Council health benefits situation clarified
By Terry E. Cohen
The Salisbury Ethics Commission has fully cleared Councilwoman Debbie Campbell and me of any violation concerning the council members' health insurance budget debate.I thank the commission members for their thoughtful consideration of the matter.
However, there are important facts absent from local reporting.The commission limited its decision to local law, as advised by City Attorney Paul Wilber, who wrote the commission's opinion.
There was no reference to Article III, Section 35, of the Maryland Constitution, which expressly prohibits changing the compensation of public officials during their four-year terms.I presented this and the Maryland Attorney General's opinion supporting it at the hearing.
The attorney general's opinion states, among other reasons, that this constitutional clause is designed "to prevent the legislative body from pressuring the public officer by ... threatening a decrease" in compensation.
One need only listen to the budget work session audios of April 28 and May 19, available at www.OnYour SideSBY.blogspot.com, to understand the wisdom of this constitutional clause.
This tempest in a teapot was actually brewed a year ago, after Campbell's health insurance costs were added into the budget.(She had reimbursed the city voluntarily for the previous three years.) The former mayor quietly sought an opinion from Wilber on the legal basis for council members' health insurance.
The legality of a 30-year local practice, common throughout the state and the country, suddenly became questionable to a longtime mayor?Nearly $1,400 of taxpayer money was spent to get the legal opinion that it's "permissible."
Salisbury's elected officials have the same eligibility and out-of-pocket premiums as city employees.Officials are not classed as "part-time" employees or differently in the plan.
As I said at the budget vote, there are valid points on both sides of the benefits question.However, when citizens learn the circumstances and series of events creating this so-called controversy, they are outraged by the personal and political abuse of our system.
During my campaign, I was the target of a residency challenge, dispensed with quickly as baseless and not newsworthy.This time, I suspect I was merely a casualty in the war against Debbie Campbell.
If I seek re-election in 2011, will my legal use of health insurance eligibility be a top campaign issue, more than crime, jobs or neighborhood protection?
Regardless, I'll continue to drive the development of good public policy and put citizens first because that's what I was elected to do.
Terry E. Cohen is a member of the Salisbury City Council.
19 comments:
Classy lady.
What a CROCK!
Mr. Taylor
It appears to me that it is impossible for you to understand the rule of law, but you do know how to live off of the taxpayers of this great state. Why don't you attempt to contribute to society, instead of taking so much from it.
I wish Terry Cohen could be cloned. Smart, professional, and a class act.
Agreed!
Yes, JT, your bogus complaint was a crock. Your buddies were going to violate the state constitution, what a crock. You wasted tax dollars on a vendetta, what a crock.
You're a man full of hate. Seek help.
Kudos to Ms. Cohen. She is, indeed, a class act. Unlike her bile-filled detractor, she knows a lot about government.
Don't miss the Dot Truitt's indictment of Wilber at the last City Council meeting. It will be rebriadcast on PAC 14 tomorrow!
Jonathan Taylor = Barrie Comegy's hit man.
"If I seek re-election in 2011, will my legal use of health insurance eligibility be a top campaign issue, more than crime, jobs or neighborhood protection?"
Terry: please do run again next time. We need you on the Council.
The Salisbury Stench (JT) was on the Daily Times site commenting on Ms. Cohen's op ed. He was in his usual rant mode against her and Debbie Campbell.
I'd like to know how he is privvy to so many private conversations Louise Smith has one on one with people.
Two lies (or liars) don't make a truth. Dig that hole deeper, Stench and Louweasel.
I agree with 12:16 also. This lady is a classs act. As for old fat boy, you need to be rerun through the intelligence machine, since you obviously have none at all! Just what has Terry ever done to you to cause such vile comments from you about her?! And Debbie also, for that matter.
very, very classy lady.
Wanda L. Disharoon
Terry dont let anyone "run" you off. You and Debbie do a wonderful job and we appreciate your hard work.
No crock here. All rules of law, indisputable.
Need we remind the public of a) Tilghman's last in-office stab at particular council members, or; b) Gary Comegys' lame attempt at trying to get Cohen unnecessarily vote on the benefits?
I'd vote for this woman any day and am proud to have someone as experienced, intelligent and expressive as she is representing my city. If there were five such members on council, this place would be so much better.
Johathan Taylor needs to face up to it. It is obvious this individual causes problems in this community. It is very easy to load this guy's gun and for him to go on a witch hunt. The old saying people in glass houses should not throw stones. The crock sir is you. The city has to get back it's good name. I wish Ms Cohen and Campbelll the best.
Scott
Well, we all know who had something ugly to say in the DT today, but now it's gone, so don't bother to go looking...anyway, for those who did see it, there is now no doubt that Louise is joined at the hip with the most dastardly blogger that I have ever known of. Someone who attacks children, families and anything else to make himself seem more important (in a way that puts Albero's darkest days to shame). It's not important to say this blogger's name. Attention at the expense of others is what he craves. Louise, you've been blogged. By the way, I see that you have already started your campaign for the next election.
I can't imagine Terry Cohen's going to let anyone "run her off." They've already tried and failed. Probably just doesn't want to play that political game.
I can't get over this Taylor guy. He's just obsessed or something. I will NEVER go to his blog and neither will my friends. He's just nasty and mean.
He's just a Big Mac away from that massive coronary
Terry, I'm very honored to know you and the taxpayers of Salisbury are lucky to have you on there side. You have allways been honest and straight forward with me, when I have called on you for your professional opinion. I look forward to many more years of your service. Thank you !!!! Keep up the good work.
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