(l to r) Commissioners-elect John O’Connor, Mike Hewitt, Tom Jarboe and Randy Guy at the legislative public hearing on November 13.
Leonardtown, MD — It was out with the old on Tuesday, November 18. It’ll be in with the new on Tuesday, December 2nd. The lame duck St. Mary’s County Commissioners, with only Todd Morgan returning, held their final session on November 18; the new board, after being sworn in on December 1st will take their seats the next day.
The current commissioners include: Larry Jarboe, who was term limited; Cindy Jones who ran and lost for state senator; Daniel Morris who chose not to seek re-election; Francis “Jack” Russell, who lost his race for re-election; and Morgan who was unopposed.
As has been the hallmark of many of the more controversial commissioner votes, the last action of the current board was a split 3-2 decision.
Commissioner Morris attempted to get support for his idea of limiting any St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) fee increases to two-percent a year. “The purpose is to refrain them from spending a blank check,” he said.
Morgan immediately spoke in opposition. “I find that a bit overbearing,” he said. He noted that the commissioners were “a body politic that ebbs and flows.” He said the proposal leaves MetCom “very restrained with what they want to do.”
Morgan said he felt there were better ways to rein in MetCom, which he said the commissioners agreed needed to happen. “You can’t run a business structure with that kind of parameter wrapped around,” Morgan added.
Jones agreed. She said MetCom is a creature of the Maryland General Assembly and the new county delegation can work with the new commissioner board to come up with a solution.”
Although there wasn’t a formal vote, Russell concluded there weren’t three votes to support Morris’ proposal, presumably Russell being one of those no votes.
That discussion followed a fairly routine unanimous approval of the five legislative proposals from County Attorney George Sparling. A public hearing was held on the proposals on November 13 in which there was no public comment.
The four new commissioners, Randy Guy, Mike Hewitt, Tom Jarboe and John O’Connor all attended that public hearing along with delegates-elect Matt Morgan and Deb Rey. Delegate Tony O’Donnell offered to assist the new delegation with the legislative proposals until a new chairman of the county delegation is selected. Retiring Delegate John Wood also attended.
After voting on the legislative matters, the outgoing commissioners made final statements. Morgan thanked the other board members for their support during the trying personal times with the passing of his wife.
Jarboe was first elected 20 years ago during the last Republican sweep of the board, which he called from bottom up instead of the top down that occurred on November 4th. Jarboe spent some time listing accomplishments.
Jarboe said he was elected to his first term on a platform of “making St. Mary’s County a better place” and he said in many respects that has happened. He enumerated the Huntersville Rural Legacy Area, the saving of the courthouse in downtown Leonardtown, the cooperation with the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire department in creating a fire museum, the expansion of public access to the water including the purchase of the Shannon Farm, the improvements to the county airport and dealing with the skydiving controversy there early in his term.
Jarboe noted that the controversial St. Clements Shores beach access problem is “a hot potato” that the new commissioners will have to resolve, he hoped to the satisfaction of the residents who use the beach.
Jones said, “It’s been a pleasure to serve the citizens of St. Mary’s County.” She said she is really taken with public service and hopes to continue with it in the future.
Morris thanked the county’s department heads. “These are sincere people who care about getting the job done,” he said. He also pointed out that the county is in better financial shape than four years ago with less debt.
“The new board will be getting some hot potatoes but so did we four years ago when we stepped forward,” Morris said.
Russell concluded his eight-year run by saying to Randy Guy who defeated him: “I wish you full wind and following seas,” adding, “Keep in mind you have the best staff in county government.”
The new commissioners, along with school board and other local elected officials, will be sworn in during a ceremony on Monday December 1 at 6 p.m. at Chopticon High School in Morganza.