It convenes in January, 2023.
Frederick, Md. (KM) – Frederick County elected officials are getting ready for the 2023 Maryland General Assembly.
In most charter counties, the county executive drafts the legislative packages, often without input from the council, citizens or organizations. But Joy Schaefer, Government Affairs Director, says Frederick County welcomes input from county and municipal elected officials, and citizens. “It’s also very transparent process. Because in addition to the town hall, updates and documents are published on the County’s Legislative Web Page. Announcements are made, briefings are held and conducted to keep the public engaged in the process,” she says.
Schaefer spoke recently to the County Council.
Drafting the legislative package includes the County Executive and the County Council soliciting ideas from the public, the Council and the municipalities. Schaefer says the County Executive has sent letters to more than 80 civic and government organizations requesting their input and ideas.
County Council President M.C. Keegan-Ayer says she’s looking for ideas and recommendations from members of the Council. “Right now, we have a final decision on any proposals being brought forward from the Council scheduled for August 30th,”; she says.
The Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on any ideas or recommendations that come forward. A vote will be taken on Tuesday, September 20th. The package will be part of the County Executive’s town hall meeting on September 29th, 2023. It will take place in the first floor hearing room of Winchester Hall.
Then the Council will consider the draft 2023 legislative package on October 18th. In mid-November, the current County Executive will meet with her successor. The local Legislative Delegation will hold a hearing on the package on Saturday, December 3rd at Winchester Hall.
“Not every suggestion will be converted into a proposed bill or a position,” says Schaefer. “But the County Executive does share every response she receives to those responding to her solicitation letter, and she includes those responses in the package.”
The Maryland General Assembly gavels into session on Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 at 12:00 noon.
By Kevin McManus