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Commissioners ask for frequent legislative reports

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(July 21, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners are hoping to have a more communicative, coordinated strategy heading into the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly next year.

On Tuesday, the county’s lobbyist Paul Ellington came to Snow Hill to brief the commissioners on his review of the 2023 session, which ended in April.

Ellington praised the way that the Eastern Shore — from Worcester to Cecil — “spoke with one voice in a parochial manner.”

“To have that permanent presence in Annapolis and be able to go to Washington on your behalf was helpful this time around,” Ellington said.

He spoke about a few “significant” bonds and bills that they were able to pass, including many for Atlantic General Health, Diakonia, and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

He did, however, mention that Ocean City seemed to “go it alone” when it came to failed efforts to raise the room tax cap.

“I think in retrospect, we could have done more — not from (the county’s) point of view — but a more coordinated effort would have led to a better result.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he was disappointed to hear that he thought Worcester County wasn’t on board with the room tax push.

“I knew,” Ellington responded. “What I’m saying is it wasn’t as well coordinated as it could have been (through) no fault of the county.

Ellington also spoke about the hardship coming with unfunded mandates like the state education department’s Kirwan Commission and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which calls for much more spending on public schools. Still, he expressed hope that something can be done, even with a new governor with “ambitious” goals.

“I know you’re aware of what the Kirwan Commission has foisted upon you,” he said. “This governor has an ambitious agenda but also appeals to reason. With recent concerns about gas tax being tied to inflation, he thinks the legislature should vote on that. That’s a refreshing point of view.”

“When we present a reasonable and united front, when we work not only as Worcester County but also right up the Shore, to Southern Maryland and across the top tier (of the state), and we all speak with one voice, rural Maryland helps us do that. I think we have a lot more leverage and impact.”

Mitrecic said he’d like Ellington and the county to get an earlier start

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