An effort that could significantly alter how Carroll County is governed was renewed yesterday, when a state delegate said he would push for legislation to expand the Board of Commissioners from three to five members.
The rationale for such an expansion is the same as it has been in previous, unsuccessful attempts to bring about the change: Under the current arrangement, two commissioners can team up and effectively dictate decisions to their colleague.
Del. Donald B. Elliott, a New Windsor Republican, said yesterday that he would once again sponsor the bill -- and he appears to have reason to expect a different outcome this time.
Sen. Larry E. Haines, leader of Carroll's all-Republican delegation and an opponent of past attempts, now says voters should be able to decide the matter.
"I will not stand in the way of taking this to referendum," Haines said in a meeting with the county commissioners yesterday.
If Elliott's measure wins the General Assembly's approval, it would appear on the 2004 presidential-election ballot. If passed, the change would take effect with the 2006 board.
"I have been talking to my delegation to get them on board with this," Elliott said. "The important thing is to let this go to referendum and let voters make the decision."
During the previous Board of Commissioners' tenure, Commissioners Donald I. Dell and Robin Bartlett Frazier consistently voted together, effectively leaving the third commissioner, Julia Walsh Gouge, with a limited say in decisions.
Del. Susan Krebs, representing South Carroll, said a larger board would eliminate the persistent 2-to-1 votes on key issues and make for more efficient government.
"Because of the open meetings law, two of you can't even have a conversation on policy because you are a quorum," said Krebs. "It has to be difficult never having a political conversation with your peer."
Once the bill is introduced, Haines expects debate to focus on whether the commissioners would be elected at large or by district.
Carroll might follow the example of St. Mary's County, where four commissioners are elected by district and one at large, Krebs said.
Elliott will push for delegates representing districts.
Haines said he would prefer that all voters elect the five commissioners, he said.
But Haines questioned whether the proposal would win voters' support. Voters rejected a similar plan in 1998, when they also turned down a proposal for charter government.