Taylor: Vote no on Question A or you will never get a chance again

The question is which form of government is best--Executive or Council-manic. Having lived under both in Wicomico County I can assure you that being able to vote for or against a County Executive is far better than having no input on a bureaucrat sitting in the county administrator seat--a seat that will hold a very strong position in the county. I have seen such a bureaucrat throw his weight around by insisting he follows the golden rule--he who has the gold, makes the rules; and he did--unanswerable to the people of Wicomico County. Yes, the position is subject to a vote of the council which are the peoples representatives, but they are but one of seven, a far cry from being able to vote in or out an executive every four years.

And this would be the last time the people would get to vote, for if Question A passes, there will be no return to an executive form of government. I abhor the thought of the voice of the people being silenced by those who do not understand what the council is asking from Question A--to give up any choice or check or balance. Ask the supporters of Question A why they wish to eliminate this check and balance and they'll say the office is too expensive. Giving up one's voice is far more expensive than the added check to a council set on ultimate rule. I was disappointed in Sheriff Mike Lewis' plea to take away my electoral voice, a man in such a high position of Constitutional significance should know better.

This effort by the Wicomico County Council shows no signs of public support as in a petition to get the question before the voters and does have every indication of a power grab because they have such great disdain for the Executive.

Vote down Question A. A stern "No" to show the County Council that you wish to maintain your voice in keeping them in check and balance. Make them work within a system that does not cut out the will of the people. Let them voice their preferences every four years, instead of trying to deny the people to keep them in check.

Vote No on Question A.

Tom Taylor
Salisbury resident

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.