County Council Press Release
The County Council put out a press release on October 12th indicating that the council is seeking to immediately fill these positions following all 5 commissioners resigning.
- Residents must apply no later than October 18th
- Just 6 days after press release
- The Council is scheduled to vote on designating the temporary members on Oct. 25
- Just 13 days after press release and 7 days after submission deadline
- No more than three members of the Planning Board may be from the same political party
- Each member must be a resident and registered voter of Montgomery County when appointed
Procedural Questions Raised
The Parents Coalition as well as others have raised questions about this process.
The specifics raised in question here are the party requirements and the timeline.
Both points would appear to violate the MD laws however…
Councilmember Evan Glass Responds
Councilmember Evan Glass tweeted about the council seeking applicants and responded to some questions about this process.
Glass Responded To Our Question About This
Conclusion
I’ve still not been convinced one way or another. The timeline seems EXTREMELY shortened and I don’t see how it can have good results with so little time to apply and choose.
Though technically just temporary the concern is that these appointments could end up being around for years or even a decade if chosen formally by the next council. And anyone chosen now would seem to have a big leg up then.
I am not an expert, but I would like to see some cases for past precedence and what timeline each case used in Maryland Courts and by the Office of the Attorney General for similar appointments.
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