To the Editor: Cumberland Times-News
— To the Honorable Commissioners:
You are to be commended for your efforts in dealing with issues affecting our county such as ASCI, CARC and zoning, to name a few. Now it’s time to address what really matters, educating our children and employing our citizens.
It’s become painfully obvious that elected officials such as Gov. Martin O’Malley and Sen. Michael Miller are more concerned with bipartisan politics and pet projects (i.e. off shore wind farms and Prince Georges county casinos), than with our needs.
In our time of crisis, they adjourned, with no consideration for Garrett County. Isn’t it curious that our county generates substantial tax revenues, much of which comes from nonresident sources, yet those funds are inequitably allocated elsewhere in the state? How is it justified that the teachers and administrators in our county are paid substantially less than those in other counties?
How is it justified that it’s Garrett County that must close its schools?
The children of Garrett County are just as important, and the teachers of Garrett County are just as talented and committed as those in other counties.
Until the elected officials down state rectify this crime, in a fair and objective manner, this is the only issue the commissioners need to address. We need our county leaders to lead, and elected officials to act.
Because of the fiscal responsibility of current and prior commissioners, the county has virtually no debt and enjoys a surplus of funds. It is important to be in this position for a “rainy day.”
Commissioners … it’s raining!
Don’t let the closing of schools and destruction of communities happen on your watch. Don’t let loss of jobs, hopes, and dreams be your legacy.
Prove that you genuinely have concern for the people of Garrett County that those in Annapolis clearly don’t.
You have the power and means to get this county through this crisis until times improve. Short-term inaction will surely result in long-term harm to our children and teachers.
Time is running out.
Katelyn O’Brien
Swanton
More here.
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