By Ernie Colburn-CEO
June 2014
Wicomico County FY 15 Budget passes. Now the hard work begins
By a vote of 5 to 2, Wicomico County Council passed the FY 15 budget. Prior to going to a final vote, a lot of work took place in meetings and in one-on-one conversations to ensure that the 4.3 cent property tax increase made sense. This increase, which represents a 1.5% increase over the constant yield rate and is half a percent below inflation (CPI-U), makes sense and is necessary under the revenue cap.
Two items in this budget are of special note to the members of our chamber. This budget sets aside funds for the necessary repairs on our roads on which commerce depends, and creates a special fund to spur economic development through entrepreneurship. As a strong supporter of entrepreneurs, the Chamber especially welcomes this initiative.
Now the hard work begins, specifically filling the four (4) soon to be vacant seats on the council for the next four (4) years.
Wicomico County citizens have an obligation to go to the polls on June 24th and select and narrow the field of candidates heading into the November 4th General Election. We citizens have an obligation to meet those candidates running for County Council, find out their vision for the County, and make an intelligent decision as to for whom we will be voting to ensure a safe and prosperous future.
We citizens have an obligation to vote for those that are progressive thinkers about our County’s future. At the same time we don’t want “yes” men or women but representatives that will vote with balance and sensible purpose. What we don’t need are “P-A-V-E’s” (People Against Virtually Everything) ! Those with the finger constantly on the “NO” button.
Get out in the next several weeks and get educated on who you think will lead our county for the next four years in a positive progressive manner. I’ve always said, “if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain about who gets elected.”
Take advantage of local forums/debates coming up to better understand the candidates. What are they passionate about; what are their convictions; their approach to business development? Jobs, jobs, jobs…what are they going to do to bring more and better jobs and manufacturing and technology to the community?
The Chamber has a long standing policy of not endorsing candidates. However, our Advocacy and Government Relations Division can and will take intelligent stances on “issues” that are relevant and critical to the business community and to our residents. As part of our issue-based advocacy efforts, we will speak loudly at times and use quiet but persuasive one-on-one conversations with key individuals at other times.
Remember, “The gap between what people know and what they do is the difference between potential and performance. Bridging this gap will determine if our County slides, survives, or thrives.”
NOW, the hard work begins!
