Local government entered a new era last night when the County Council elected native son Charles C. Feaga as chairman.
The switch from Democratic to Republican control was accomplished without fanfare in a room virtually empty of spectators except for a Cub Scout pack. All nominations were uncontested and all votes were unanimous, as is council tradition.
Despite the subdued tone, Republican dominance on the council was implicit in the election of Mr. Feaga and other council officers.
"I thank you for this vote of confidence," Mr. Feaga, the West Friendship farmer and senior Republican on the council, said upon assuming the chairmanship. "I guarantee that we will all represent this council [at public functions] at different times -- we'll pass that around."
The council's power positions, which were hoarded by Democrats in previous years, will stay with the Republicans, however, Mr. Feaga said after the meeting.
In keeping with that theme, the Zoning Board chairmanship, which is on a par with the council chairmanship, was given to Darrel Drown, an Ellicott City Republican beginning his second term on the council. Mr. Drown was also elected vice chairman of the council. GOP newcomer Dennis R. Schrader was elected vice chairman of the Zoning Board.
In past years, the Democratic majority on the council had offered leadership of the Liquor Board to the Republicans as a sop. This year, the Republicans repaid the favor. They elected C. Vernon Gray, a Democrat beginning his fourth term on the council, as chairman and Democratic newcomer Mary C. Lorsung as vice chairman.
Mr. Gray, who has oversight for public safety on Gov.-elect Parris N. Glendening's transition team, said it would be a mistake to infer from his acceptance of the Liquor Board chairmanship that he will not leave the council.
"It simply means I have accepted chairmanship of the Liquor Board," Mr. Gray said after last night's meeting. "Nothing else."
County government corridors have been buzzing with speculation that Mr. Gray will take a position in the Glendening administration. "I can't stop people from talking," Mr. Gray said.
Mr. Feaga, meanwhile, intends to put his imprimatur on the council immediately. He wants members to abandon their perch 6 feet above the floor in the hearing room and move to ground level. Having people look up to the council when testifying can be a barrier to communication, the new chairman believes. Council members said they liked the idea of moving closer to the people.
In addition, to help people feel more relaxed when testifying, Mr. Feaga plans to have them sit behind a desk rather than stand behind a podium as now. "That's the way it's done in Annapolis," he said. "People are much more comfortable that way."
Mr. Feaga plans to ask council members this morning to accept a set allowance for travel and mobile telephones rather than be reimbursed for actual expenses.