We are seven days and counting from the 2009 General Assembly session from beginning. More importantly, it is also seven days from my birthday. Beginning next Wednesday, the delegates and state senators from the 24 local governments will convene on Annapolis and try to accomplish a year’s worth of business in 90 days...doesn’t that seem asinine at this point, especially with all of the challenges they will face when they walk through the door. In addition, they will spend the first chunk of the session not really tackling anything.
This is another quirk in our state that I believe should be changed. I have not written about it before now, but I think it’s time for our leaders in Annapolis to consider changing how they meet. Instead of meeting one time a year for three months, they should extend the session…greatly. By greatly extending the session, I mean by holding the session throughout most of the year.
I know that this requires a lot of our elected leaders who take great interest in voting for which new symbol they should add to the list each year, instead of important issues like early voting, slot machines and tax hikes under a Republican governor. If they seriously look at the last five years, there were three special sessions in addition to one regular session being extended by a couple of days. Most of the issues involved in the extra time needed evolved around the budget.
If the sessions lasted throughout the year, we citizens would have more influence on budget issues, by contacting our representatives, instead of leaving it with the Board of Public Works. In addition, other issues would be examined in a timelier manner. This is opposed to how things are currently being done, issues dying or being rushed through the chamber as the clock ticks to midnight.
One example of the clock being the enemy was the situation involving the county hospital system here in Prince George’s County, where a last minute deal collapsed as 12 bells were ringing. This situation was not rectified through the chamber until the next assembly session, one year later. If the county did not come up with the funds to keep the hospitals operating that year, it was going to be an ugly situation for the Greater Washington/Baltimore region.
The constitution will be looked at next year. One of the items that should seriously be examined is having our elected representatives in Annapolis on the job a lot longer than 90 days.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Of course it isn't but I don't see the majority of them caring, they are still living life without worry. Overpaid under worked and absolutely no common sense IS the majority of the general assembly!
ReplyDeleteDelaware never seems to leave session, Maryland can't wait to get out. If the session was increased longer than 90 days, we would have to pay them more....
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Kenny
ReplyDeleteThey have never earned their pay, which is between $45000 & $50000. They know as a one (1) party State Government they can railroad through any thing they want without opposition. They explain they work on commitees / meetings the rest of the year. That does not consist of week a month. The Tax Paying Public only hears about something after the fact. They also should never have the responsibilty to set their pay raises are salary. That should also be decided by the Tax Payeer by voting on it during election time. Then maybe we will get proper representation because they would be payed by their performance and representation.
ReplyDeleteKnee jerk reaction to the lack of good representation of the delegates and senators in Maryland's legislature. They work all year, but, do not "meet" but for the 90 days.
ReplyDeleteIf you want more access call your representatives, if they will not meet with you, vote them out of office.
I am for less goverment not more. I wonder if we need them at all. We have no oversight, we have no help from them locally, we just have persons who write mroe and more laws that make it harder and harder for the average person to be "free" I say get rid of them all.Run our government locally, and let the local officials meet in Annapolis and decide on State matters once or twice a year for a month. When was the last time a State Senator fromt he Eastern Shore came to a Salisbury City Council Meeting or a County Council Meeting, do you think they care? Do they send representatives to "stay on top of the problems" no. Do they offer help? No. Thus, less not more.