VoteBYoung - Efficient Government

In 1776 our Founding Fathers rebelled against mother Britain due to the inefficient governance from the far-off isles. It was a time of the great philosophers of government and politics. This nation was founded upon the principles of a government of the people, by the people, for the people that efficiently met the needs of citizens without a burdensome government that can over-regulate our lives.

As outlined in my thesis, Maryland and the United States Constitution: “The Old Line State’s” Vital Role in the Framing of American Governance, our Founding Fathers had a great deal of debate concerning how our constitution would create a government of the proper size and powers to best serve the residents of the new country. My value of state and local rights is part of what makes me a Republican. This is part of what drives me toward more efficient government in Harford County.

Our government is still of a small size—and yet we still have a great deal of difficulty with communicating. The County Council meets directly across the street from the County Executives office, and yet discussions between the two are far from ideal. The Board of Education building is on a few hundred yards away. The Town Commissioners of Bel Air holds meetings a stones throw away, and both of Harford’s courthouses are within sight.

I will make sure that I walk across the street to talk with all of these bodies to see that Harford’s government works cooperatively. I will always invite the citizens to participate in open debate on ever matter of concern to our citizens, and will work to include all entities and organizations in the planning process.

As recent discussions over expansion of the new Bel Air High School auditorium and the question of preservation or demolition of the old Bel Air Academy have demonstrated, there is poor planning and cooperation between the school board, the Town of Bel Air, and Harford County—especially concerning including the parents, students, and teachers that comprise our school system.

All of these parties should have been represented at every stage of the planning process. With proper planning, none of the school board’s current time concerns would exist. Had all these entities been able to have debate to plan in cooperation at the beginning of the process, we would have had action by this time.

This lack of cooperation creates a waste of your tax dollars I will work to bring the debate, planning, and action to form a more efficient government to better serve you.