Editor:
The latest example of Harford County enacting legislation without full open and transparent public input was the County Council's approval (6-1) of the HarfordNEXT Master Plan on June 21, 2016.
The public was allowed to comment on the plan on June 7th. However 16 amendments were made on June 14th and were presented by Councilman Mike Perrone, 1 amendment was provided by the County Executive. Private letters, phone calls and emails were admissible for comment about the bill and the amendments provided. No public speeches or comments about the bill or its amendments were allowed during the subsequent Council meetings on the 7th, 14th or 21st by the Council decree as provided by Council President Slutzky with approval by the 6 Councilmen.
On June 21st, County Council members and the County Executive presented a further 34 amendments. The public was not allowed to view any of the amendments, nor could they comment on them. Some of the amendments created major changes in the bill.
That evening, the Council voted on each amendment and then voted for passage of the bill. Again, that evening, no citizen was able to speak publicly about the bill, the amendments or the vote. The Council then adjourned for the summer allowing only 2 sessions until September.
Under the County Code, Chapter 4: Administration of Government, Section 4-19 Sessions of Council, A., it states that "such additional days as the Council may determine, are designated as legislative sessions days for the enactment of legislation". It further states that no more than 45 sessions may occur during one year. To date, 21 sessions have occurred, leaving ample opportunity for special sessions to listen to citizen comments concerning amendments prior to voting on legislation.
We believe this right of public input needs to be expanded to allow comment on all amendments. The habit of springing a change at the last minute without warning and without comment is unwarranted.
The Comprehensive Rezoning legislation will be forthcoming. This can affect every single piece of property and it will impact every Harford County citizen in some manner, be it good or bad. The County Council should require adequate time for public comment before, during and after introduction of legislation and its amendments. The Council needs to plan ahead and be ready for legislation, not wait until the eleventh hour.
Gloria Moon, Friends of Harford
Joppa