County Councilman Joe Holloway joins us for the Wednesday, Oct. 22 edition of OPEN AGENDA (S2 E60). The annual legislative breakfast was held on 10/10, which should have been the perfect opportunity for the public to learn about the legislative agendas and aspirations of county leadership. But the public wasn't informed of this event by the County Executive until just the day before, and complaints about this lack of transparency have gone unheeded. It seems that the Executive really doesn't want the public to attend these events or be informed about the government's plans for the future. Are we citizens or are we subjects?
Bills to liberalize the issuance of liquor licenses and increase the number of liquor stores never seem to die despite the objections of many county residents. With the many crises facing the county (poverty, education, affordable housing, river dredging, etc.) it's mind boggling that booze is the priority. The Board of License Commissioners (and its expensive attorney) is lobbying the County Council to endorse easing restrictions on liquor licenses. But representing the interests of liquor store owners is not a legitimate function of the Board. It's role is limited to issuing licenses and enforcing the law, however, taxpayers are nonetheless picking up the tab for their salaries AND attorney's fees. Do we have to buy them their drinks too?
There's still no resolution to the County's prospective contract with ICE to enforce Federal immigration law. The Executive's story has changed several times regarding the extent of the County's involvement and which local law enforcement agencies will be involved. Since the 10/7 County Council work session (2 weeks ago), the Executive has provided no additional information to the public about her intentions, so the confusion and chaos that always seems to follow her continues.
