Awards handed out to three Charles County residents during the annual Truman-Kennedy Dinner on Friday night prompted a debate over the county’s role in regards to political awards during the Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning. The awards were handed out to Barry Wilson, Ann Chabb and Walter Carroll for service in the community, but the discussion the commissioners had was whether the county should present certificates or awards to citizens at political events.
“The position was taken that because it was a party affiliate event, request for certificates was denied,” Commissioner Vice President Reuben Collins (D) said when seeking consensus from the board to recognize the individuals. “I recognize using county resources for partisan events would pose problems however, in years past, the commissioners have made available these requests. The issue would be whether you’re excluding a particular party. There’s not an exclusion to create a barrier. I know in years past, the BOCC had representatives for the Republican Party, when there was a Republican event, those requests were acknowledged. We should accept and allow staff to move forward because they are for awards of people in the staff in the community.”
Barry Wilson, who was honored at the Truman-Kennedy Dinner, has served as a campain manager for Collins. When contacted Tuesday evening, Collins said that even if Wilson had not served as his campaign manager, he would still seek recognition from the county. Collins said it was the principle of the matter and that Wilson, as well as Chabb and Carroll, have served the community and should be recognized.
“I am a true blue Democrat,” Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st) said. “However, awards from the community are recognized. But we’re government. Keeping arm’s length between politics and government makes me more comfortable.”
“This is for individuals, similar in scope to those recognized for work in the community,” Collins responded.
“I differ with Commissioner Robinson,” Commissioner Debra Davis (D: 2nd) said. “The slippery slope is distinguishing between groups. Anyone that asks for awards to community members for service, we should grant those no matter who asks. I’ve been to this event before and I was surprised we hadn’t submitted certificates for awardees. The Senate and local delegation sent something and we did not. It’s for service to the community.”
“Political parties take it on a different level,” Robinson responded.
Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly (D) said the issue should be visited during mediation.
