Civil Discourse is the keystone of a free society, and I applaud Mr. Taylor's ability to stand up for what he believes. I believe he is wrong. He states:
"Just as occurred when the position was established by referendum in the 2004 election, it could be placed on the ballot in a future election by resolution of the County Council; a petition is not required, nor was it then."
If the measure isn't voted down and the executive office is eliminated, the Council will never bring up the need for it again. Why would they? I expressed that this move by the council seemed to be a power grab since they were making this referendum vote, without a petition showing popular support--and it would still seem to be.
That other Taylor seems to think checks and balances are unimportant in local politics, I disagree and believe all politics is local and a government that governs least, governs best.
The Other Taylor states of me:
"He may also be blissfully and totally unaware of the turmoil that our elected executives have caused, such as trying to hire Daniel “Pence is a traitor” Cox after he was trumped (no pun intended) in the last gubernatorial election."
I do not recall much turmoil as the hyperbolic Taylor suggests... The Executive wished to hire someone, the Council vetted him... much ado about nothing.
Then he continues: "In his bluster, Mr. Taylor even manages to castigate Sheriff Lewis."
As for castigating Sheriff Lewis, he's a big boy and can take it--plus disappointment is far from castigation and I have expressed my disappointment in Sheriff Lewis, to Sheriff Lewis, several times. A free society allows me to do so.
The voters will decide as they did and as they tend to do, and every time the council feels the need to, they will place solidifying their council control over the county on the ballot, warranted or unwarranted of the will of the people.
Voting for Question A will give every department head 7 bosses, 7 bosses vying for projects within their districts.
Voting against Question A will keep the direction of Wicomico County focused.
Vote No on Question A. Don't be like that other Taylor. Just kidding Bob. Nothing personal.
Tom Taylor
Wicomico County Resident
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.