As local faith leaders prepare to make their voices heard Wednesday night, Commissioner David Gray continues to encourage the public to do the same, in advance of a hearing on the county's fiscal 2013 budget, which includes a lot of cuts to local non-profits.   "We're sometimes talking about life and death with people, here, and the county is meant to facilitate the public good, and the public good is to help those who need help," said Gray. 

Funds to 27 grants-in-aid and noncounty agencies, including the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, the Boys and Girls Club and Heartly House, will be cut 32% from the current year's budgeted $390,131.

Commissioner Gray said Commissioners' President Blaine Young and  other board members are not listening to the needs of the community. "I think the three have announced, prior to any discussion, that they're going to cut them, and they're going into the second year now, without even examining any facts.  It's hard to forgive that kind of callus attitude," he continued.

The public hearing will be held Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.  A prayer vigil will start at 5:00 p.m. in front of the building.