POLLITT’S PICKS FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION -- UPDATE

Last night’s meeting of the Wicomico County Council had moments that should appear on a “most memorable” reprise of the current body. Discussion of two persons that Rick Pollitt recently recommended for membership on the Planning Commission ignited real fireworks.

One of Pollitt’s nominees – Dwayne Lockman, who trades as the “Rajun Cajun” – had withdrawn after facts about him surfaced, including legal suits in Wicomico County as well as a foreclosure in North Carolina, where he claimed to be a successful developer.

That outcome has obviously angered Sheree Sample-Hughes, who stated her objection to the investigation and presentation of factual information about Mr. Pollitt’s nominees, calling it a personal attack. But Gail Bartkovich set her straight by pointing out that the Council’s job is to do the right thing, not to blindly do what Pollitt wants. Because the County Executive’s staff did not do a proper background check, it is fortunate that someone did.

Pollitt’s other nominee, Jacob Day, was the subject of a last minute effort by Bill McCain – whose days on the Council are numbered – to have that nominee confirmed by the Council. But that ship landed on the rocks. Joe Holloway pointed out that the Commission currently has no member from the east side of the County and no member who is a farmer. Mr. Day lives in Salisbury and works for an environmental advocacy group.

It is not surprising that Mr. Day is supported by McCain, who has voted to strip farmers of their development rights along with the other Democrat members of the Council, Mr. MacLeod and Ms. Sample-Hughes.

This blog broke the facts about Mr. Lockman and Mr. Day, so we take some satisfaction in what has happened since then. For an earlier post see:

http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/07/pollitts-appointments-to-p-commission.html