ParticipateParticipate inin thethe LegislativeLegislative ProcessProcess CECIL COUNTY 1. Attend a Council Meeting - COUNCIL WORK SESSIONS COUNCIL Every Tuesday (except 5th Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. A Guide for Citizens on the County Council and Legislative Process Council discussions and presentation Agenda available online LEGISLATIVE BRANCH — County Council of Cecil County Audio recording available online CC The County Council of Cecil County is the legislative branch of county government as established by the Charter - COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE SESSION of Cecil County on December 3, 2012. First and third Tuesday of month at 7:00 p.m. The County Council is composed of five council members who are elected to a four year term of office. Each Opportunity to speak during Public Comments OO Council Member is elected countywide but must reside in the district that they represent. There are five council and give testimony during public hearings on legislation manic districts in Cecil County, which has recently been redistricted to ensure an equal population in each district. Cecil County is the only Maryland county that staggers the terms of their council members. Three council Agenda available online UU members, representing districts 2,3, and 4, will be elected in 2014 during the gubernatorial election; and two Audio recording available online council members, representing districts 1 and 5, will be elected in 2016 during the presidential election. KEEP INFORMED! Access the Council website at: NN Voters elected the first County Executive in 2012 to serve a four year term of office. The role of the County - CITIZENS CORNER www.ccgov.org to get information on... Executive is to serve as the executive branch of county government. The County Executive administers the laws and supervises the departments and agencies of the executive branch of government. Prior to Council Legislative Sessions at 6:00 p.m. Council Agendas Council Minutes TT Opportunity to ask questions and get answers The County Council and County Executive establish a "check and balance" system that works together to provide Audio Recordings of Meetings leadership and make effective decisions for local government. No agenda, informal Public Meeting Calendar YY Audio recording available online Charter and County Code County Council Responsibilities… Contact Information on Elected Officials The Council may enact public local laws for the peace, good government, health, safety 2. Contact Council Members or welfare of Cecil County. Call Council Members at 410.996.5201 CC Legislation can be in the form of a Bill or Resolution. Write to Council Members: Bills are included in the Code of Cecil County while resolutions are usually the c/o Cecil County Council, OO Council's approval of a action by the administration or an expression of the Council's opinion. 200 Chesapeake Blvd, The Council must also approve regulations such as the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Elkton MD 21921 UU Subdivision Regulations, Master Water and Sewer Plan, and the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. Email Council Members: [email protected] The Council approves the County's annual operating and capital budget submitted by the County Executive, sets the tax rate, authorizes issuance of all County bonds, and approves revisions to the budget throughout the year. 3. Community organization meetings NN The Council can establish ad hoc committees to advise them on specific projects. Invite a Council Member to attend your meeting. CC The Council also confirms the appointments, as nominated by the County Executive, to County boards and commissions. II Council Members also assist the public with their problems or concerns, whether with local, state or federal Council Meetings are held in the Elk Room of the County Administration Building. government. 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton, Maryland 21921. LL County Council of Cecil County Meetings are audio recorded and the recording is made available on the County website at www.ccgov.org County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2110, Elkton, MD 21921 Office: 410-996-5201 - Fax: 410-996-1014 MEET THE COUNCIL HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW
President Robert J. Hodge - District 5 Legislation is drafted in response to a problem or issue, to comply with a state or federal mandate Office: 410.996.5201 or local process, or from an idea provided by citizens, organizations, the County Executive, or a Cell: 443.553.1517 Council Member or Members to create or change a law or policy. Email: [email protected]
Second term on Council — Elected to serve from 2012 - 2016 First term as County Commissioner from 2009 - 2012 A Council Member or Members must support & introduce the legislation at a Legislative Meeting. Selected President of the County Council in January 2013 Local businessman and cattle/horse farm in the North East area Public service includes Economic Development Commission, Bainbridge Development Corporation and Social Services Board of At introduction, a public hearing on the legislation is scheduled, unless the Directors legislation is rejected by a vote of 4 Council Members. (Charter §304d)
Notice of Public Hearing are posted on the Council's webpage, published for two Vice President Dr. Alan McCarthy - District 1 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. (Charter §304d) Office: 410.996.5201 Email: [email protected] First term on Council — Elected to serve from 2012 - 2016 www.ccgov.org Selected Vice President of the County Council in January 2013 Equine veterinarian for horse farms in MD, DE, and PA Public service includes Maryland Rural Development Corporation and Maryland Association Copies of legislation are available online, picked up at the County Office Building or of Counties requested by telephone or email.
The Public Hearing is an opportunity for citizens to speak in support or opposition to the proposed legislation. Citizens Councilwoman Joyce Bowlsbey - District 2 are encouraged to participate in the legislative process by reviewing the legislation, and providing comments or testimony at Office: 410.996.5201 Email: [email protected] the public hearing. If citizens are not able to attend the public hearing, they may write, email or call council members or council staff to provide comments and testimony. First term on Council — Appointed by the County Executive to serve until 2014 Retired from W.L. Gore & Associates in 2003 as a Corporate Customer Service Representative in the Fabrics Division Council Consideration is tentatively scheduled at the next legislative session after Public service includes Commission on Aging and Human Services Agency public hearing. Legislation not enacted within 65 days of introduction is void. Former Charter Review Board Chair (Charter §304f)
Legislation enacted by the Council is sent to the County Executive for approval. Councilman Michael Dunn - District 3 Office: 410.996.5201 Email: [email protected] If County Executive approves, legislation goes into effect as stated, usually within 60 days. First term on Council — Elected to serve from 2010-2014
Served as a congressional intern in the US House of Representatives and legislative aide in the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates If County Executive fails to take action within 10 days, the legislation is deemed approved without Executive action (Charter and §306a) Public service includes Parks and Recreation Board and Firemen’s Association
If County Executive vetoes legislation, the Council may override the Executive's veto with four votes. (Charter §306) Councilwoman Diana Broomell - District 4 Legislation usually takes effect 60 calendar days after enactment by the Council, provided it does not go to referendum, or Office: 410.996.5201 Email: [email protected] is vetoed by the Executive. (Charter §307) First term on Council — Elected to serve from 2010-2014 Some legislation can be petitioned to the ballot as a referendum so that the voters can approve or dis- Served as Vice President of Board of County Commissioners from 2010-2012 approve. Petitions, in a form approved by the State, can be circulated to obtain signatures for registered President of the 21st Century Republican Club, Elected 2 terms on Republican Central Committee, Founding member of the Cecil Land Use Alliance, Chairman of the Elected School voters. Ten percent of the registered voters of the county are required to be successful in bringing the Board Ballot Initiative. legislation to referendum. In Maryland, laws imposing a tax, appropriating funds for current expenses to maintain government or prescribing residency districts cannot be petitioned to referendum. Employment history: Legal Secretary, Legislative Aide, Havre de Grace Main Street Director. Public service includes Executive Board Member of MACo, Upper Shore Regional Council, Clean Chesapeake Coalition, and Rural County Coalition. Also serves on the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Council and Planning Commission.