Charles Co. Gov. News Briefs

Vacancies for Commissioner-Appointed Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Charles County Commissioners are seeking county residents to fill vacancies on the following boards, committees, and commissions:

-- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board

-- Alarm Review Board

-- Area Council on Aging

-- Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board)

-- Board of Social Services

-- Cable Advisory Commission

-- Critical Area Commission

-- Disadvantaged Business Loan Review Committee

-- Ethics Commission

-- Gaming Permit Review Board

-- Grants Advisory Panel

-- Heritage Commission

-- Historic Preservation Commission

-- Homeowner’s Association Dispute Review Board

-- Housing Authority Board of Charles County

-- Wicomico Scenic River Commission

There is one vacancy on the Disadvantaged Business Loan Review Committee for business services provider member. This committee reviews and approves loans to eligible businesses under the procedures of the Disadvantaged Loan Fund.

There are two vacancies on the Grants Advisory Panel for citizen members. The panel reviews applications for grants and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the amount and type of funding to be awarded.

There is one vacancy on the Housing Authority Board of Charles County. The Board supports activities which promote the availability of safe, sanitary, and decent housing for persons of low and moderate income in Charles County.

There is one vacancy on the Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board) for a District 3 Representative. The task of this Board is to review and approve the issuance and renewal of liquor licenses in Charles County, and establish penalties for violations.

There are two vacancies on the Board of Social Services for citizen members. The Board of Social Services is tasked with dealing with policies, programs, and problems of the local Department of Social Services and Public Assistance Administration.

Positions remain open until filled. Applications and a detailed list of all current vacancies are available on the Charles County Government website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by contacting Carol DeSoto, Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC@CharlesCountyMD.gov. A separate application must be submitted for each membership for which you wish to apply.

County Government Leaders to Discuss Strategies and Economic Growth Opportunities at MACo Summer Conference

The 2015 MACo Summer Conference will be held Aug. 12-15 at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. The theme of the 2015 conference is “Energize. Capitalize. Mobilize.” focusing on being proactive about today’s economy.

This conference is about the challenges county governments can address, the actions they can take, and the strengths they can leverage to achieve the best gains for Maryland’s counties and citizens. Participants will learn about the current economy from the local government perspective, how they can foster economic growth and improve the business climate, and the strategic partners available at all levels of government so they can work together to make significant strides towards a healthier economic outlook for Maryland.

Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy said, “This conference touches on many relevant topics pertaining to our county. It is not only an opportunity to learn but a chance to talk with other county representatives in Maryland to share ideas and best practices.”

Participants have access to 35 educational sessions, covering issues on infrastructure, public safety, budget, education, planning, management, development, and many more. The conference offers attendees the chance to hear from experts to learn from their experiences and insights.

In addition to the educational sessions, MACo hosts over 250 exhibit booths and numerous meetings, government briefings, and meal events. The conference schedule, descriptions of the educational sessions, and a listing of confirmed exhibitors can be found at www.mdcounties.org/MACoCon.

Commissioners representing the county are Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1), Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2), Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3), and Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4).

MACo’s Summer Conference is an annual event where county elected officials, county staff, state and federal officials, and business representatives convene to study best practices in local governance and explore partnerships through which to better serve the people of Maryland. Local government officials make attending the MACo Summer Conference a priority because they gain knowledge and understanding of the most important local government issues and they are able to share ideas and find solutions to challenges at home.

Commissioners Recognize 2015 Leadership Southern Maryland Graduates


On Tuesday, July 14, the Board of Commissioners recognized seven Charles County residents who completed the 2015 Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) program. Graduates were: Dr. Dianna Abney (Charles County Department of Health), Dana Levy (University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center), Kelly McMurray (College of Southern Maryland), Agnes Miller (PSI Pax), Brendan Moon (Charles County Board of Appeals), Nancy Schertler, Julie Simpson (Port Tobacco River Conservancy), and Karen Smith Hupp (College of Southern Maryland).

LSM is a nine-month, tuition-based program specially designed to develop leaders from the Southern Maryland area for regional collaboration. The LSM program is dedicated to building a cadre of informed regional leaders, addressing common issues, and bringing long-term benefit to their neighbors and communities. The program incorporates a cross-section of the region to include diversity of geographic location, profession, ethnicity, and gender.

During the program, LSM participants engaged with recognized leaders in education, health-care, government, and industry, focusing on leadership development by highlighting pertinent regional issues. These issues include: environment, housing and human services, health-care, economic development, the defense industry, education and workforce development, and diversity/multiculturalism.

County Named one of the Nation’s Most Digitally Advanced Counties

The County Commissioners are pleased to announce that the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) have selected Charles County as one of the nation’s most digitally advanced county in the 150,000 – 249,999 population category. This is the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services’ Information Technology Division’s 13th consecutive year as a recipient of this award.

The 2015 annual survey recognizes leading examples of counties using technology to improve services and boost efficiencies. The survey, conducted by CDG and its Digital Communities program, in partnership with NACo, identifies best technology practices among U.S. counties. To be eligible for the award, a county must be a member of NACo. There are 3,069 NACo county members.

County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff said, "I applaud the entire staff of the county's IT division. Strong IT is an important goal in providing effective and efficient service to the community. Receiving this peer based recognition for the 13th year, it is clear that Charles County Government is providing the very best digital service to our customers."

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

For more information about the Center for Digital Government, and to view the full list of winners, visit www.govtech.com/dc/digital-counties/13th-Annual-Digital-Counties-Survey-2015.html.