In-de-pen-dent

Let's talk definitions:

(Yes, I Googled it.)

As of this moment, no progress has been made to withdraw the two questionable nominees to the County Council's audit committee (chartered from the County Council resolution to review HCPSS budgets.) Wait, not questionable. That's not an accurate choice of words. That suggests that one might question their appointment. In fact, BOE members Ellen Flynn Giles and Ann DeLacy are, by definition, excluded from this committee. Their participation in such a committee is unethical.

From the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

And language from the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002:

Who is ultimately responsible for the creation of this committee and its success or failure? Why, the County Council, of course, through whose diligence and responsiveness to the community we now have the council bill created specifically to address community concerns in the lack of transparency and accountability in the HCPSS budget process.

 

As much as we owe the Council our thanks, we also must hold all of them responsible for the trustworthy execution of this bill and the choices of members of the committee to do this important work. There's absolutely no point to this legislation if it isn't carried out in an ethical way. None.

 

Do I think the Howard County Council wants to be seen as failing the community when it comes to responsive and ethical governance? No, I do not. But I do think they need to hear from constituents that these appointments constitute an outrageous conflict of interest. That's where you come in.

Send an email. Here are the addresses of the County Council and the County Executive:

councilmail@howardcountymd.gov

akittleman@howardcountymd.gov

Sign the petition if you haven't already, and/or share with friends and neighbors.

I know our community is reeling from the devastation of flood damage in Old Ellicott City. Our community leaders are very likely working overtime to help in any way they can. I get that. But I suspect that the people who made these outrageous appointments are hoping that our attention will be directed elsewhere and that this issue will just go away.

Let's not let that happen.