History of Charter

Did you know Cecil County holds the record for the most attempts at passing Charter?  It took six tries because many were suspicious of giving so much power to a County Executive.  But, of course, there were those that were not going to give up their quest and on the last attempt creatively marketed Charter into a bait and switch of Code Home Rule.  The Friends of Charter claimed it would be cost neutral and more efficient.  However, many are already realizing they were deceived and are having second thoughts.  How could Charter get on the ballot despite Cecil County Citizens formally voting for Code Home Rule in a straw poll vote after the taxpayers paid $12,000 for an Alternative Government Forum?  To see how Charter was "pushed" through, I've put together the History of Charter below. 

Four alternative government forums were hosted by Victor Tervala who wrote Alternative Forms of Government in Maryland. Paid for by Cecil County Tax Payers ($12,000 +).  (Cecil Whig, 10/25/07) 

Straw vote at the last forum held in Elkton Administrative Building showed that the voters chose Code Home Rule over Charter.

(Cecil Whig, 12/12/07) (Cecil Whig, 2/4/08)

Commissioners ignore voters choice and vote for Charter Government.

(Cecil Whig, 3/5/08)

Commissioners reconsider Code Home Rule after public testimony.

(Cecil Whig, 4/30/08)

Commissioners honor vote 4 to 1 to put Code Home Rule back on the Ballot.

(Cecil Whig, 5/21/08)

Public hearing held on June 5, 2008 documents citizens support for Code Home Rule again.

(Cecil Whig, June 6, 2008)

11^th hour Code Home Rule effort fails.

(Cecil Whig, 8/6/08)

Board of County Commissioners decides in closed session to pursue Charter and the first mention of a Charter Board being appointed is when the names are voted on during an evening Commissioners meeting.  (Cecil Whig, 3/6/09)  (County Commissioner Meeting Minutes 3/3/09) 

Charter Board schedules meetings with citizen groups to promote. Citizens raise a number of concerns: Charter is a lot more expensive than the Charter Board claims because County Executive has a staff and concerns of balance of power between Legislative and County Executive.  Harford County is a good example of how Charter Rule promotes increased spending. (Aegis 7/25/12)

Chairman of the Charter Committee, Joyce Bowlesby criticized for funding Charter initiative with out-of-county developer funds, $12,000. Office of Economic Development chastised for participating in the fundraiser for the Charter Campaign.

(Someone Noticed, September 30, 2010) (Someone Noticed, October 20, 2010) (Someone Noticed, October 27, 2010)

Joyce Bowlesby makes claim Charter costs less than current form of government. Many citizens attending Charter informational forums critical of claim.

(Cecil Whig, April 9, 2010) 

County Government employees used to promote Charter (Cecil Whig, 6/24/09)

Newly elect County Executive Tari Moore switches her party affiliation to unaffiliated.  (Cecil Whig, December 3, 2012)