Residents recently took the chance to give their ideas for new county, state and federal laws to the Charles County Board of Commissioners.  The citizenry presented 22 ideas; the sheriff’s office put forward four.  At a recent Board meeting, the Commissioners, with State Assembly House Delegate Sally Jameson, discussed the proposals and put together a plan of action. 

After the discussion of potential state legislation, Jameson took those proposals saying that she would share them with the other District 28 House Delegates, Peter Murphy and Murray Levy, in preparation for the Assembly’s next legislative session in early January 2008.

Below is the list of proposals and the decision the commissioners made for each item with a few notes in several cases.  The proposals are grouped by state, local and federal categories.

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FOR STATE LAW

A proposal to amend Maryland Assessment Procedures Manual, Real Property Code, Section 11-114, regarding condominium ownership to ensure fair and equitable procedures as compared to single family dwelling and mixed residence/business condominium property owners’ real property assessments.  Proposed by: Jane Groat, Edelen Station Place.

Jane Groat

Passed to Jameson to present to Assembly.  The formula for computing property tax has resulted in a rate for this citizen’s condo, at nearly double that of a much larger two-story single family house.  The commissioners agreed that the rate didn’t seem fair. 

a)  A proposal to permit federal, State and Local law enforcement officers residing in the State of Maryland to suppress his and family’s personal identifying information to include Social Security number, home address and home phone.  b)  A proposal to permit a federal, State and Local law enforcement officer residing in the state of Maryland to use a second non-physical address in lieu of a physical address to include a United States post office box.  Proposed by: Edward Holland, III.

Passed to Jameson, needs further research before presenting for the Assembly.

A proposal to eliminate predatory lending practices.  Proposed by: William M. Braxton, Charles County NAACP.