On March 15th, 2012, the House Ways and Means Committee heard HB 966 - Wicomico County - Board of Education - Selection of Members - Straw Ballot. This bill, sponsored by Delegate Michael A. McDermott (Worcester and Wicomico Counties), would simply allow the people of Wicomico County to voice their opinions about the selection method of the members on the Wicomico County Board of Education. It proposes a non-binding referendum that would ask whether voters favor changing the selection method of school board members from being appointed by the Governor to a direct election by county voters.
What has happened since the hearing on March 15th? Absolutely nothing. In response to this, Delegate McDermott is asking the citizens of Wicomico County to urge the Ways and Means Committee Members to vote on this bill. In particular, please contact the Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman:
Delegate Sheila E. Hixson
Phone Number: 410-841-3469 or 301-858-3469 or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3469
Address: Room 131, House Office Building, Annapolis, MD 21401-1912
E-mail: sheila.hixson.annapolis@house.state.md.us
Fax: (410) 841-3777, (301) 858-3777
Delegate McDermott is also asking the citizens of Wicomico County to contact the members of the Wicomico County Delegation who did not support this bill:
Delegate Norman Conway
Phone Number: 410-841-3407 or 301-858-3407 or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3407
Address: Room 121, House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
E-mail: norman.conway@house.state.md.us
Fax: (410) 841-3416, (301) 858-3416
Delegate Rudolph Cane
Phone Number: 410- 841-3427 or 301-858-3427 or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3427
Address: Room 364, House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
E-mail: rudolph.cane@house.state.md.us
Fax: (410) 841-3780 or (301) 858-3780
If the people of Wicomico County want the right to simply ask a question at the ballot box, they must act now!
New Posts to fall below.
We knew that would be the way it happened if McDermott or any other GOP legislator put in the bill. Unfortunately there are a few very naive people who think they knew better.
ReplyDeleteThis county is in so much trouble. While it seems it would be nice to have input on what happens, our voices are never heard. What we offer goes in one ear and out the other. We are doomed if we do and doomed if we don't. Without a board that listens to constituents, our county school will continue to fall apart. Unless Dr. Fredericlsen is replaced with a superintendent who cares about children, we will continue to fail our children, families and community.
ReplyDeleteSent, ....taxation without representation!
ReplyDeleteThe bill was requested as a delegation bill...but Del. Cane and Del. Conway would not sign onboard since Co. Ex. Pollitt refused to agree with the council to make the request. We moved the bill at the request of the legislative branch (as is appropriate). If anyone was waiting for Cane or Conway to put the bill in...they would have a very long wait!
ReplyDelete-Del. McDermott
7:04pm Del. McDermott, Did you really think this would go anywhere with without the "powers" signing on to it? What would make you think you could get it through the process?
ReplyDeleteOnce again, the citizens of Wicomico County will complain and complain but will do nothing to voice their opinion to Annapolis. They will criticize the BOE but do nothing about it. You have no one to blame but yourself!
ReplyDeletePersonally - I knew this was going to happen from the very start. Shiela Hixson is ex-officio member of the BOE. Norman Conway was a paid lobbyist while working simultaneous for the BOE and as a Delegate. His wife is still in the BOE system.
ReplyDeleteAnd so goes it for Rudy Cane.
Hopefully - the people will eventually see the folly of their ways and vote to replace both of them. What we have is corruption at the highest level of office.
Vote out Conway. He is the obstructionist that is in the pocket of the teacher's union. He needs to go!
ReplyDeleteConway is tightly woven in this educational system. His secretary, for many years, is the husband of the special education director. Therefore, he has fought hard for special education over the years. But because of the conflicts of interest, he should have remove himself from something. I agree, time is up Mr. Conway.
ReplyDelete