And from the Planning Board members that were appointed in violation of Maryland law, we get this:
Showing posts with label Montgomery County Planning Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Montgomery County Planning Board. Show all posts
Friday, January 5, 2024
Montgomery County Planning Board settles with ousted planning director
Reminder how the public was shut out of the Planning Board appointment process. https://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2022/10/parents-coalition-obtains-financial.html
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
TODAY County Council Poised to Take "Straw" Vote Behind Closed Doors to Select Next Planning Board Chair: Restore confidence in the Planning Board with Artie Harris for Planning Board Chair
MoCo Wants A Fresh Start on the Planning Board
The County Council needs to hear from you! Let them know that the only candidate that has hands-on experience with building affordable, mixed-use and market rate housing, who can restore the confidence in the Planning Board both with the public and developers is Artie Harris.
Click here https://epicofmoco.
CLICK HERE: Artie Harris for Planning Board Chair
Dear Council President Glass, Vice President Friedson, Councilmember Albornoz,
Councilmember Balcombe, Councilmember Fani-González, Councilmember Jawando, Councilmember Katz, Councilmember Luedtke, Councilmember Mink, Councilmember Sayles, and Councilmember Stewart:
Artie Harris is the only applicant for Planning Board Chair with the education and experience needed to restore confidence in the Planning Board with the public and developers.
I ask that the Council appoint him as Planning Chair.
His work with Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) and his work with The Bozzuto Group give him unique, in-depth, and practical insight into the challenges of and the pressing need for affordable, mixed use, and market rate housing. His familiarity with land use and zoning policies and regulations means he can jump right into regulatory processes.
His hands-on experience with project financing options prepares him to bring a pragmatic and creative perspective to proposed policies and projects. As a LEED-accredited professional, Mr. Harris is also well versed in the environmental and energy impacts of development.
Mr. Harris is known for his integrity, and his respect for colleagues, staff, and residents.
I urge the Council to appoint Mr. Harris as Planning Board Chair.
Sincerely,
What's on the Agenda in MoCo This Week, Artie Harris for Chair (salsalabs.org)
Monday, April 17, 2023
Spring 2023 Montgomery County Planning Board Applicants
Candidates Political Party Affiliation
Upneet Singh Atwal Democrat
Sunil Dasgupta Democrat
Denine Fernandez Democrat
Rita Ferrall Republican
Warren Fleming Democrat
Peter Fosselman * Democrat
Carolyn Gallaher Democrat
Artie Harris * Democrat
Josh Linden pending
Robert Love * Democrat
Joseph Micallef 1 Democrat
Faramarz Mokhtari Republican
Emil Nusbaum 1 Republican
Brian O'Looney 1 Democrat
Richard Peppin unaffiliated/other (Green)
Roberto Piñero Democrat
Alexander Ratner 1 Democrat
Hans Riemer * Democrat
Lisa Shanley unaffiliated
Donald Silverstein unaffiliated
Nichole Gibbs Thomas unaffiliated
Wendy White * Democrat
Avital Zenilman 1 Republican
Jim Zhao Democrat
*applicant for Planning Board chair
1 applicant for Planning Board chair or Board member
Planning-Board-Applicant-List-April-2023.pdf (montgomerycountymd.gov)
Monday, March 27, 2023
Council wants Planning Board Member that will Overcrowd Schools: Council's Pick James Hedrick for Planning Board Supports Elimination of Housing Moratoriums in Areas with Crowded Schools.
Richard Montgomery High School parking lot classroom trailers.
More on why Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich would veto the Montgomery County Council's selection of James Hedrick as a member of the Montgomery County Planning Board.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...It’s also not surprising that he would veto [James] Hedrick. I can’t speak to Elrich’s characterization of Hedrick’s temperament and social media statements. But consider Hedrick’s responses to Greater Greater Washington’s questionnaire. His positions included:
Wanting to build more than 100,000 housing units by 2040, a larger number than the planning department’s target of 60,000.
Support for the recently passed Thrive 2050 development plan.
Support for legalizing duplexes countywide.
Support for eliminating housing moratoriums in areas with crowded schools...
Friday, March 24, 2023
Exclusive: Financial Disclosure Forms for James Hedrick: What those Forms Did Not Disclose. #MontgomeryCountyPlanningBoard
Below is the Financial Disclosure Statement filed for Montgomery County Planning Board applicant James Hedrick.
Mr. Hedrick has been appointed by the Montgomery County Council to take a seat on the Montgomery County Planning Board. Under Section 15-103 of the Land Use Article of the Md. Code Ann., the Montgomery County Executive must approve or disapprove the Planning Board appointments within 30 days. If no communication is received, the appointments are approved.
The form also fails to disclose Mr. Hedrick's service on the board of a nonprofit Action Committee for Transit.
Anything else omitted from Mr. Hedrick's Financial Disclosure Forms?
Montgomery County Council appoints three new Planning Board members - Pending Approval of Montgomery County Executive
March 1, 2023
Shawn Bartley, James Hedrick, and Mitra Pedoeem have been appointed
WHEATON, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is pleased to welcome three new Planning Board members appointed by the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, February 28. The new Planning Board members include Shawn Bartley (R), James Hedrick (D), and Mitra Pedoeem (I). Contingent upon the County Executive’s approval of the appointments, the new Board members could start as early as March 9, 2023.
The outgoing temporary Planning Board members include Vice Chair Amy L. Presley, David Hill, and Cherri Branson. Since their time on the five-member Planning Board over the last four months, the Planning Board has approved 122 development plans, and reviewed and provided guidance on different stages of master plans such as the Rustic Roads Functional Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan, the Great Seneca Plan, and the University Boulevard Corridor Plan; the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan Design Guidelines; and studies such as the Mapping Segregation Project and Wheaton Downtown Study.
Current Planning Board Chair Jeff Zyontz and current Planning Board member Roberto Piñero will continue to serve on the Planning Board in their positions until June 2023, and until the County Council appoints their permanent replacements.
“I welcome Shawn Bartley, James Hedrick, and Mitra Pedoeem to serve on the Planning Board and congratulate them on their appointment by the Council,” said Planning Board Chair Jeff Zyontz. “I look forward to their expertise and perspective as we continue the important work of planning for the future of Montgomery County. I also offer my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues, Vice Chair Amy Presley and Commissioners Cherri Branson and David Hill for generously giving their time, attention, and able advice over the last several months.”
Each newly appointed Planning Board member will serve the unexpired terms of the previous Planning Board members who resigned last October 2022. The terms for the newly appointed Planning Board members are:
- Shawn Bartley (R) until June 14, 2024.
- Mitra Pedoeem (I) until June 14, 2025.
- James Hedrick (D) until June 14, 2026.
Under Section 15-103 of the Land Use Article of the Md. Code Ann., the Montgomery County Executive must approve or disapprove the Planning Board appointments within 30 days. If no communication is received, the appointments are approved.
View the Montgomery County Council press release.
Monday, March 13, 2023
Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Montgomery County Planning Board Chair and a Planning Board Member
Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Montgomery County Planning Board Chair and a Planning Board Member
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 13, 2023
Deadline for applications is April 3, 2023 at 5 p.m.
The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to fill two full-term vacancies on the Montgomery County Planning Board, one of which will serve full-time as the Planning Board chair. Since both of these positions start new full terms on the Planning Board, applicants may be registered to vote in the County as a member of any political party or unaffiliated with any political party. Voter registration will be verified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections.
Applications must be received no later than Monday, April 3, 2023 at 5 p.m. The cover letter should indicate if you wish to be considered for the chair position. Acting Planning Board members are eligible to apply for these positions.
Members generally serve four-year terms and are limited to two full terms. No more than three members of the Planning Board may be from the same political party, and each member must be a resident and registered voter of Montgomery County when appointed.
Annual compensation for Planning Board members is currently $30,000, and the full-time chair currently earns $228,000.
The Planning Board serves as the Council’s principal adviser on land use planning and community planning. Planning Board members also serve as Commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
The Planning Board’s responsibilities include preparing and proposing amendments to the County General Plan, master plans and functional plans; proposing amendments to the subdivision regulations; and preparing and making recommendations on text amendments to the County Zoning Code. Additionally, the Planning Board implements area master plans and the subdivision process by reviewing and approving all preliminary plans, site plans and other plans for development; provides advice about the planning implications of capital facilities and programs; and provides guidance on the planning implications of capital facilities and other infrastructure.
Moreover, the Planning Board comments, under its mandatory referral authority, about plans for public facilities of local state and federal agencies and proposes the work program and annual operating budget for the Planning Department and the Commission's bi-county offices. The Planning Director and Parks Director report directly to the Board.
The Planning Board manages the County's 37,000-acre park system. It is responsible for submitting the Parks Department’s proposed operating budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to the Council. It deals with land acquisition and disposition matters, major development contracts for parks, development plans for individual park facilities, policies for park operations and park user fees.
The Planning Board meets all day every Thursday, including many Thursday evenings, and will schedule other meetings, as needed. The entire Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission meets the third Wednesday of every month. On average, a Planning Board member may spend two full days a week in scheduled and informal meetings. Additionally, substantial time is required for preparatory work and other activities related to Planning Board responsibilities. The Planning Board chair position is full-time.
Application Process and Deadline
Letters of application expressing interest (including interest in serving as the chair, if applicable), including a resume (no more than four pages) listing professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, telephone number, home mailing address, and an email address should be addressed to: Council President and emailed to council.clerk@
A list of applicants is made public as part of the appointment process and is available for public review. The interviews and appointment process are conducted in public and will be televised. Resumes of interviewees (with their personal contact information redacted) are made available in advance of the interviews.
Letters with resumes must be received no later than Monday, April 3, 2023 at 5 p.m. It is the Council’s policy not to consider applications received after the deadline. After the closing date, Councilmembers will review the letters of application and select applicants for interviews.
Other Requirements
A financial disclosure statement of assets, debts, income and family property interests will be required to be filed by each applicant with the State Ethics Commission. The financial disclosure form will be requested after we receive your letter of application. The disclosure statement is available to the public only through the State Ethics Commission.
In addition, an interview, under oath regarding potential conflicts of interest, will be conducted of applicants by the Office of the County Attorney under Section 15-104 of the Land Use Article of the Maryland Code. The transcript of the full interview of each appointee will be made public, as required by law. The individuals hired for these positions must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions). A criminal background check will also be required.
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Release ID: 23-088
Media Contact: Sara Tenenbaum
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Rift over planning reform process frustrates Montgomery County leaders
The final version of the group announced last week shocked council members, who received no advance notice of the specific plans despite holding oversight powers over the planning board...
Montgomery County leaders agree something must be done about planning - The Washington Post
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Montgomery County Delegation to Discuss Proposed Legislation for Planning Board on Feb. 6th.
Metro Washington Area Committee Meeting
February 6, 2023
7:00 p.m.
via Zoom
Livestreamed on the Delegation's YouTube page
AGENDA
Work and Voting Session:
MC/PG 104-23 Montgomery County - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Restructuring Task Force - Establishment
Requested by Senator Kramer
MC/PG 105-23 Montgomery County – Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission – Commissioner Requirements and Open Meetings (Montgomery County Planning Trust and Transparency Act of 2023)
Requested by Senator Kramer
*Please note that all meeting dates, times, and agendas are subject to change at the discretion of the Chair.
Monday, January 30, 2023
Tuesday January 31st: County Council to Interview Republican Candidates for Planning Board
The Montgomery County Council is interviewing just two candidates for the Republican seat on the Planning Board. The interviews will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
The two candidates are:
David Winstead
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Former MoCo Planning Board Member Says, "...Planning Board members’ ability to make informed decisions were further impeded or gaslighted in public session..."
Former Montgomery County Planning Board member Tina Patterson submitted written testimony on Senator Ben Kramer's local bill MC/PG 105-23 for the December 15, 2022, local bill hearing held on Zoom. Below is portion of her written testimony. The full testimony is reprinted below.
...Section 15-105 of the Land Use Article requires that before the County Council may remove any Planning Board Commissioner before the conclusion of his or her term, the Council must issue a written statement of the cause for such removal and hold a public hearing.
I did not receive, and the public was not informed by any written statement of the cause for my removal. The County Council said it had “lost faith in the Board.” But that is not a cause. Loss of faith is a result from some event or action. As stated in my requested letter of resignation, “I remain proud of the work that I have done as Planning Board member. I have not done anything to tarnish the Board’s work or undermine its public trust.”.
Instead, I was told that if I did not resign within 15 hours of the request, I would be given two minutes to make a statement, and regardless of what I presented the Council would thereafter vote to terminate me since the decision had already been made.
The media continues to report that the Planning Board resigned “amid a scandal” creating an implication that there was such a scandal involving all Planning Board members. There was not. The Inspector General Report regarding the alcohol make no mention of my name. While it would be expedient to dismiss the entire Planning Board to restore order to this body, I emphatically believe that requiring the resignations of those members who have not taken part in the misdeeds is not only be an unjust outcome but amount to guilt by association. I understand that some people may believe that the Board members who have not been implicated by the IG should have spoken out about the disconcerting conduct of others. I have reported disturbing conduct, but my concerns fell on deaf ears...
Full text of former Planning Board member Tina Patterson's statement is below on SCRIBD and in text at bottom of this post.
2022 Tina Patterson - Testimony for Bill MC/PG105-23 by Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, Maryland on Scribd
Testimony for Bill MC/PG105-23
1
December 14, 2022
Dear Senator Kramer and Legislators:
My name is Tina Patterson. I am resident of District 39. I am writing in support of the Montgomery
County Planning Trust and Transparency Act of 2023 in principle (later in this document I do have a few
recommendations for your consideration). I believe that the increased transparency and accountability
are part of a mechanism of checks and balances that are necessary for any entity, especially a public
agency.
I served on the Montgomery County Planning Board from 2017 to 2021. I was reappointed to the
Planning Board in 2021 to serve a second term and did so until I was forced to resign in October 2022. I
have also served on the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission from 2007 to 2014. In addition,
my leadership and community engagement include:
• (2021) Public Leaders for Inclusion Council (PLIC,)
• (2019) FBI Baltimore Citizens Academy,
• (2018) Project 500 / Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Small Business University
• (2017) Walker’s Legacy,
• (2015) Montgomery County Community Emergency Response Training (CERT),
• (2012) Montgomery County Maryland Police Citizen’s Academy,
• (2011) Leadership Montgomery (Maryland),
• (2007) White House Project’s ‘Go Run’ program,
• (2004) Leadership Texas,
• (2003) Leadership America
In addition to my community engagement, I own a consulting firm based in Montgomery County. I share
these details with you because they shape my rationale for support of this legislation.
During the time which I served as a Planning Commissioner, I frequently explained that the Planning
Board reports to the County Council but is subject to State of Maryland ethics requirements and the
Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) is a state agency. While the County
Council has been delegated the authority to appoint, and if appropriate to remove commissioners, both
actions are subject to compliance with specific processes established under state law - processes that
were designed to provide the public with transparency so that there is appropriate accountability.
From my perspective, as early as 2018 questionable events and activities were reported by Planning
Board members and the general public to the MNCPPC Inspector General (IG), County Council and the
County Executive. Memos of correspondence between the branches of government appeared on
Facebook for all to read and comment upon. As mentioned above, currently the Planning Board reports
to the County Council so adjudication of these concerns was the County Council’s responsibility. In early
2022 when Attorney General Frosh made inquiries to the County Council about complaints the
Testimony for Bill MC/PG105-23
2
Montgomery County Planning Board was tasked to take action. Publicly, the request was followed
upon. Internally, Planning Board members’ ability to make informed decisions were further impeded or
gaslighted in public session or when convening as the MNCPPC.
Section 15-105 of the Land Use Article requires that before the County Council may remove any
Planning Board Commissioner before the conclusion of his or her term, the Council must issue a written
statement of the cause for such removal and hold a public hearing.
I did not receive, and the public was not informed by any written statement of the cause for my
removal. The County Council said it had “lost faith in the Board.” But that is not a cause. Loss of faith is a
result from some event or action. As stated in my requested letter of resignation, “I remain proud of the
work that I have done as Planning Board member. I have not done anything to tarnish the Board’s work
or undermine its public trust.”.
Instead, I was told that if I did not resign within 15 hours of the request, I would be given two minutes to
make a statement, and regardless of what I presented the Council would thereafter vote to terminate
me since the decision had already been made.
The media continues to report that the Planning Board resigned “amid a scandal” creating an implication
that there was such a scandal involving all Planning Board members. There was not. The Inspector
General Report regarding the alcohol make no mention of my name. While it would be expedient to
dismiss the entire Planning Board to restore order to this body, I emphatically believe that requiring the
resignations of those members who have not taken part in the misdeeds is not only be an unjust
outcome but amount to guilt by association. I understand that some people may believe that the Board
members who have not been implicated by the IG should have spoken out about the disconcerting
conduct of others. I have reported disturbing conduct, but my concerns fell on deaf ears.
Separation from MNCPPC has resulted in loss of health insurance. I am navigating that process as
expeditiously as possible (COBRA is not available until 2023) and exercising as much care as possible in
public. The larger concern since the forced resignation is the addressing and managing personal and
professional reputational risk and damage. I’m aware that in 2023 I will need to defend my suitability to
continue to do work as a federal contractor because the “scandal” raises questions about my character,
trustworthiness and reliability. I also realize that at any point a client using my company’s dispute
resolutions services may challenge my integrity, to serve in a neutral, judicious capacity because of the
alleged “scandal” and I could ultimately lose work. I have been advised that I should be prepared to
explain my innocence for perpetuity.
Returning to the Montgomery County Planning Trust and Transparency Act of 2023, I believe shifting
appointment of the Chair to the County Executive will treat that position as one similar to other
Department Heads, while leaving the appointment of other Commissioners to the County Council to
create a more robust partnership within the branches of government. The Chair of the Planning Board is
supposed to be the administrative manager of the Planning Board. Implementation of this Act will
enhance the relationship and encourage better coordination with the Executive branch.
Finally, I do have several suggestions:
Testimony for Bill MC/PG105-23
3
• There needs to be some parity in the appointments by adding to Section 15.103.1 that the
appointment of the Chair would require the approval of 8 members of the County Council within
30 days after the hearing on the appointment.
• I recommend adding a requirement for a Compliance Officer within the Office of General
Counsel to assure compliance with state laws, particularly Open Meetings and Maryland Public
Information Act.
• Section 15-105 dealing with discipline or removal of a commissioner should be allowed by either
the Council or the County Executive with approval of the other. The written reason for discipline
or removal should be published for public review and consideration at least 2 weeks before the
hearing.
• Instead of the proposal to exclude a commissioner from the ability to testify in his or her
defense as a matter of due process, I suggest, there should be a provision specifically allowing
for a commissioner be placed on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the hearing.
The timeline of the previous configuration of the Montgomery County Planning Board serves as
cautionary tale and justification as to why the Montgomery County Planning Trust and Transparency Act
of 2023 is necessary and supports good governance. Whether elected or appointed, public servants are
supposed to serve the public. I believe this Act is a catalyst in restoring public trust.
If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me
Respectfully,
Tina E. Patterson, MCIArb
Friday, December 16, 2022
Breaking: Former MoCo Planning Bd Commissioner Partap Verma Describes Toxic Work Environment, Says Fmr PB Chair Influenced IG Investigation of Sitting Councilmember and more...
Listen to Partap Verma, then Carol Rubin and then hear Senator Ben Kramer's follow up question:
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
PLANNING TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2023
This Act’s summary description:
FOR the purpose of altering the appointment process, salary authorization process, and terms for commissioners appointed to the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission from Montgomery County; requiring the County Executive of Montgomery County to appoint one member of the Commission who shall serve as the chair or vice chair of the Commission and chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board; requiring certain public hearings and acceptance of public testimony on each appointment to the Commission from Montgomery County; prohibiting the chair of the Board from engaging in certain employment; authorizing and establishing procedures for the Montgomery County Executive or Montgomery County Council to discipline a commissioner from Montgomery County under certain circumstances; prohibiting a commissioner from Montgomery County from engaging in certain political activities while the commissioner serves on the Commission; prohibiting a former commissioner from Montgomery County from working for certain compensation for a certain period of time after the commissioner leaves office; requiring a commissioner from Montgomery County to complete certain training at certain times; requiring the Board to publish agendas of open meetings along with certain other materials on its website at certain times; requiring the Board to approve meeting minutes in a certain manner under certain circumstances; and generally relating to requirements for the members of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission from Montgomery County and meetings of the Montgomery County Planning Board...
Planning Trust and Transparency Act of 2023 | Seventh State (theseventhstate.com)
Friday, October 28, 2022
Parents' Coalition Obtains Financial Disclosure Forms for 11 Planning Board Applicants from MD State Ethics Commission
Under Maryland Land Use law, the public was to have 3 weeks to review the list of applicants for the Montgomery County Planning Board. [That didn't happen.]
These financial disclosure statements were to be filed 5 days before the applicant was interviewed. [That didn't happen.]
During that 5 day period, the financial disclosure statements would have been available for the public to review.
Obviously, in this recent appointment process for Montgomery County Planning Board the 5 day period between filing of the financial disclosure statements and interview did not happen. At best, the public had one day to view the financial disclosure statements of the applicants. And that would have only been possible if a county resident traveled to Annapolis to the office of the State Ethics Commission.
In the interest of transparency and accountability, and with a look at how this process was supposed to be run under Maryland law, the Parents' Coalition has obtained the financial disclosure statements of the 11 applicants, and we are making them public now. The public should have been able to view these documents before the interviews, but nothing in this appointment process has followed the timeline established by Maryland law. With that, we give you the financial disclosure statements of the 11 applicants:
Individual Year Date Filed
Raj Barr-Kumar 2021 10/22/22 (amended 10/26/22)
Cherri Branson 2021 10/24/22 (original 10/22/22)
Francoise Carrier 2021 10/23/22
Norman Dreyfuss 2021 10/22/22 (properties do not have addresses and does not disclose membership on board of Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County)
Barbara Goldberg Goldman 2021 10/23/22 (does not disclose Quora business or board membership on nonprofit Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County)
David Hill 2021 10/22/22
William E. Kirwan III 2021 10/22/22 (Did not list Silver Spring property)
Vincent Napoleon 2021 10/21/22
Roberto Pinero 2021 10/23/22
Amy Presley 2021 10/21/22
Jeff Zyontz 2021 10/21/22
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Atty General Brian Frosh Responds to Parents' Coalition. The General Assembly, Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, State's Atty, Marc Elrich or Gabe Albornoz can request an Opinion on Planning Board Appointments
On October 23, 2022, the Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD wrote to Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and asked the Attorney General to answer the question: Can the Montgomery County Council change the statutory term for Planning Board appointments so that they are only temporary appointments?
Today the Attorney General's office responded:
Wed 10/26/2022 12:58 PMDear Ms. Sartucci,
Thank you for contacting the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
The Attorney General is the legal counsel for the State of Maryland and its agencies. As such, this Office provides legal advice to state agencies, boards and commissions and investigates and prosecutes crimes against the State. The Office further represents the State in all cases pending in the Appellate Courts of the State, and in the U.S. Supreme Court and lower Federal Courts. To learn more about the Office of the Attorney General, follow this link: http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/
Under the longstanding policy of the Attorney General’s Office, we are unable to respond to requests for advisory legal opinions from private citizens. We simply do not have the resources to undertake the many hours of legal research and writing that would be necessary to respond in the form of an official opinion to the hundreds of inquiries that our Office regularly receives from private citizens. Instead, we must limit ourselves to opinion requests from the various State government agencies and officers that, by law, we are required to represent as well as, on occasion, to requests from local governments. See http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/Opinions/faq.aspx (explaining our Office’s policy regarding official opinions).
Thank you again for contacting our Office.
Sincerely,
Citizen Response Coordinator
Office of the Attorney General
************************************
Who can request an Opinion from the MD Attorney General's office:
...The Maryland Constitution directs that the Attorney General is to give an "opinion in writing whenever required by the General Assembly ... the Governor, the Comptroller, the Treasurer or any State's Attorney on any legal matter or subject." Article V, §3...
...a request by a local government for an Opinion of the Attorney General must be made by the chief executive of the local government or by the presiding officer of the local legislative body on behalf of the entire body...
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