Here in Wicomico County, we’ve seen our share of frivolous ethics complaints lately. That said, they are part of the price you pay in an attempt to receive good local government. It appears that the people who govern Cecil County aren’t too interested in that. Perhaps that is why they attempt to intimidate those who file ethics complaints.
Del. Mike Smigiel notes Cecil County now has a provision in their ethics complaint process which prohibits complainants from discussing the matter with ANYONE. If they do, they are subject to a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail.
In reality, this is much ado about nothing. State law prohibits the county from doing this. Therefore, its unenforceable. However, how many people filing ethics complaints are lawyers and / or know that. Since the “Penalties” are clearly stated on the complaint form, how many people have been intimidated from filing a complaint – frivolous or no?
This sounds like something out of the Barrie Comegys school of governance.
3 comments:
No religion = no values = no ethics
Hmm. so maybe this will protect Smigiel from anyone filing an ethics complaint against him...lots of people would like to but they are afraid of him.
CC is one of the most backward counties in Maryland....you think nepotism is bad in Somerset have never been to Cecil.
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