowledge, as did the editorial, that the dispensaries will likely turn over about $400,000 to the county in new revenue this year. Where I differ is in my belief that we do not need to choose between the dispensaries and significant income for county coffers. It is critical that any changes we make, at a minimum, be revenue-neutral and, if possible, generate even more funds for county services through license fees and other assessments. I met last week with a retailer in Annapolis who is active in the industry statewide and he assured me this is a goal we can achieve.

Equally important, we want to make sure our local zoning controls will be effective in preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods, preventing new liquor stores from cropping up on every corner. This will involve coordinating our efforts with our municipalities, where most stores are likely to locate. We want to be sure we protect our neighborhoods while still providing the accessibility to the product that our hospitality industry and private citizens demand.

We are beginning an important community debate that will have lasting ramifications for the social and business fabric of our county. The topic requires serious and sober reflection, based on the best information available. The testimony of other communities who have already been through this process will be invaluable. However, the matter cannot be rushed haphazardly. Before we ask the public to participate in a referendum, binding or otherwise, let’s get the facts before them and provide an opportunity for a vote based on reason, experience and a full exchange of ideas and opinions. Then, if change is to come, we will be better prepared to make it a change for the better."