Welcome to the Friday, October 3 edition of OPEN AGENDA (S2 E52).
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz visited Wicomico County last week to hold community meetings regarding the prospective Wetipquin State Park, and the possible establishment of a “partnership park” at another location. The concerns of many west side residents appeared to be alleviated after finally getting some facts about DNR's plans to develop a low-impact park on Wetipquin Creek. Although this important town hall meeting was attended by 2 State Senators, 3 State Delegates and 4 County Councilmen, no one from the County Executive's office bothered to show up because all were in New York to make presentations to the municipal bond rating agencies. Sending anyone other than the Director of Finance and Director of Administration to New York for this purpose was entirely unnecessary, but we hope the Executive and her friends had a good time on our dime. Just as with the work session to address the landfill crisis and a prior town hall meeting about Wetipquin, the Executive made other plans instead of standing with the people of Wicomico County when big issues needed to be addressed. Secretary Kurtz also hosted site visits of 3 potential locations for another park to be created in partnership between the County and State. Among these possibilities is the Connelly Mill sand quarry site in Delmar. But the Executive Administration has revealed other plans for this environmentally sensitive site—turn it into a permanent dumping ground for ±400,000 cubic yards of dredge spoils that have long been temporarily stockpiled at Sharps Point. Although better, cheaper and less environmentally impactful options are available for disposal of this material, the Executive has, thus far, been unwilling to consider them. Furthermore, by failing for 3 years to address the need to move the dredge spoils, the Executive has created yet another crisis that may prevent the next essential river dredging project from moving forward, which would have profound negative impacts on our local economy. Once again, the Executive couldn't be bothered to show up for the site visit and face the music for yet another colossal failure of her administration. We also bring you up to date on the latest known details regarding the County's cooperation with ICE to enforce federal immigration laws. As usual with our County Executive, the truth is a moving target. Tune in and be informed.
