Beware of charter government for Cecil County.
This referendum has failed five times already for good reason. It's bigger government, more expensive and gives too much power to a county executive. The commissioners held forums across the county three years ago on alternative forms of government (which cost the taxpayers $10,000) and the citizens' vote was disregarded. They overwhelmingly chose code home rule and this option is not available on the general election ballot. This form of government provides the most local authority available, the cost would remain almost the same as our current commissioner form and we wouldn't be at the mercy of a county executive or state delegation.
The Maryland Constitution provides a code county the power to enact, amend or repeal laws applicable to its incorporation, organization or government. Quoting from Home Rule Options in Maryland, "The Maryland attorney general construed this to mean that a code county is authorized to control most affairs that have local effect and significance." "Code counties alone are empowered to fix and collect development impact fees for financing improvements required to accommodate new construction and development. They also may impose a development excise tax to help finance capital costs for expanded school facilities or for purchasing development rights on agricultural land. "These excise fees would have to be paid for by those profiting from growth and not by taxpayers."
My questions is, why wouldn't the county commissioners support code home rule? Follow the money.
