Newly elected St. Mary’s County officials took the oath of office at a ceremony at Leonardtown High School Monday, Dec. 6. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron, Judges of the Orphan’s Court Linda R. Dean, Charles “Jenks” Mattingly, Dalton Wood, Jr., Register of Wills Lois Duke, and Board of Education Members Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa and Brooke Matthews were sworn in and congratulated in a social gathering immediately following the official swear-in.
Sheriff Cameron told TheBAYNET.com, “Our office is dedicated to the improvement of police services and response while continuing to combat crime and the fear of crime in our community.” He said, “The Sheriff’s Office will continue to refine our crime control programs of data and Intelligence focused policing to ensure St. Mary’s County remains a safe place to live, work and raise our families.
State’s Attorney Richard D. Fritz and County Treasurer Jannette P. Norris were recognized, as they will take the oath in January 2011. An orchestra consisting of county high school students provided music, LHS Army JROTC cheerfully greeted attendees and Rev. Roderick W. McClanahan of First Missionary Baptist Church provided the invocation and benediction.
County Administrator John Savich served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, suggesting these officials are taking office at an important and difficult time.
The Board of County Commissioner members Lawrence D. Jarboe, Cynthia L. Jones, Todd B. Morgan, Daniel L. Morris and Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell swore-in and held their first meeting the following morning, Dec. 7.
In his remarks Monday, Commissioner President Russell told the crowd, “Thank you for placing your trust in us to run St. Mary’s County for the next four years.” He suggested that citizens’ input is always welcomed and helps in solving the problems facing the county.
Russell, along with Commissioner Jarboe, came to Tuesday’s meeting with experience, but for Jones, Morris and Morgan this was their first time sitting at the Commissioners’ table at the Chesapeake Building and casting votes on county matters. Jones was appointed as the BOCC Vice President for 2010-2011 and as an Alternate to Russell on the MACo Legislative Committee. Todd Morgan was selected as the Tri-County Council Commissioner Representative and Dan Morris will serve as the BOCC’s Rep to the Tri-County Council’s Veterans Committee.
The Board adopted the 2011 meeting schedule and authorized, in a 4-1vote, MetCom’s request for backing on financing for St. Clements Shores area additional wells. The new commissioners became quickly acquainted with existing issues between the BOCC and MetCom, as off-topic issues such as the ethics-related legislation was brought up. Russell also asked about recent sanitary sewer spills, which Director Jacquelyn Meisner said were not due to negligence of maintenance on MetCom’s part.
The Board approved two grants of nearly $500,000 to support mental health and youth mentoring services in the Juvenile Drug Court. Judge Stamm told the commissioners that while St. Mary’s is a model for the state, he has a goal of 100 percent success.
They approved a grant that will help the County’s tourism expand its advertising of St. Mary’s as a desirable destination and returned savings from frozen positions to the Revenue Stabilization Reserve. Savich explained that as 2012 budget decisions are being made, some flexibility on whether to eliminate, keep frozen or reinstate those positions should be discussed.
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